When Fred and Suzette Albrecht envisioned the distributorship they wanted to establish, they talked about the important things: what it would look like, the culture they wanted to nurture, and the people who would staff it.

Twenty-five years later, the accolades for Proforma Albrecht & Co. (asi/116308) are legion: it was named Proforma’s Innovator of the Year in 2011 and inducted into the Proforma Hall of Fame in 2015. It’s been on Counselor’s Best Places to Work list nine times, including 2012 when the company was ranked #1. And each year since 2006 (the same year the company became certified woman-owned), Albrecht & Co. has been Proforma’s top-performing owner, all while growing sales each year. In 2023, the firm hit just under $48 million in sales – figures that on their own would qualify the company for the Top 40.

But the achievements aren’t by accident, says Suzette, the president and co-owner who received the inaugural Proforma Women’s Leadership Award in 2012. She and her husband built their business intentionally, hiring well-qualified individuals and creating a culture that is the envy of many companies. “We’re most proud of the company we’ve built, our people and the people who’ve helped us,” says Suzette. “We love what we do, so this has never been a job for us.”

Both Fred and Suzette worked at the same top distributor before opening Albrecht & Co.’s doors in 1999. Fred started in promo right after graduating college in the late 1970s (he got into DePauw University on a football scholarship). He had always been entrepreneurial-minded, says Suzette. In high school, he had his own lawn-mowing company.

Suzette, meanwhile, attended the University of Cincinnati and was an assistant buyer for Gidding-Jenny, a high-end women’s clothing retailer, before she found the promo industry. She and Fred joined Proforma’s owner network in 2000, and began scaling to support a growing team.

Now the company has 50 employees in their home office in Ohio and 80 sales reps in 28 states – a robust team they built by hiring individuals with intention, and with a laser focus on making sure the person was the right fit. In fact, their first sales rep is still there, selling about $2 million a year. “We’re two very goal-oriented people,” says Suzette, who won a Bronze Stevie Award for Women in Business in 2022. “We both feel you can’t stagnate – if you’re not growing, you’re going backwards. You have to keep replacing those ‘one-hit wonder’ orders. You have to diversify within the accounts you sell to. It comes down to word-of-mouth, our reputation and a lot of hard work. We’re very hands-on. We’ve put a lot of hours into growing the company and taking care of our people. We have a really good culture.”

Over the years, the Albrechts’ positivity and candor have made them highly sought-out mentors for team members and industry peers alike. Fred is also civic-minded, having served for several years as the mayor of Milford, OH.

“The 15 years I’ve worked alongside Fred and Suzette have honestly been the best I’ve had in this industry,” says Peggy Johns, an independent sales rep for the company. “They’re the most genuine people you’ll ever know, and truly our success is their top priority. Their investments in the team make it a joy to be a sales professional.”

“We’re two very goal-oriented people. We both feel you can’t stagnate – if you’re not growing, you’re going backwards.”Suzette Albrecht, Proforma Albrecht & Co.

The couple and the company are entering its next phase, one that the Albrechts didn’t expect. Fred was diagnosed with a brain tumor in late 2023 and continues to undergo treatment. The couple hadn’t been planning to retire and still have no plans to do so – Suzette says she continues to run the business while supporting her husband through his treatment. “Fred is the most positive person,” shares Suzette. “Every morning, he says, ‘I’m the luckiest person alive because I have so many people loving and supporting me through this.’ We’re just as growth-minded and goal-oriented as we’ve always been.”

Part of their success is consistent concern about the success of all parties involved, says Steven Sheeks, senior vice president of S-Group Inc. Powered by Proforma Albrecht & Co. “What Fred and Suzette cherish most is seeing everyone around them – suppliers, customers and their own sales reps – accomplish their goals,” he says. “Our industry is extremely fortunate to have them.”

Stan Dohan, executive vice president at Aakron Line (asi/30270), has known the Albrechts since 1995, when he joined The Allen Company, his family’s business that Aakron acquired in 2022. “Over nearly 30 years, Fred and Suzette have become not only trusted business partners, but also true friends,” says Dohan. “With their entrepreneurial spirit, putting their employees first, and simple and sincere hard work, they’ve built one of the most successful companies in the industry. Even better, they’re fun to work with and a joy to be around.”

Greg and Vera Muzzillo, founder and CEO respectively of Proforma (asi/300094) and members of Counselor’s Power 50 list of the most influential people in the industry, have had a front-row seat to Proforma Albrecht & Co.’s growth since 2000. “It’s been our honor and pleasure to witness Fred and Suzette’s journey from under $1 million in sales to nearly $50 million,” they said. “They’re true inspirations to the entire Proforma family. As the largest Proforma distributor owners, their guidance is invaluable and many seek their advice. Despite their busy schedules, they always make time to share their wisdom and encouragement. We can think of no one more deserving of this special recognition than Fred and Suzette.”