PPB January 2015

and personal challenges and has always found her center in her busi-

ness, in her volunteer activities, and in her compassion for helping

people personally and professionally,” says Kippie Helzel, vice presi-

dent of sales at Erie, Pennsylvania-based supplier CPS/The Keystone

Line (UPIC: keystone). Helzel, along with Mary Ellen Sokalski,

MAS, of The Scarlet Marketeer, nominated Dail for the honor.

An active industry volunteer who is often spotted at industry

events, those who know Dail say she does a lot for others behind the

scenes, too. “I am privileged to be aware of so many helpful calls she

has made, ideas passed along and messages of friendship and love

shared with those in need,” says Larry Stadtmiller, MAS, owner of

Indiana, Pennsylvania-based Acorn International Marketing LLC,

and one of many who supported Dail’s nomination. “Believe me, she

is special.”

Joining The Industry

“I hadn’t worked in years, other than volunteering,” Dail recalls.

But after her husband passed away, she asked around and found a

position selling promotional products for a distributor called Idea

Works. She sold a $1,000 order her first day on the job. “In all the

years I’ve been in business, nobody else has ever done that, who

worked for me anyway,” she laughs.

A year later, the company’s owner sold the business, and Dail

joined forces with another former employee from Idea Works, Nancy

McIlhaney, MAS. The two started their own distributorship, and

called it The Creative Solution. “It worked. I never thought it

wouldn’t. I don’t know if that’s good or bad, but I never thought we’d

fail,” Dail says.

Building A Company

At its height, The Creative Solution had seven salespeople, the

two co-founders and an artist on staff. A few years ago, the company

downsized. Now it’s just Dail and McIlhaney, who each work from

home. “I was commuting 56 miles a day, which is a lot at my advanced

age,” laughs Dail. “My clients don’t care where I work.”

Dail says a lot of her end buyers have been with her since the early

days. “A lot of them leave and go on to other things, and they take me

with them. We have a personal connection, sending them baby pres-

ents and wedding presents. We have a personal touch with them that I

think they appreciate,” she says.

Growing The Industry

Approximately 14 years ago, Dail was at a gathering at a Dallas-

area home during The PPAI Expo. Members of the group were dis-

cussing how they could keep in touch after their committee service for

the Association ended. The idea for the online industry networking

group Coffee Talk was born, and Dail and others set about making it a

reality. She still serves as leader of the membership committee for the

175-plus member group.

“I laugh now because I don’t think they would take me if I

applied, because we’re so picky,” Dail says of Coffee Talk members.

Entry into the group requires sponsorship by a current member, a

PPAI industry certification, experience as PPAI volunteer, and busi-

ness ethics that align with those of the group.

Discover Reinvention

PERSONAL DEVELOPMENT

JANUARY 2015 •

PPB

• 13

EYE ON APPAREL

QUESTION

PPAI WILL HONOR DAIL

at the Chairman’s Leadership

Dinner during The PPAI Expo. Purchase tickets when you

www.ppai.org/expo.

Monday, January 12

7 - 9:30 pm

Mandalay Bay Convention Center

Las Vegas, Nevada

Advance tickets: $125 members/$150 nonmembers

On-site tickets: $150 members/$175 nonmembers

Members of the U.S. Navy show gratitude for their gift boxes from

Operation Gratitude, which Dail has volunteered with for more

than a decade.

Giving Back

Comes Full

Circle

FEATURE STORY

Continued On Page 101

BE A WINNER!

PAGE 106