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About Us
How Illini Grad Sales Started...
July 1, 2009
The Beginning
Jake Romano signed with Herff Jones. He agreed to partner with them and utilize their American made products to motivate, inspire, and commemorate student achievement. This brought forth his first territory that he would oversee.
July 2012
Expanding the Business
Jake and Illini Grad Sales acquire Bud Adamson’s Herff Jones territory. Illini Grad Sales has officially expanded across Central Illinois.
September 2019
Adding to the Team
Tori Koss is hired on as director of sales/marketing and oversees the elementary and middle school divisions. She and Jake collaborated on the birth of his new sister company, Brand U, LLC. The creation of this company catapulted them into using graphic design and facilities branding to motivate, inspire, and commemorate achievements.
Present Day
Continued Growth
Illini Grad Sales has just launched their full website. Jake and Tori are working towards expanding both businesses along with expanding their operational crew. They are bringing on Jake’s wife, Mindy, as their office manager and Erin Tipsord as their bookkeeper. They look forward to growing as a team in the coming year.
Meet the Team

Jake Romano
