August 25, 2026 // Franchising.com // TAMPA, Fla. — Proforma, the largest family-owned and operated technology and business success leader in the print and promotional products industry, proudly announces the completion of its annual summer internship program. The 2026 cohort welcomed 18 college students and recent graduates into paid internships designed to offer hands-on experience, mentorship, and career-building opportunities within the Proforma Network.
The program, a key part of Proforma’s workforce development efforts for more than 15 years, has experienced substantial growth in the last five years. This expansion is driven by strong partnerships with institutions like Florida State University, the University of Florida, and the University of South Florida. Proforma leaders actively participate in on-campus events to recruit and connect with top talent across technology, marketing, business development, and other areas.
“My internship with Proforma has been an incredible experience, introducing me to the branded merchandise industry and the opportunities it offers,” said Ava Smail, a rising senior at the University of Florida and marketing intern at Proforma. “The real-world skills, mentorship, and connections I’ve gained have given me confidence as I prepare for my future career.”
Throughout the summer, interns are immersed in assignments aligned with their academic backgrounds and participate in activities that showcase Proforma’s people-first culture. Events like lunch-and-learns with Proforma leadership, Supplier Partner presentations, and group fitness classes help interns gain insight into Proforma’s collaborative work environment and build lasting professional relationships.
“Connecting with the next generation of talent is essential to building a strong future for our Network,” said Kathy Mayo, Vice President of Human Resources at Proforma. “More than 18% of our current workforce began as interns at Proforma, which is a testament to the talent pool this program nurtures.”
From building social media skills to working with Proforma’s proprietary technology platforms, interns gain real-world experience that helps them grow professionally. The goal of the summer internship program is not only to provide practical opportunities but also to introduce interns to the print and promotional products industry—a field with steady demand.
“Our internship program opens the door to an industry many students may have never explored,” said Rory Cole, Business Development, Onboarding, and Facilities Administrator at Proforma. “We’re proud to give the next generation a glimpse into the possibilities within print, promo, and eCommerce.”
One highlight of this year’s summer internship program was Fun Fridays, a monthly gathering at the Tampa Support Center where interns connected with peers and participated in educational sessions led by Proforma leadership. Brian Carothers, Chief Technology Officer, led one of this year’s sessions, giving interns an inside look at Proforma’s technology capabilities and the innovations driving the industry forward.
“Technology is only as powerful as the people behind it,” said Brian. “Through our summer internship program, we're helping develop the innovators who will shape the future of our industry.”
With a culture rooted in leadership, empowerment, and professional growth, Proforma continues to invest in the next generation of talent, creating opportunities that extend far beyond a single summer.
Congratulations to Proforma’s 2026 Summer Intern Cohort:
With nearly 50 years of experience, Proforma is the largest family-owned and operated technology and business success leader in printing, promotional products, packaging, and eCommerce solutions. Proforma’s investment of more than $50 million in technology reinforces its presence as an industry leader and supports its mission to empower Distributor Owner success. In 2026, Safeguard joined the Proforma Family, bringing over 70 years of expertise as a trusted provider of print and promotional products solutions. To date, over 140 Proforma Distributor Owners have earned spots on the Inc. 5000 list of the fastest-growing private companies, with many accomplishing recurring recognition. More than 300 Distributor Owners have achieved membership in Proforma's Million and Multi-Million Dollar Club, earning annual sales ranging from $1 million to nearly $50 million.
To join the Proforma Family, visit OnlyProforma.com. To learn more about our products and services, visit Proforma.com.
SOURCE Proforma
Proforma offers custom promotional product, custom business forms, commercial print, and other graphic communications solutions to a wide variety of businesses and organizations.