As we enter the 4th quarter and upcoming holiday season, it’s a natural time to reflect on what we’re grateful for. For me, one of those things is the promotional products industry.
This industry has given me so much more than a career. It has given me friendships, mentors, opportunities, experiences, and relationships that have shaped not only my professional journey but my life. When I think about the people I have met and the doors that have opened because someone was willing to invest their time in me, I realize just how much I have to be grateful for. And that is why I believe so strongly in giving back.
One of the most rewarding experiences of my career was serving as Vice Chair of the ASI Diversity Council. It gave me the opportunity to contribute to meaningful conversations, learn from people with different experiences, and help create an environment where more voices could be heard. I’ve also had the privilege of serving on the SAAGNY Board for several years, and in 2027, I’ll have the honor of serving as President of SAAGNY. That opportunity means a great deal to me, not because of the title, but because of the responsibility that comes with it. To me, leadership is about listening, creating opportunities, and making people feel that their ideas and contributions matter.
That is especially important when it comes to the next generation. Our industry needs new voices, new ideas, and new leaders. We need to make young professionals feel welcomed and encouraged to get involved, ask questions, challenge us, and find their place within this industry. But welcoming the next generation doesn't mean forgetting the generations that came before them. The people who built this industry gave their time, their knowledge, and often countless volunteer hours to create the associations, relationships, and opportunities we benefit from today. Their stories, lessons, and experiences are part of our industry's history, and they are too valuable to leave behind. We need to build a bridge between generations. That means creating opportunities for experienced leaders to mentor and share their knowledge while giving emerging leaders the opportunity to bring fresh ideas and perspectives to the table. It means listening in both directions. The younger generation can learn from the experience of those who came before them, while established leaders can learn from the energy, technology, and fresh perspective of those coming up behind them.
The goal isn't to hand over the torch and walk away. It's to pass the torch while walking alongside the person carrying it. That is how we preserve what is great about our industry while giving it room to evolve. Some of the most meaningful parts of my journey have not been the titles, meetings, or business opportunities; they have been the relationships. The people I have met through volunteering, committees, associations, conferences, and industry events have become friends, mentors, colleagues, and people I know I can count on. Those relationships have had an incredible impact on my career and, even more importantly, on my life. You never know where one conversation, one introduction, or one decision to raise your hand and get involved might lead.
Sometimes the greatest opportunities find you simply because you showed up. Give your time. Share your experience. Mentor someone. Join a committee. Welcome someone new. Make an introduction. Raise your hand when help is needed. Your time matters. Your experience matters. Your perspective matters. And your voice matters. Industries don't grow simply because businesses grow. They grow because people care enough to get involved. I am incredibly grateful for the opportunities I’ve had to serve, the people who have trusted me with leadership roles, and every relationship I’ve built along the way.
As I look toward serving as SAAGNY President in 2027, I want to honor the foundation built by those who came before us, create opportunities for those coming next, and help build an industry where people feel welcomed, valued, and empowered to use their voices. Because giving back isn't about what you receive in return. It’s about knowing you helped someone else along the way and maybe made the path a little easier for the person coming after you. And if we can connect generations, share what we’ve learned, remain open to what’s new, and continue lifting one another up, imagine what we could accomplish together.
Don't just be part of the industry. Get involved in it. Your voice matters.
Rafael Dosman has more than 15 years of experience in the promotional products industry and is Director of Business Development for iPROMOTEu and serves as Vice President of the SAAGNY Board. Passionate about giving back to the industry and developing the next generation of industry leaders, Rafael is committed to building meaningful relationships, creating opportunities, and strengthening the industry for the future. His leadership is grounded in collaboration, mentorship, and a belief in the power of community and the lasting impact of giving back.