PPB March 2015

CLOSE UP

OR MANY DISTRIBUTORS, sales gets all the

glory in the business. But Amanda Corey, MAS,

has found she shines best when she can help oth-

ers manage the day-to-day tasks, leaving her industry

clients to focus on what they love most about their own

businesses.

“I love success! Not just for myself or for my family but

for those around me,” says Corey. “Although I enjoy sales,

my strength lies in the administrative side of the business.

My passion is working with other industry professionals on

improving their back-office business practices.”

After graduating from San Jose State University, Corey

worked at a Silicon Valley tech company, managing

administrative tasks and writing technical manuals. She

transitioned to a home-based publishing business after

starting a family, and several years later a friend asked if

she would help with some promotional products orders.

Now Corey is president of her own distributor firm, Biz

Mark (UPIC: bizmark) in Discovery Bay, California.

Outside the business, Corey and her husband, Craig,

continually seek out new experiences and adventures.

“It is not unheard of for us to drive several hours just to

have lunch somewhere new,” she says.

Jen Alexander is an associate editor at

PPB

What was your first job, and what lessons did you learn?

college I waited on tables. [It] teaches you how people react in

certain situations. I realized that being honest, even about

things the other person doesn’t want to hear, is always the best

approach. People tend to receive disappointing news better if

they know all the facts.

What advice would you share with an industry newcomer?

Don’t rush through the details. Slow down and do things right

the first time. Take the extra time to set up processes and pro-

cedures, and stick to them. And, join your regional association

and attend as many industry education sessions as you can.

Who do you consider to be your personal and/or professional

mentors, and why?

Marsha Londe of Tango Partners (UPIC:

TangoP), whose knowledge of the industry and excellent busi-

ness acumen make her a powerful presence in my world. And

Missy Kilpatrick, who not only is an industry veteran who can

relate to my business issues, but also my sister. She willingly

shares equally in my accomplishments and in my disappoint-

ments, both in business and in my personal life.

What motivates you?

Seeing someone accomplish a goal or

having the privilege of helping someone accomplish their goal

are the ultimate motivators.

What promotional product do you wish you had invented?

The ‘Easy Button.’ It is human nature to over-think things; the

easy button is a constant reminder that there are ways to sim-

plify tasks and projects if you take a minute to think about the

bigger picture. Then, it makes you laugh because it is so easy!

What professional accomplishment are you most proud of?

When the last of our three children left for college, I struggled

with the “What do I want to do?” question. It took a while to

fine-tune the details, but my industry consulting business is

really starting to accomplish great things for my clients. It is so

rewarding to observe the change in people when they figure

out that I’m their “silent partner” and things don’t have to be so

complicated. Everything is coming together, and I’m definitely

excited about the future.

92 •

PPB

• MARCH 2015

CONNECT

Amanda Corey, MAS, shows off her cartoonized self at a

Specialty Advertising Association of California (SAAC) event.

Silent Partner, Vocal Supporter

AMANDA COREY, MAS, LOVES HELPING CLIENTS SUCCEED.

BY JEN ALEXANDER