Next Step Expands Midwest Presence Through Addition of Cheryl Lynn Associates

Cheryl Lynn Associates brings 80+ combined years of experience in the industry to the team.

June 12, 2025

Las Vegas, NV – Next Step is excited to announce the addition of Cheryl Lynn Associates, a leading rep agency in the Midwest, to the team. This integration of two powerhouse companies in the gift industry will further strengthen and expand Next Step’s representation in Illinois, Indiana, Michigan, Ohio and West Virginia.

Next Step is a full-service representative group that partners with suppliers and retailers across 24 states. Next Step’s three 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 these additional Midwest states with the addition of Cheryl Lynn Associates will further strengthen Next Step’s brand and enhance opportunities for the agency’s suppliers and retailers across the country. 

Since Cheryl Lynn Associates Principal Cheryl Fletcher took over ownership and rebranded a small Michigan sales agency in 2006, the team and representation has grown tremendously, expanding into four additional states. Today, the agency represents a vast array of the industry’s premier gift, home, fashion and garden brands in the Midwest. 

Along with Cheryl and her 40+ years of industry knowledge, the team consists of eleven professional sales associates with over 80 combined years of experience in the industry. The extensive line package of top vendors they represent and the quality, dedication and drive of the sales team is a testament to the strength and reputation of Cheryl Lynn Associates today.

“I am thrilled about the opportunities that joining forces with Next Step represents,” shares Cheryl Fletcher. “This partnership will expand marketing capabilities, showroom support and enhanced resources for growth for not only our sales team but also our vendors and retailers as well.”

Robin Risvold, President of Next Step’s Midwest division shares, “We couldn’t be more pleased to welcome Cheryl and her team into Next Step. Her vendor and customer relations are the perfect complement to our growing Midwest division. I look forward to what we can build on together.”

With the addition of Cheryl Lynn Associates, Next Step looks forward to the team’s shared values of collaboration and customer-first service partnerships growing stronger across the Midwest and beyond.