News & Trends

Hit Promotional Products Mourns CEO

Published

8 years ago

April 19, 2016

Screen Printing Screen Printing April 2016 Issue

Bill Schmidt, the CEO of Hit Promotional Products (Largo, Florida), passed away on April 9 at the age of 73. Born in New York on August 3, 1942, Schmidt is survived by his wife, Liz, and his sons, Bill Jr. and CJ.

He purchased the company from his father in 2001, changing its name and mission to focus on promotional products exclusively. They have since claimed the fifth-largest supplier spot in the industry, according to the Advertising Specialty Institute.

“Bill Schmidt Sr. was every ounce an industry icon,” reads a statement released by Hit Promotional Products. “The small things are what everyone cherished most about him. He walked all three of Hit [Promotional Products’] factory floors every single day, and genuinely cared about each and every person at the company. From the entry-level team member, all the way up to [chief financial officer], he was admired and respected amongst all. He was not only a boss to so many people, but more of a father figure, friend, and mentor to countless people across our company and industry. There is not a single person Bill Schmidt did not touch that he did not make better. Our company and family have lost a legend, and he will be missed more than words can express.”

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