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“My time in the industry was magical. If you want to succeed in this business, you have to be the business.”
~ Fred Oesen ~
The PPPC was deeply saddened over the recent passing of an industry icon and beloved member of the Canadian promotional products industry, Fred Oesen.
A 40+ year promo veteran, he was highly regarded as a trailblazer for initiating the idea of country-wide Multi-Line representation and co-founded Task Force Marketing, which was the first organization to offer US suppliers the chance to visit with major markets in Canada through seminars and networking opportunities to effectively build a bridge and encourage business between promo pros in the US and Canada.
Born in Germany, Mr. Oesen emigrated with his family to Manhattan when he was three years old, and then moved to Canada the following year. During his impactful career in the promo industry, he was well-known for his leadership, mentorship, charismatic personality, and passion for our industry. He was a former PPPC President and was inducted into the PPPC Hall of Fame in 1998. He was also named Counselor’s Lifetime Achievement Award Honouree in 2022.
Mr. Oesen will be fondly remembered by all those that knew him. The PPPC is sending its thoughts to the Oesen family during this difficult time.
Mr. Oesen’s obituary will be shared with members once it is available.
"Fred Oesen by nature was an unforgettable spark plug that captivated people both inside and outside of our industry. He led our once barely thriving Promotional Products Association to its height by connecting countless entrepreneurs, distributors, and suppliers alike. He both attracted and inspired them to join our great industry which helped build it to the pinnacle of success that it is today. Aside from the actual promotion of the business, Fred added his fireball wild and just plain crazy hilarious side of himself, to all of us. He hosted amazingly, fun, and unforgettable events each year. Any theme or idea was possible with Fred. He was the catalyst for the association's healthy and thriving culture. There wasn't anyone he couldn't connect with for a memorable story or roaring laugh. Anyone who ever met Fred personally at a Task Force Event would never forget him. He was incredibly charismatic, and personable but also very generous. He would help you with anything at any time. He was just different, special, and unforgettable...an icon! Rest in peace Freddy!"
~ Peter Kmech, MAS, President of Creative Promotional Marketing Agency
and PPPC’s Board of Directors ~
“I speak on behalf of many of my peers I’m sure, in saying how loved Fred was by many in our industry. Fred lent a guiding hand in his Task Force days, always creating an element of learning and fun to his events, or socials. His leadership and passion for the business and his friends was contagious. He will be missed dearly.”
~ Erin Harris, Director of Sales, PCNA Canada and PPPC’s Board of Directors ~
“We lost a great leader in the Canadian promotional products industry this past weekend with the passing of Fred Oesen. While I did not know Fred personally, I highly respected the impact he and the company he co-founded, Task Force Marketing had on the North American promo industry. His name often comes up during conversations around our Boardroom table. His legacy will live on, as he is responsible for a number of today’s most recognized industry leaders.”
~ Jonathan N. Strauss, President & CEO, Promotional Product Professionals of Canada (PPPC) ~
“There are so many fond and inspirational memories of Fred Oesen – and some of them MIGHT have included a cocktail or two! Fred might be one of the greatest mentors in the entire industry! Fred always wanted to see everyone succeed in this spectacular industry. Fred was so vested and believed in helping others setting the bar for achievement while helping them celebrate in their triumph. He has been an incredible leader, visionary, and an advocate in a place we all call home. Always with a giant smile and a fabulous disposition, he has touched the lives of thousands and thousands over the years and now his legacy will continue. He will be dearly missed by all, and I am sure he is smiling down on all of us, with a FINE glass of Scotch in one hand and a great seat at the euchre TABLE with a perfect HAND. YOU will be dearly MISSED Mr. Oesen.”
~ Carol de Ville, MAS, President at The Branding Company, former Chair and Director of Finance (PPPC) and the PPPC Hall of Fame Chair and 33rd PPPC Hall of Fame Inductee (2016) ~
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