Sterling Wilson

I am passionate about supply chain sustainability because…

It sits at the intersection of business and humanity. As the founder and president of a company that has sourced over $100m in products from developing countries like India and China, I’ve seen firsthand over the last 13 years, the impact that manufacturing and trade can have on people living in less developed countries, and the economic potential it creates not only for them, but for future generations.

I’ve also seen how irresponsible sourcing can create harm to those same individuals, their environment, and the social fabric of those countries. I’ve acted on this interest in different ways: academically, I completed a Master’s of Liberal Arts program at University of Pennsylvania with a focus in Sustainable Development, studying these issues firsthand with some of the world’s foremost experts. Secondly, my company has worked hard to become a sustainability leader in the $27bn promotional products industry with a third party rating from EcoVadis (we secured a Bronze rating our first year applying and have since moved up to Silver).

Biography

Sterling Wilson is the founder and board member of Pop! Promos, a branded merchandise supplier named the fastest growing supplier in its industry by INC 500. Pop! Promos has produced over 45,000 custom import orders since 2012 and is known for delivering a product line that features full-color and Pantone-matched products all in under 30 days.

Sterling received his Undergraduate Degree in Business from the University of Southern California and a Master’s in Sustainable Development from the University of Pennsylvania. He is currently completing his Master’s in Philosophy in Data Property Rights. Sterling currently serves on boards for Playworks PA, The HOW Group, and Solawave. He resides in New Hope, Pennsylvania.

What I will bring to the Sedex Holdings Board

I will bring Master’s level academic expertise from the University of Pennsylvania, culminating in a thesis paper published thesis entitled “Lead and Oakum: The Case for Overhauling Philadelphia’s Byzantine Plumbing Code”, experience as a small business member of Sedex, 8+ years of board experience that includes for-profit companies like The HOW Group, a vertically integrated real estate company in Philadelphia with over $500m in assets, and Solawave, a highly regarded cosmetic device company based in Los Angeles.

In addition, I’m on the board of Playworks Pennsylvania, a nonprofit organization that helps kids stay active and build valuable social and emotional skills through play. I also lead Pop! Promos, a rapid importer of Pantone matched and full-color branded merchandise with operations in Philadelphia, the Philippines, China and India. I look forward to bringing a passion for the subject matter and a collaborative attitude to the SHL board.