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DECEMBER 2015 •
PPB
• 49
A Conversation With Chad Edmonson
PPB:
What are the most important qualities in a good
business partner?
Edmonson:
In my opinion, it is important to bring both honesty
and trust to the partnership in order to work as a team to find the
perfect solution in every unique opportunity. Working together is
our only way to succeed.
PPB:
What do you do that sets you apart from other
suppliers in terms of working with distributors?
Edmonson:
JournalBooks was built by hard-working, creative
minds who have always believed in nurturing partnerships by
working together. We believe that every member of the organiza-
tion plays a crucial part in our success and growth moving for-
ward. Each of us is trained to push the envelope on each opportu-
nity we are presented with to uncover new possibilities. Our com-
pany also encourages creativity in every department. When a dis-
tributor is looking to create something special for their client, we
remove barriers and redefine limits to help develop a truly one-of-
a-kind piece. “Get creative!” is what we do and we offer assistance
through the entire process. In the end, you have a unique, high-
perceived product that is delivered on time and on brand.
PPB:
What advice do you have for other suppliers
who want to achieve a true partnership with their
distributors?
Edmonson:
Suppliers must always listen to the customer’s needs
and follow through on promises. When given honest feedback
from distributors, we must reflect on our processes to make sure we
are doing all we can to satisfy their needs. Compliance and safety
should always be top of mind for product and employee safety;
also, we should embrace the opportunity to adapt or alter our
processes to offer the best services for our customers.
Chad Edmonson
Field Rep/Business Development
JournalBooks (UPIC: TIMEPLAN)
Charlotte, North Carolina
Nominator and distributor partner:
Bob Offord, account director,
Activate! Promotions + Marketing
Chad Edmonson has been a member of the JournalBooks
team for more than seven years, starting out as a graphic
designer on the creative sales team. He was then promoted to
the lead creative sales position and then to his current position
where he works with the inside team and customers to bring
ideas to life.
Nominator Bob Offord is quick to point out what makes
Edmonson a powerful partner: his proactive approach. “He’s
one step ahead of me with creative input and extensive knowl-
edge of his product line and options. He goes the extra mile
to expand a project for value-added treatments.” Edmonson
also has a generous availability of samples, Offord notes. He
recently worked with Edmonson on a custom journal book for
wine tasters at a high-end winery. Edmonson moved the proj-
ect ahead with imaginative ideas such as custom wood covers
with die-cut branding elements, flash drive ports, creative use
of tip-in sheets and more. “His team came back with prompt
virtuals and specific, clear quotes,” explains Offord. “Our
client was overly impressed—Chad made us look like experts
in a complex promotional product category. With both compa-
nies based in Charlotte, North Carolina, Offord was able to go
to the factory where he handpicked spec samples and brain-
stormed other ideas. “We both planted seeds for long-term
“In my opinion, it is important to
bring both honesty and trust to the
partnership in order to work as a
team to f ind the perfect solution in
every unique opportunity.”