Ray Rodriguez is starting a new chapter in his promo career.

The former vice president of sales and marketing at Top 40 supplier Tekweld (asi/90807) has announced the launch of 5PPromo, a consultancy for suppliers in the promotional products industry. Rodriguez will leverage his more than 35 years of experience to assist businesses with relationship-building, strategy and growth.

Ray Rodriguez, 5PPromo

The name of the new consulting firm is derived from “5 Ps”: Proper Planning Prevents Poor Performance. Rodriguez will take an in-depth look into each client’s operations, including sales, marketing, customer service, inventory control, accounts payable and other areas, and develop a custom growth plan.

“I’m truly excited about taking my years of promo experience and helping suppliers build their business on a solid foundation,” he said.

Rodriguez started his career with BIC Graphic, now Top 40 supplier Koozie Group (asi/40480), and also spent time at Top 40 supplier Evans Manufacturing (asi/52840), Pioneer Balloon (asi/78200), Maple Ridge Farms (asi/68680) and Gordon Sinclair (asi/57800). In addition, he founded Florida-based Multiline Marketing Group, which grew into a national network with 15 regional managers.

In addition, Rodriguez plans to give back to the community by teaching entrepreneurship classes on behalf of the Immokalee Foundation in Naples, FL, which has offered personal development resources for the area’s migrant community for more than 30 years. Rodriguez has also been involved with mentoring for Big Brothers Big Sisters of America and Youth Empowerment Services (Y.E.S.) in Sarasota, among others.