CLEVELAND – Proforma recently concluded its 27th Annual Convention & Family Reunion in Grapevine, TX at the Gaylord Texan Resort. A record-breaking 850 attendees experienced more than 90 educational sessions, interactive panels and personalized sales training with Master Sales Trainer Eric Lofholm, as they learned how to get ‘beyond’ where they are today in their businesses. 

“Our greatest strength at Proforma is our people. We have the best owners, supplier partners and support staff in the industry. Convention gives us the opportunity to come together to collaborate, learn from each other and help each other reach new levels of success,” said Greg Muzzillo, Founder of Proforma. “This year our focus is on how we can help our Owners push ‘beyond’ their comfort zones to increase their sales, reach their goals and achieve their dreams.”

Sales expert and author of The System, Eric Lofholm, provided insightful sales training focusing on lead generation, appointment setting and delivering a high quality presentation. Lofholm has presented his sales techniques to hundreds of notable companies such as Microsoft, Hilton, Prudential, Toyota and more. He has worked with more than 10,000 salespeople over the past 20 years to help generate nearly $500 million in revenue. In addition to his main presentation, Lofholm worked with Owners one-on-one in several breakout sessions, sharing his proven strategies for closing sales. He will continue to provide his sales training exclusively to Proforma Owners after Convention, free of charge.

“Eric Lofholm’s presentation was one of the best educational sessions I have ever attended,” said Mike Shrader, Million Dollar Club member and Co-Owner of Proforma Customized Business Products in Gloversville, NY. “I’ve been in sales a long time and I still walked away with new ideas that I can immediately implement into my business plan. I’m confident I will close more sales using Eric’s unique sales approach.”  

Other featured speakers included Tim Andrews, President & CEO of Advertising Specialty Institute (ASI), Bill Farquharson, Vice President of the National Association for Printing Leadership (NAPL), Lisa Leitch, Founder & President of Teneo Results, David Fellman, President of David Fellman & Associates and more. Greg Muzzillo also delivered an inspiring keynote presentation and Fred Albrecht, Co-Owner of Proforma Albrecht & Co., a $22 million business, moderated an engaging panel discussion on “Hiring and Managing Sales Representatives.” 

“Coming to Convention is a priority for us every year. We wouldn’t miss it,” said Patti Rapoport, Million Dollar Club member and Co-Owner of Proforma Instant Promotions in Toronto, ON. “The atmosphere here is electric. Everyone is energized and eager to share what’s working, what’s not and how we can all grow together. We truly are a family here. Having this trusted network of successful distributors is invaluable.” 

With more than 120 of Proforma’s Owners selling more than $1 million, 40 of which are members of the Multi-Million Dollar Club, there was plenty of success to celebrate as well. Proforma welcomed 18 new members into the Million Dollar Club and nine new members into the Multi-Million Dollar Club. Several anniversaries were recognized including three 25-year anniversaries, one 20-year anniversary, 40 15-year anniversaries and 48 10-year anniversaries. Nine Owners were recognized for their service to their fellow Owners on the Owners Advisory Council (OAC). Proforma also presented 132 Centurion awards to Owners who increased their sales by over $100,000 in the 2013 calendar year and recognized the business achievements of more than 57 additional Owners. 

“Coming together to celebrate each other’s successes is a highlight of Convention,” said Jeff Levy, Million Dollar Club member and Co-Owner of Proforma Promotionally Yours in Kansas City, KS. “To be recognized among your peers, who are some of the best distributors in the industry, is an honor. The support, encouragement and motivation you receive from your fellow Proforma Owners is remarkable.”

Other headlining events included the vendor-led roundtables, panels and the largest private gathering of suppliers in the industry – the $60 Million Idea Vendor Showcase, where the industry’s best vendors demonstrated how they have helped Owners close more than $60 million in new sales this year with their products and solutions.

The 2015 Proforma Convention & Family Reunion will be held July 19-22, 2015 in Orlando, FL at Rosen Shingle Creek. For more information about Proforma, please visit www.OnlyProforma.com.