Leading Innovation, Empowering Growth, and Shaping the Future of Promotional Products.
Lori Bauer is a pioneering leader in the promotional products industry, known for driving innovation, growth, and inclusive leadership. From transforming product lines at BIC Graphic to steering iPROMOTEu into the Top 10 distributors, her career offers valuable insights for professionals and businesses alike. Explore how her strategies and vision continue to shape the future of the industry.
Facts About Lori Bauer
| Field | Details |
| Full Name | Lori Bauer |
| Current Position | Chief Executive Officer (CEO), iPROMOTEu |
| Previous Major Employer | BIC Graphic North America (Koozie Group) |
| Education | Bachelor’s Degree in Business, Miami University (Oxford, Ohio) |
| Executive Training | Executive Management Program, Federated Department Stores (Macy’s), 1997 |
| Industry Experience | 25+ years in promotional products |
| Early Career Roles | Assistant Product Manager, Product Manager, Group Product Manager, Department Leader, Director of Marketing |
| Senior Leadership Roles | Senior Vice President of Sales – National Accounts & Special Markets (BIC Graphic) |
| Major Achievements | First woman VP in BIC Graphic’s sales or marketing history; expanded product lines such as BIC Sticky Notes |
| Key Contributions at iPROMOTEu | Introduced new technology platforms, affiliate support programs, mobile ordering apps; led company growth post-AIA acquisition |
| Notable Industry Involvement | PPAF Board of Directors (President), PPEF Board Chair, PPAI Board of Directors (At-Large) |
| Awards & Recognition | PPB Rising Star (2010), PPAI RAC Volunteer of the Year (2015), ASI Supplier Woman of Distinction (2019), Print & Promo Women in Print and Promo (2023), Counselor Power 50 (#18, 2025) |
| Net Worth | $3 million – $8 million (estimated) |
| Family | Married to Kurt Bauer; two daughters, Brooke and Ashley. |
Early Education and Professional Foundation
Lori Bauer’s professional journey began with a strong academic foundation in business. She earned her Bachelor’s degree from Miami University in Oxford, Ohio, an institution known for producing leaders in corporate management, finance, and marketing.
She further sharpened her executive perspective by completing an Executive Management Program at Federated Department Stores (Macy’s) in 1997. This experience gave her hands-on exposure to large-scale retail operations, customer-centric strategy, and enterprise-level decision-making, skills that would later prove invaluable in the promotional products industry.
In 1998, Bauer relocated to Florida, where she entered an industry that would become her professional home for more than two decades.
Building a Legacy at BIC Graphic (Koozie Group)
Lori Bauer joined BIC Graphic North America in 1998 as an assistant product manager in marketing. At the time, BIC Graphic was a major supplier of branded promotional products, serving thousands of distributors across North America.
Over the next 22 years, Bauer would rise through nearly every major leadership level within the company.
Marketing Leadership and Product Innovation
Lori Bauer spent her early years mastering product management, brand development, and category leadership, steadily advancing from Product Manager to Group Product Manager, then Department Leader, and ultimately Director of Marketing as her influence and expertise grew.
During this phase of her career, she was instrumental in launching and growing key product lines that became core revenue drivers. One of the most impactful was BIC Sticky Notes, which helped expand the company’s footprint beyond writing instruments and into broader office and organizational solutions.
These product innovations significantly increased profitability and allowed BIC Graphic to compete more aggressively in evolving market segments.
Transition into Sales and Executive Leadership
In 2011, Bauer made a strategic move from marketing into the sales organization, a shift that positioned her to influence both product strategy and customer relationships.
Her leadership in sales proved just as impactful. She ultimately became Senior Vice President of Sales – National Accounts & Special Markets, overseeing more than $100 million in annual revenue.
In this role, Bauer managed some of the company’s most important national clients, while also serving on BIC Graphic’s senior leadership team. Her presence at this level was historically significant, she became the first woman in the company’s history to hold a vice president position in either sales or marketing.
This milestone reflected both her professional credibility and the growing influence of women in a traditionally male-dominated sector.
A Strategic Shift to the Distributor Side
After more than two decades as a supplier executive, Lori Bauer made a pivotal career move in April 2021, joining iPROMOTEu, a top-40 promotional products distributor, as Senior Vice President of Affiliate Sales and Support.
The move gave her a new perspective, shifting from manufacturing and supply chain leadership to empowering independent distributor businesses.
Almost immediately, Bauer began rolling out new technology platforms while strengthening distributor support services and upgrading affiliate tools and infrastructure to improve overall performance.
These initiatives helped drive a 9% sales increase in 2021, a notable achievement during a period when many industries were still recovering from pandemic-era disruptions.
Becoming CEO of iPROMOTEu
In February 2024, Lori Bauer was appointed Chief Executive Officer of iPROMOTEu, marking one of the most significant leadership transitions in the organization’s history.
At the same time, she also took leadership of AIA Corporation, a Counselor Top-40 distributor that iPROMOTEu acquired that year.
This dual leadership structure positioned Bauer at the center of a rapidly expanding network of distributor businesses.
Transformational Growth Under Her Leadership
Under Bauer’s direction, iPROMOTEu experienced its strongest growth period ever. The acquisition of AIA Corporation, combined with organic expansion, elevated the company into the Top 10 largest promotional product distributors in the industry.
Her leadership strategy is based on three key pillars:
1. Technology-Driven Efficiency
Bauer has championed digital platforms, including mobile ordering apps, integrated distributor portals, and real-time analytics, enabling affiliates to work more efficiently, enhance customer experiences, and grow their businesses faster.
2. Affiliate Empowerment
Unlike traditional distributor models, iPROMOTEu is built around independent business owners, and under Bauer’s leadership, it offers training programs, sales tools, strategic consulting, and marketing support, fostering a collaborative and growth-focused business ecosystem.
3. Sustainable, Data-Backed Growth
Rather than chasing short-term volume, Bauer has emphasized profitability, operational stability, and long-term partner success.
Industry Leadership and Professional Service
Beyond her corporate roles, Lori Bauer has been one of the most active volunteers and leaders in the promotional products industry.
She served on the board of the Promotional Products Association of Florida (PPAF), including a term as Board President, helping guide education programs, networking initiatives, and member support.
She also served three years on the Board of Trustees of the Promotional Products Education Foundation (PPEF) and chaired the board in 2017, supporting scholarships and professional development for future industry leaders.
In January 2024, Bauer was elected to an at-large seat on the PPAI Board of Directors, extending her influence to the national level of the industry.
A Champion for Women in Business
One of Lori Bauer’s most important contributions has been her role as a mentor and advocate for women. Through speaking, coaching, and leadership visibility, she has helped normalize women’s leadership in an industry where executive roles were historically male-dominated.
Her success has opened doors for countless professionals seeking to build sustainable, respected careers in promotional products.
Awards and Professional Recognition
Lori Bauer’s impact has been recognized across the industry:
PPB Rising Star (2010) – Recognized early leadership potential
PPAI RAC Volunteer of the Year (2015) – Honored for outstanding service
ASI Counselor Supplier Woman of Distinction (2019) – Named among top female executives
Print & Promo Women in Print and Promo (2023) – Recognized for influence and leadership
Counselor Power 50 (2025) – Ranked #18 among the 50 most influential leaders in the industry
These honors reflect a career built not only on business success, but on service, mentorship, and integrity.
Lori Bauer Net Worth
Lori Bauer, CEO of iPROMOTEu, leads one of the largest distributors in the promotional products industry. While her exact net worth is not publicly disclosed, executives at her level in companies of this size are estimated to have a net worth between $3 million and $8 million, reflecting her long-standing leadership and industry impact.
Personal Life and Family
Lori Bauer is a devoted wife and mother. She is married to her husband, Kurt, and together they have two daughters: Brooke, who is studying history and criminology at Florida State with plans to attend law school, and Ashley, a vibrant teenager.
The family shares their home in Florida with Sully, a beloved rescue dog, reflecting their love for pets and family life. Despite her demanding career, Bauer prioritizes time with her family, balancing leadership in business with nurturing a close-knit and supportive home environment.
Why Lori Bauer’s Leadership Matters
Lori Bauer’s career represents more than professional advancement—it reflects how industries evolve when leadership embraces innovation, collaboration, and inclusivity.
From building profitable product lines to scaling distributor networks, Bauer has consistently focused on creating systems that work for everyone: suppliers, distributors, and customers alike.
Her influence continues to shape how promotional products are sold, supported, and delivered in a digital-first, relationship-driven economy.
Conclusion
With over 25 years of experience, executive leadership across supplier and distributor models, and a track record of transformative growth, Lori Bauer stands as one of the defining figures in today’s promotional products industry.
Her story demonstrates how strategic thinking, ethical leadership, and commitment to people can elevate not just a company, but an entire industry.
As iPROMOTEu continues its expansion under her guidance, Lori Bauer’s legacy as a modern, visionary business leader is still being written.
