Our 25th Anniversary

From Road Maps to a Thriving Business: The Vision of Our Founder, Rick Alexander

Action Imports was born out of Rick Alexander’s entrepreneurial spirit and determination. In 1979, Rick started his sales career in insurance, but it wasn’t long before his ambition pushed him toward new ventures. By 1985, he was selling Handimaps—detailed road maps—in DFW convenience stores, planting the seeds for what would later become Action Imports.

Rick’s hands-on experience in sales gave him invaluable insights into the retail market. He realized that success lay in understanding customer needs and consistently delivering quality products. In 1999, driven by that vision, he founded what became Action Imports, starting with a modest selection of products like pocket knives and die-cast car models, selling them to major retailers located on the country’s busiest highways.

Since our humble beginnings, we’ve evolved into a reliable partner for customers worldwide, known for our creative product solutions.

Over the years, under Rick’s leadership, the company expanded its product offerings, establishing itself as a trusted name in the industry. From being the first to introduce products like liquid energy supplements and sundresses into C-stores, to becoming a major supplier of accessories like purses, wallets, and plush toys. Rick grew Action Imports from its humble beginnings into the diverse, successful company it is today.

Rick’s journey from selling road maps to leading a multi-product company is a testament to his vision, resilience, and deep understanding of the retail market. His leadership continues to guide Action Imports as it moves into new markets and product lines.

With years of experience under our belt, we’ve earned a reputation as a trusted leader in the industry, providing a wide range of products to travel centers across the nation."

Richard Alexander, 2024.