PPWW - Why the people of promo make this world better

During PPAI Promotional Products Works Week, many people reach out to do service projects, engage, thank others and advocate for the industry. Factories open their doors to show how products are made in a Willy Wonka style showcase where we open the supply chain for a week and let others in.

The #GetInTouch campaign and Promotional Products Work Week shows that promotional products really are not only an effective use of marketing, but an industry that feeds our nation; from manufacturing plants around the country and abroad, to small businesses in every community. As of 2018, the promotional products industry was a $23.3 billion industry that no one seems to think about.

While normally I would reflect on what this industry has done to feed a nation or give to the greater good, I decided this time, I would take a different approach. The journey has changed for me and I now count myself among the little guys in this industry; just trying to make a living and enjoy life.

I have not grown up with this industry as many have, but I have been immersed in it for most of my career. Often one of the questions I am most often asked is, “How did you get here?” After all, it’s an overlooked world to so many. Well, an honest answer would be that I answered an ad on Careerbuilder.com for a Junior Account Manager position as my second job outside of college. It seemed fun. It was a blend of shopping and selling and I figured, why not?

That first job taught me so much. More than just prices or PMS colors or how to make a sale. I learned how to build a relationship with a client and how to choose the right product for that person, skills needed to problem solve, create, build, plan and create a business. How to create an analysis and interpret the results from a variety of different angles. I was able to become a well rounded professional.

Since that original position, my career path has taken many twists and turns. 2008 was hard on so many businesses: many let employees go, were forced to evolve, or were forced to close their doors. As the economy grew, so did the industry. With each step along the path, I always said this was the last one; I was getting out of this industry. But, when push came to shove, I struggled to give up what I had achieved.

Meeting Paul Bellantone at PPAI Head Quarters, October 2017

What I have created is a network of fantastic friends, partners and mentors. In each step of my career, I have relied on these connections. I have changed distributors, but always reconnected with someone I worked with previously. Every job I have taken or interviewed for, I have vetted through a network of suppliers who have provided guidance on the environment and encouragement. There is a genuine faction of the industry that clearly cares about others and I can’t imagine having something like that anywhere else: people, competitors even, who just want to help.

Now, it hasn’t all been sunshine and roses. I’ve certainly had my fair share of disappointments and dealt with plenty of less than pleasant people. But, with each change in the path, I have had any number of arms reach out to help me up, making me know that this wacky industry might be just where I need to be.

It is important that people from the outside understand that there is so much more to this industry than the product it produces, even when that product can be very fun. It is a great place to work, learn and thrive. The opportunities are endless and industry is evolving. Back in 2005 when I was first introduced to the industry I would never have imagined the wide range of experiences I have had and connections I have made and I would have but I wouldn’t trade them for anything.