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Mary Foley
National Accounts Manager
Hit Promotional Products (UPIC: HITP0001)
Largo, Florida
Nominator and distributor partner: Mark Bennett,
senior account executive, HALO Branded Solutions
Mary Foley has been Hit’s national accounts manager since
July 2012 but has worked in the promotional products industry
for almost 20 years.
Mark Bennett, who nominated her for the honor, says she
continuously impresses him by going beyond expectations to
provide samples and innovative ideas for his accounts. “She
did actual pre-production samples for me at no extra charge
and it helped me wrap up an order for 200 umbrellas,” he
says. “She does custom flyers for me, helps me with artwork—
she does everything. She induces us to give her more orders
with all of these things she does. Hit has become my No. 1
supplier this year. When I get orders for items in their catalog,
I don’t look at anyone else.”
A Conversation With Mary Foley
PPB:
What are the most important qualities in a good
business partner?
Foley:
Good business partners understand each other’s goals and
work together toward meeting them. Communication is key and
the better the communication, the better the outcome.
PPB:
What do you do that sets you apart from other
suppliers in terms of working with distributors?
Foley:
As a supplier representative, I do my best to listen to what
my clients’ objectives are and fully understand their needs. I try to
match my distributors’ pace and meet them where they are com-
fortable. At Hit, we take pride in providing a quality product from
the start. We stand behind our products with our QCA compli-
ance. We have the ability to source and develop new products
based on trends and consumer demand. Our deep inventory
makes us the go-to supplier for all distributors in the know.
PPB:
Is there something Mark does that makes it easy
for you to provide exemplary service?
Foley:
Mark is a good communicator; he lets me know what he
needs and we work together. Mark knows that I will do every-
thing in my power to meet his goals, and his clear communication
style makes it easier for me to do just that.
PPB:
What advice do you have for other suppliers
who want to achieve a true partnership with their
distributors?
Foley:
Communicate. Talk to your distributors; get to know them.
Do not wait until you have a problem to fix. Tell them about your
line, what you really like, what does well and any new items. Hit is
constantly updating its product line and there is always something
to talk about.
DECEMBER 2015 •
PPB
• 51
“Good business partners understand each
other’s goals and work together toward
meeting them. Communication is key and
the better the communication, the better
the outcome.”