Group photo of the NextGen Dallas team. (Photo provided)
The Link Companies has acquired a huge sales rep agency with a big presence at Dallas Market Center, expanding their Central coverage.
The Link Companies, a national sales agency serving the gift, home, and lifestyle industries, has acquired Next Gen Dallas, a respected sales agency representing the Central U.S. market. The transaction formalizes a long-standing working relationship between the two organizations.
Through the acquisition, The Link Companies expands its coverage into six additional states — Texas, Oklahoma, Louisiana, Arkansas, Missouri, and Kansas — extending its national footprint from 36 to 42 states.
“This partnership reflects a shared commitment to people, relationships, and long-term service to the marketplace,” said Fred Rosenkampff, CFO of The Link Companies. “As a 100-percent employee-owned company, we are built to think beyond short-term cycles and to invest in stability — for our people, our vendors, and our retailers. Kim [Pounds] and her team share that mindset, which makes this a natural fit.”
Both organizations share a strong road-first philosophy. With the addition of the Next Gen Dallas team, The Link Companies’ field sales organization will grow to 125 road-based sales professionals serving retailers locally across our regions, along with 13 key sales representatives dedicated to national accounts.
The agencies already collaborate across several shared brands, including California Mango, Cape Diablo, GRACE+EMMA, Inis, Maya J, Old World Christmas, Periwinkle, Queens Designs, Regal Art & Gift, Sincere Surroundings, Southern Couture, Tall Tails, Twine, Warmies, and World’s Softest Socks.
Next Gen Dallas will continue to operate under its established name and leadership. Kim Pounds, named a 2025 Woman of Influence by sister pub Gifts & Decorative Accessories, will remain president of Next Gen Dallas, guiding the agency forward.
“Joining The Link Companies allows us to expand our resources while preserving the independence, culture and relationships that define Next Gen Dallas,” Pounds said. “Their employee-owned structure aligns closely with our long-term view of serving retailers and vendor partners with consistency and care.”
The Link Companies and Next Gen Dallas have worked collaboratively for many years. Formalizing the relationship enhances continuity for vendors, strengthens sales support for retailers, and reinforces the relationship-based approach that has long defined both organizations.
The Link Companies operates as the umbrella organization for 10 distinct sales agencies, including The Southern Link, Link 2 Sales, The Mid-Atlantic Link, The Northern Link, The Central Link, Rocky Mountain Link, Salesmark, Total Accessories, Key Sales, and Next Gen Dallas. Each agency maintains its own leadership and regional focus, while benefiting from shared governance, resources, and a culture shaped by employee ownership.
