Employee Spotlight: Counselor’s 2026 Distributor Salesperson of the Year Finalist

We’re excited to share that MadeToOrder Senior Account Executive Matt Poel has been named a finalist for Counselor’s 2026 Distributor Salesperson of the Year.

Presented annually by ASI Counselor, this recognition honors promotional products professionals who serve as trusted advisors, creative problem-solvers, and relationship builders for their clients and teams.

For those who know Matt, this recognition comes as no surprise.

With 25 years in the promotional products industry and 20 years at MadeToOrder, Matt has built a reputation for bringing ambitious ideas to life while helping clients navigate complex projects with confidence. From custom product development and large-scale fulfillment programs to retail-inspired campaigns and national promotions, Matt consistently goes above and beyond to deliver results.

One recent example highlighted by Counselor was Lowe’s Home Improvement’s 2025 Black Friday campaign. After months of planning and execution, the nationwide promotion generated long lines, social media buzz, and millions of positive impressions.

Reflecting on projects like these, Matt shared:

“I enjoy the intensity of these large projects and then seeing them have impact in the market.”

Beyond the impressive programs he leads, Matt is known for the way he partners with clients and teammates alike. He takes the time to understand goals, think strategically, and remain deeply involved from concept through delivery.

Fellow Senior Account Executive Lori Bostdorff shared:

“Matt sets the standard as a true, cold-blooded merch killer. He’s a force to be reckoned with—consistently trusted with massive projects and executing them flawlessly every single time.”

That dedication is reflected not only in the client programs he leads, but also in the impact he has on those around him. As noted in the Counselor feature, Matt’s annual sales grew 88% last year while continuing to mentor teammates and share his knowledge across the organization.

“What truly differentiates Matt is how he works,” said Stephanie Hinkle, Director of Marketing & Vendor Partnerships at MadeToOrder. “He gets involved early, embeds himself deeply into client initiatives, and takes ownership of every aspect of a project from concept through execution. He combines strategic thinking with an incredible understanding of product development and operational execution, allowing him to bring complex programs to life while ensuring every detail supports the client’s goals. That’s why clients trust him as an extension of their team and why he continues to build long-term partnerships year after year.”

We’re incredibly proud to see Matt recognized among the industry’s best and grateful for the expertise, leadership, and dedication he brings to MadeToOrder and our clients every day. Congratulations, Matt, on this well-deserved recognition.

Read the full Counselor feature here.