Next Step Adds TOLA Representation with Integration of Mario & Associates

Expansion of Next Step’s territories by four new states in this rapidly growing region.

September 9, 2025

Las Vegas, NV – Next Step, a leading gift and home sales agency, is expanding with the addition of Mario & Associates. Founded in May 2007, Mario & Associates has been servicing the TOLA region, representing premier wholesale lines in Texas, Oklahoma, Louisiana and Arkansas. With combined industry experience of over 50 years, Mario and Bert bring a wealth of knowledge and a team of nine experienced sales representatives. 

Mario Moreno and Bert Trumble, originally from Texas and Arkansas, respectively, founded Mario & Associates after accumulating 16 years of valuable experience at another prominent showroom. Today, the agency proudly represents leading gift and home brands such as RosanneBECK, The Naked Bee, Anna Griffin and numerous others. Mario and Bert look forward to how this integration will grow the reputation they’ve built. As Mario shared, “We are thrilled for the expanded opportunities this merger will bring to our vendors, customers and sales reps.”

Senior Director of Sales Michele Newman is excited for what this integration will mean for the Next Step team. As she shares, “With decades of combined experience, Mario and Bert bring not only deep industry expertise but also an exceptional line package that enhances our collective strength. This partnership marks a significant milestone in our continued growth, expanding our reach and reinforcing our commitment to excellence. We look forward to the exciting opportunities this collaboration will unlock—for our teams, our vendors, and the retailers we serve.”

This partnership also puts Next Step in the Dallas Market Center, a destination trade show in Texas. Mario & Associates’ 5,000 square-foot showroom offers independent retailers in the region the opportunity to shop the line package at shows throughout the year. 

Next Step is a full-service representative group that partners with suppliers and retailers across multiple states in the US. Next Step’s three original divisions—West, PNW and Midwest—are led by Jackie Moon, Andrea McEvoy, Robin Risvold and Cheryl Fletcher. The team of 35+ seasoned sales professionals partner with independent retailers and buyers to bring high-quality wholesale brands into their stores. The expansion into TOLA with the addition of Mario & Associates will further strengthen Next Step’s brand, grow the team and enhance opportunities for the agency’s suppliers and retailers across the country.

Later this year, visitors will be able to find all the Mario & Associates brands here on the Next Step website.