Running a business is a lot like running a marathon. It takes planning, pacing, and the ability to push through challenges. While some chase fast wins, long-term success comes to those who focus on the full course. JDS Industries set a winning pace in 1973 when cofounders Darwin and Jane Sletten nurtured an idea into a business plan. Five decades later, the Sioux Falls, South Dakota–based company is a global leader in supplying component parts for awards, promotional products, gifts, sign supplies, and other customizable items.

By Stefanie Galeano-Zalutko

(Originally printed in the September/October 2025 issue of Insights.)

 

“We prioritize developing new products that our customers can use to differentiate themselves in the marketplace, helping them [stretch] beyond what they are currently producing to generate additional revenue with the equipment they already have,” says Mike May, president of JDS Industries.

As such, the company maintains a large inventory selection to ensure product is stocked at the point of purchase and available to deliver quickly. Orders are shipped by 4 p.m. in the time zone of the warehouse fulfilling each order, allowing 85% of customers in the contiguous U.S. to receive next-day ground delivery.

While a robust and reliable logistics system is foundational, May stresses customer care extends far beyond product fulfillment.

“Every decision we make is with the goal of gaining efficiency and improving or optimizing the customer experience throughout,” he says, pointing to the company’s complementary marketing and support services as a bonus to customers.

“Many of our customers don’t have the tools and resources to produce catalogs and retail websites. So, we offer a range of catalogs by market type, along with corresponding websites, to help them capture more sales for their businesses,” May says. “We also provide access to an extensive online library of images, which customers can repurpose for digital advertising, social media, or web.”

 

While May is proud of the JDS business model, he emphasized it is the people behind the product and service that make the difference, from a dedicated customer-care department and market-specific specialists to production and technical support teams.

Equipped with the right processes, products, and people, JDS Industries is making a bold investment in its future.

Poised for Growth

In a continuous effort to expand its capabilities and improve the customer experience, JDS Industries acquired industry giant Tropar Manufacturing Corporation last year. The privately held company is long admired for its innovation, craftsmanship, and service, including 30 design patents and its renowned Airflyte product line.

While most acquisitions are stiff with formalities, May says the Tropar purchase evolved naturally—and quickly.

 

“We have been friends with the family for decades, so when they decided it was time to exit the business, we were part of that conversation,” he says. “We knew their business and product line was a good fit and that JDS could further the vision, while honoring their legacy.”

 

Following its merger, JDS is now focused on combining manufacturing practices and optimizing the supply chain—a critical component all manufacturers must evaluate and revise regularly. Fragmented or unreliable components are being consolidated and streamlined wherever necessary to maximize efficiencies and increase overall capacity.

“Making these adjustments ensures JDS lives up to its title of world-class service,” May says.

In addition, company personnel are actively engaged with the Tropar customer base, surveying business owners about strategic product line improvements and expansion. All survey data will be thoroughly reviewed then analyzed for implementation.

Customers benefit from the operational modifications and strategic investments, he says. Since JDS and Tropar orders can be shipped together, for example, it is easier than ever for customers to qualify for the company’s $99 free-freight program, which rewards loyalty with advantage pricing.

“Almost every order they place will hit that minimum, so they know their exact landed cost rather than wondering,” May says.

Invested in the Future

Meaningful investments trickle down to the employee level as well. In January, JDS Industries announced at a special event that it was officially 100% employee-owned through an employee stock ownership plan (ESOP), giving all employees (currently, there are 367) a stake in the company.

“This was a super big decision, and one that is very exciting for our employees,” May says. “The main reason we moved forward with an ESOP was to ensure continuity of the business and security for our staff, our customers, our vendors, and everyone who depends on these three parties.”
Under an ESOP, employees gain not only a retirement option, but also a tax-deferred benefit so they only pay taxes when they receive distributions, which often can be rolled into an IRA to further compound wealth.

“An ESOP is poised to grow much faster than something like a 401(k), and the longer [the framework] is in place, the greater the overall value,” May says.

In addition to financial gain, data shows ESOP-structured companies often experience higher employee productivity and lower turnover rates. 

At JDS Industries, fostering a sense of personal ownership equates to greater satisfaction, engagement, and loyalty in the workplace.

“The word ‘alignment’ comes to mind,” May says. “The dollar amount that goes into an employee’s retirement program each year is based on the increase in value of the company, so employees have a real stake in the success of the business.”

May describes the ESOP as a win-win for everyone involved and, above all else, a way to insulate employees—the bedrock of JDS Industries—from any uncertainty down the line.

Looking ahead, May is confident in the groundwork and predicts JDS Industries will continue to lead the pack, one smart investment at a time.

Stefanie Galeano-Zalutko leads Zalutko Business Services, Inc., a marketing agency based in central Florida. She can be reached at szalutko@zalutkobusiness.com.