PPB December 2015

86 / 116

84 • PPB • DECEMBER 2015 CONNECT
virtually nothing, wants to help others. It brought a con-
victing perspective into my own life.”
What was your first job, and what lessons did you learn? I
worked with my dad at his machine company called Seal Pac, Inc.
in Brooklyn, New York. My first job was cleaning dirty machine
parts. I think the biggest lesson back then was integrity. My dad
taught me pretty early that the most important asset is your name.
What was your first job in promotional products? Before we
purchased Marlo in 1989, we started a company in 1979 that
manufactured flexible watch cases, pouches and items like that.
Because our history was in machinery, we had expertise in how
these machines worked and what they could do. People came
to us if they had a complex item or a problem that needed to
be corrected.
What motivates you in business and in life? In business,
developing a team/family atmosphere. Before we start our cor-
porate training, we first communicate that everyone is of equal
importance and explain the foundations of respect, safety and
organization. Our aim is to teach everyone that this transcends
throughout everything we do. In life, it’s easy to try to use time
to make a positive difference.
What do you enjoy most about your work? Without a doubt,
our great relationships. Our customers, vendors, employees,
network contacts and volunteer associates are more important
than any one transaction. I really believe this [emphasis on
relationships] is not only our corporate identity but hopefully a
legacy that continues for many years.
How can you manage to be away for so long and still run your
company? We have a great team, so my feeling of being vital to
the daily operations wasn’t completely accurate. I had limited
access to email and could contact people a few times per week.
It was communicated to me that things generally run better
when I’m not there.
What advice would you give to an industry newcomer? First,
welcome. It’s a great industry. Second, don’t fear the challenges
or the failures because adversity is what shapes you. Third,
learn how to develop patience and the ability to listen. And at
all times protect your name. As my dad told me, it’s your most
important asset.
Julie Richie is associate editor for PPB.
Three Benefits Of Voluntourism
1. It’s usually cheaper than a standard vacation package.
2. Your eyes will be opened to what goes on outside of your nor-
mal environment. “People have much less but seem much hap-
pier than we are,” Livingston says.
3. It can inspire you to look at how you prioritize money and wealth.
ASI: 73871 SAGE: 67367 PPAI: 255687 UPIC: NEXTPRO
RT16:
$9.99(C)
Min. 144 pcs.
Shelby Tumbler
Built to Last...Guaranteed.