36 / 124
34 •
PPB
• SEPTEMBER 2015
INNOVATE
EDUCATION
Degree in criminology from the
University of South Florida
FIRST INDUSTRY JOB
Hit Promotional Products in
production. “During my summer
vacations in college I would work
in several different areas around
the factory.”
PREVIOUS JOB
He worked for a steel transload-
ing company based out of
Chicago. He began as a crane
operator and worked his way up
to terminal manager before being
relocated and ultimately moving
back to Florida. He then
returned to Hit as an inside sales
representative.
FAVORITE PART OF THE JOB
“…working with my team on
projects to support distributors
in product selection, helping pro-
vide the most effective marketing
solutions for their clients.
Having a hand in these, from the
small opportunities like making a
cookout a success, to the larger
ones like a game-day giveaway or
brand launch, is exciting day in
and out.”
BIGGEST GOAL FOR 2015
“My most important goal is to
continue growth within the
Midwest region, assisting the
team wherever possible.”
PROUDEST
ACCOMPLISHMENT
“I am most proud of my home
and the quality of life that work-
ing hard has provided. Walking
in the door to my wife Milena,
daughter Mia, son Michael and
dogs (Lola and Tripp) can keep
or put a smile on my face every
day!”
BEST ADVICE EVER RECEIVED
“The best advice I have ever
received didn’t come in the form
of conversation but by leading by
example. My mom is one of the
hardest workers I know and is
always leading by example. She
really paved the road for me by
showing me what great morals,
work ethic and determination
will get you.”
STATUS IN FIVE YEARS
“I would like to have continued
my career at Hit in manage-
ment—becoming more knowl-
edgeable by studying the indus-
try dynamic, building on rela-
tionships and creating new ones
along the way.”
IN MY SPARE TIME
“I like to spend my free time at
home with my family. When I
am not home with them, in the
pool or working, you can find me
on the golf course.”
ALTERNATIVE CAREER
“This is a tough one to answer. I
would probably pick a career
where I could spend some more
time outdoors. Utilizing my
degree in criminology would also
be on the top of this list. During
my studies in college I had inter-
est in becoming a United States
marshal.”
ON MY DESK RIGHT NOW
A picture of his family, a trophy,
dual monitors, mug full of Hit
pens (favorite Hit No. 833),
notebook (Hit No. 6962) and a
desktop fan.
WHY MICHAEL IS A
RISING STAR
Nominator
David Walker, Hit
Promotional Products
, says:
“Michael led his team in 2014 to
be the fastest-growing region in
the country for Hit. He balances
his whole team along with the
accounts he services, and a wife
and family with two newborn
twins. Nominator
Lisa Shayne,
Hit Promotional Products
, says:
“Mike is one of the few who
truly started on the line in the
factory and worked his way
through the ranks at Hit. He is a
true problem solver; he never
hides from a problem but dives
in headfirst to find a workable
solution for all parties involved.”
Michael Marias
• Age 32
• Director of Sales–Midwest Region, Hit Promotional Products
• Largo, Florida