facts about us.
– 30+ years of consistent double-digit growth
– Ranked in the top 1% of corporate branded merchandise distributors
– Client base of 1000+
– Offices in four U.S. cities and fulfillment centers in Pittsburgh, Cleveland, Phoenix and Kansas City
– Our relationship focus on the client has developed business relationships that last for decades
– The average longevity of our employees is 10+ years
– We have many employees with CAS (Certified Advertising Specialists) and MAS (Master Advertising Specialists) certifications
about us.
a message from Howard, our founder + ceo.
At age 22, facing college debt and a need to work for myself, I packed up my life and moved to Florida to start a photography business which then turned into selling license plate frames and key chains. On one particular day – after spending eight hours calling on every car dealer in the region to meet with me, I managed to score a sit-down with just one prospect. I put on a tie and packed my briefcase with samples. This was my big break. Well, the dealer gave me five minutes to make my pitch. Then he basically told me to find a new job because he felt I was lousy at the one I had. He actually laughed at me when I left the office.
I vowed right there to never let that happen again. I would build a company that was respected. That single encounter sparked my journey of HDS.
Fast forward to decades later. In an industry with thousands of companies, HDS has grown to a Top 50 Company.
With our talented employees & sales partners leading the way, we have hundreds of clients all over the world – many in the Fortune 500. We now have sophisticated technology and other services to help us ideate, create product, package and ship our clients’ branded merchandise. We’ve had many amazing opportunities that we are thankful for and we’re proud of the service levels that we have built for our even more amazing clients. However, like many businesses, we had obstacles along the way from floods to pandemics. Some of the challenges have nearly closed us down! But it’s our valued employees that have pushed, persisted, and persevered through it all. We win as a team!
I try to live the advice I was once given: “Surround yourself with the best, and you can’t help but succeed.”
HDS means Honest, Dedicated Service. I hope you think of us that way.
Howard Schwartz
founder + ceo
industry
accolades
- Inc. 500/5000 List
- Pittsburgh Business Times Fastest Growing Privately Held Companies
- E&Y Finalist
- Pittsburgh Business Times Best Places to Work
- Promo Marketing Magazine’s Top 50 Distributors
- Counselor’s Distributor Entrepreneur of the Year
- Counselor’s Best Places to Work
- Facilis Partner of the Year
giving back.
We believe in giving back to the community. We get involved with a number of charitable endeavors that help our society to achieve good health and better lives.
Big Lots Nationwide Children’s Hospital Golf Tournament and Fund Raiser -Annual Donor
Phoenix Suns Charities – Board of Directors
The Salvation Army – Advisory Board
Valley Youth Theatre – Board of Directors
Boys and Girls Clubs – Board of Directors
Womankind of Cleveland
Children’s Museum of Phoenix – Founders Board of Directors
CentiMark Annual Golf Outing benefiting UPMC Children’s Hospital of Pittsburgh
UPMC Children’s Hospital of Pittsburgh
Leukemia & Lymphoma Society
World Down Syndrome Day
BiPAWtisan March – Animal lover activities
employee recognition.
Each year during our National Sales Conference in Las Vegas, HDS recognizes specific employees within six categories of its “Pillar Awards.” Employees receive a “Pillar” for exemplifying the following core values:
attitude
You choose a positive attitude in every circumstance. And it’s infectious! Everyone can see and feel it. When someone at HDS is down, you pick that person up
effort
You give it your all and don’t quit. You believe that “If it was easy, anyone could do it.” You find ways to provide solutions and you act with persistence and perseverance
passion
You love what you do. Passion comes from your actions and not just words. If it’s broken, fix it. If it’s working, make it better. Always be part of the solution and not the problem
trust
The foundation of HDS is trust. You make good on your promises. You trust your colleagues and they trust you. You respect the roles each of us have and rely on others to strengthen our team
respect
You respect and welcome new ideas and ways of thinking. You are open-minded and believe that we all have an important voice at the table – including our employees, clients, and vendors
excellence
You are always evolving and looking to improve. You collaborate with others toward common goals. You know not to take any relationships for granted. And that you are only as good as your last action. You have a desire to be the best and stay the best
join our team.
Discover your potential at HDS. We offer our team members a rewarding and inclusive environment that allows you to focus on what you do best. If you are a positive individual that loves to build relationships and are energized by providing solutions to others, you may be a great addition to our team.
HDS offers all employees the following benefits:
Health Care Benefits – Current 3 different plans that fit you and your family’s individual needs.
Safe Harbor 401K with a company match
Term Life Insurance – $10,000 policy
Paid Time Off (PTO) – 120 Hrs
Incentive Programs – Additional Cash for Gold + & Silver Vendor Purchases
Generous Sample Allowance
Cloud Based CRM – Manages Prospects, Clients, Marketing Campaigns, Opportunity Pipeline, Graphics, Proposals, Quotes, Orders, Invoices, and Reporting.
Streamlined Work Flow – Allows the Sales Rep to focus on Client Relationship and New Business Development.