In 1994, Mike and Donna Stewart launched Champions Marketing from the space above their garage in Houston, Texas. With just two sales associates and a shared vision, the company got its name in a serendipitous moment— while brainstorming in a local restaurant, Queen’s “We Are the Champions” played through the speakers and the name stuck. It was a fitting anthem for a business destined to grow through grit, heart and a champion’s mindset.
Today, under the leadership of President Hunter Gordon— who started with the company as a Louisiana sales rep in 2000 and acquired the business in 2007—Champions Marketing has grown from a small team of 12 to a thriving 34-person agency representing top-tier manufacturers across Texas, Oklahoma, Louisiana and Arkansas.
More Than Sales—A Relationship-Driven Mission
From the beginning, Champions Marketing was built on a culture of relationships and family values. The company quickly became known not only for its close ties to wholesale distributors but also for engaging directly with contractors— recognizing early on how crucial those relationships are in the product specification and decision-making process.
Today, the company offers a robust product portfolio that spans residential, commercial, industrial and mechanical markets—representing everything from fixtures to behindthe- wall systems. Their impressive lineup of IMARK Plumbing manufacturers includes Matco-Norca, RectorSeal, Gerber, Stiebel Eltron, Westlake Pipe & Fittings and Zoeller Pump Co.
“We want people to genuinely enjoy doing business with us,” says Gordon. “We work hard to be professional, deliver legendary service and communicate with clarity and consistency.”
Hands-On Training, Real-World Impact
Going beyond traditional sales representation, Champions Marketing empowers contractors and distributors through training and engineering support. Twice a month—or more—contractors gather at Champions’ Houston or off-site interactive training centers for sessions ranging from one hour to six hours. These workshops cover product applications, pump and water heater sizing and real-world troubleshooting.
“We want contractors to walk away confident and capable,” Gordon explains. “By reducing the need to call manufacturers or make return visits to job sites, we’re improving both productivity and customer satisfaction.”
These investments in education are part of the company's broader strategy to help clients sell smarter and build long-term value— moving beyond product swaps to full-service problem-solving.
A Culture Where People Thrive
Culture is central to the Champions identity. The company blends professionalism with fun, hosting birthday celebrations, company picnics, team trips and their signature annual sales meeting at the ranch—complete with skeet shooting, Ranger rides and storytelling.
But beyond the camaraderie is a deep commitment to character. “At Champions Marketing, culture isn’t just a buzzword—it’s the foundation of everything we do,” says Gordon. “We are Hungry, Humble, Ethical, Congenial, Respectful, Smart, Fun and Loyal. We operate like a family—supporting one another, pushing past expectations and doing what’s right, even when it’s hard. Our reputation for integrity and excellence has earned us lasting relationships across the industry. From strategy in the boardroom to execution in the warehouse, we’re united by a shared commitment to values that make us stronger together. That’s the Champions difference.”
The organization invests heavily in leadership development and team training and proudly maintains a collaborative structure. Line Champions are assigned to individual manufacturers, creating a clear sense of ownership and open communication. Compensation isn’t tied to specific accounts, encouraging team cohesion over competition. Major decisions, including capital investments and personnel planning, are made collectively by an internal board of directors.
Positioned for the Future
Champions Marketing is expanding boldly into new sectors— including HVAC. As expectations from manufacturers evolve, the firm is responding by building direct relationships with contractors and end users where specs are written and projects are won.
Efficiency and innovation are top priorities. The team regularly evaluates operations to eliminate low-value work and maximize time—a resource they consider their most valuable asset. They’re also exploring how AI and automation can streamline processes and enhance support for clients and partners.
The company’s long-term outlook is strengthened by years of smart financial management and active succession planning. “We’ve built a strong balance sheet over the last 25 years,” says Gordon. “That stability gives our partners confidence.”
Giving Back & Leading Forward
Champions' commitment to the industry goes beyond business. Team members actively serve on rep councils for both manufacturers and distributors, sharing insights and shaping the future of the market. Community involvement and industry leadership are seen not as extras but as essentials.
Ultimately, it’s all about relationships—and the people who make this work meaningful.
For more information, visit championsmarketing.com.
"We love this industry and the people in it—that’s what gets us up every day, says Gordon. Even when business gets tough, it’s the relationships that make it fun to come to work. We believe in working hard, being successful and having a great time while doing it."
Jennifer Kohlhepp
Jennifer Kohlhepp is the managing editor of IMARK Today and has more than 20 years of experience developing award-winning content for various platforms. Reach her at jkohlhepp@cmasolutions.com.