When Keith Couto reflects on the roots of his family’s business, it’s a story of humble beginnings, relentless evolution – and ultimately, strategic reinvention. What began in 1981 as a modest walk-in copy shop founded by his father has transformed into Epic Promotions (asi/133004), a thriving distributor of promotional products, signage and branded apparel based in Warwick, RI.

Epic Promotions (asi/133004) is a family affair, run by (from left) Adam, Keith and Barry Couto.

A growing trend in the printing industry is that of convergence. Print service providers converge on new markets by expanding or shifting capabilities to meet demand in new market segments. Epic Promotions’ journey from offset presses to branded tumblers was just that: a calculated response to shifting customer needs and industry opportunities.

“We had five salespeople that were out on the road selling commercial printing,” Couto says. “In most situations, it was the same people that were buying all the promotional products for their companies as well. It ended up being a no-brainer.”

Moving Beyond Paper

The turning point came in 2015, when Keith’s brother, Adam Couto, presented a compelling case for diversifying into the promo space. Armed with research and a PowerPoint presentation, he convinced the team that they were leaving valuable business on the table by sticking solely to commercial printing.

Epic Promotions is located in a converted factory in Warwick, RI.

“We always had the mindset that we’re a manufacturer, we’re going to sell what we make,” Keith Couto says.

The company decided to launch Barrington Promotions as a separate entity, leveraging the infrastructure and relationships already established by its printing business – including reception staff, delivery vehicles, an art department and, most importantly, the trust it had built with long-term clients.

“Adam really spearheaded the growth of that business,” he says. “It utilized the resources of the printing company we already had. … So, it was easy to grow that business, utilizing the resources of the printing company.”

Over time, the company developed a reliable vendor tool and maintained its stellar reputation by providing high-quality, quick-turnaround promotional products.

Unlike many who enter the promotional products world from scratch, Epic Promotions had a head start.

“We were already putting logos on printed paper,” Couto explains. “We just had years of background of understanding logos and managing projects, and that’s a lot of what I think the promo world is. It’s a lot of setting expectations.”

Selling the Presses, Keeping the Promo

In 2018, the Couto family sold Barrington Printing, its commercial printing operation, to Meridian Printing. But it held on to the promotional arm.

Epic Promotions has a variety of apparel samples on hand for clients to peruse.

“When we had the opportunity to sell the printing company, the company that bought us was much bigger, and they didn’t want anything to do with the promo industry,” Couto says. “And quite honestly, it wasn’t something we wanted to let go of. So, we were fortunate to be able to sell off the printing company, keep the promotion business, and here we are in 2025, cranking away.”

That move proved prescient. Today, Epic Promotions operates independently, serving major clients across Rhode Island and beyond with high-volume orders of custom apparel, signage and corporate giveaways. The company maintains four full-time sales reps, many of whom transitioned from the print side and brought their customer relationships with them.

Print Roots, Promo Future

Although Epic Promotions is now a promotional products distributor – still offering screen printing and embroidery – its expertise remains a competitive advantage. When clients need commercial printing, the team taps a network of trusted partners – sometimes former competitors. This flexibility enables Epic Promotions to offer a comprehensive suite of brand services while remaining focused on its core strengths.

“We had five salespeople that were out on the road selling commercial printing. In most situations, it was the same people that were buying all the promotional products for their companies as well. It ended up being a no-brainer.” Keith Couto

In an industry with low barriers to entry, Epic Promotions differentiates itself through experience, integrity and a personal touch.

“We’re a family business,” Couto says. “My brother, my father and I are the owners, and in all of our marketing pieces, we try to push buying local. … Our goal is really to become a partner, and I would say that a lot of our clients are also our friends. We want to try to build a relationship with people. It’s not a race to the bottom with us.”

Looking Ahead: Trends & Tactics

As Epic Promotions looks to the future, it keeps a close eye on industry trends – particularly those related to technology and fulfillment. Direct-to-film printing, for example, has caught Couto’s attention as an alternative to traditional screen printing and embroidery.

Sustainability is another buzzword in the industry, but Keith notes a disconnect between supplier trends and customer demand.

On global sourcing and tariffs, Couto acknowledges the uncertainties but remains confident.

“It’s a moving target,” he says. “Everything just continues to change, sometimes almost by the day.” But Epic Promotions is resourceful in finding alternative vendors, Couto notes, so it will be able to adapt as things change.

At the core of Epic Promotions’ mission is one simple goal: to help clients grow their businesses. That clarity of purpose – and the team’s deep operational roots – make Epic Promotions more than just a vendor.