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Beth Lybrook, owner of Dayton, Ohio-
based distributor LIZard Apparel &
Promotions (UPIC: L576440) is one of those
people. Like many in the promotional prod-
ucts industry, she “fell” into the business.
“I used to be on the other side of the table
as a marketing manager for a Fortune 500 com-
pany,” Lybrook says. “I always loved the part of
my job where I got to purchase premium and
promotional items for my department.”
One day she posted an ad in the newspa-
per for a position she was hiring and went to
the newspaper’s office to make sure the ad was
correct. While there, she saw an ad for a sales-
person at a local promotional company,
ESKCO, Inc. “I remember saying to myself,
‘That’s a real job? It sounds fun!’ I could shop
and be creative for people all day long. I
applied and have been happy in this industry
ever since,” she says. Eventually, she decided to
use the experience she’d gained at ESKCO,
which was acquired by HALO Branded
Solutions in 2008, and open her own business.
After starting LIZard in her home in
2013 with two employees, Lybrook had to
move into a larger space in 2014. Now, the
company is expanding again to a 6,500
square-foot office space and warehouse, with
more space next door when needed.
Lybrook’s staff has grown as well; she cur-
rently employs 12 people in multiple states
across the country. With its broad array of
services in addition to its popular online, on-
demand uniform and apparel program,
“LIZard’s growth tripled from year one to
two, and we are projecting about the same
between years three and four. It’s so exciting,”
she says.
Lybrook’s older daughter, 27-year-old
Kelly, works with her as the sales and pro-
gram manager. Her younger daughter, 23-
year-old Courtney, works in the hospitality
industry. Lybrook is first and foremost a
proud mom. “I’m so blessed with two great,
successful women. They are my world!”
IN THEORY, EVERYONE KNOWS that if you choose a job you
love, you’ll never have to work a day in your life (Confucius). But
how many people are fortunate enough to make a living doing what
they love?
BETH LYBROOK’S PROMOTIONAL PRODUCT EXPERIENCE FUELS
HER COMPANY’S GROWTH
By Julie Richie
The Plunge
That Paid Off
Beth Lybrook
with daughters Kelly (right) and Courtney.
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JULY 2016 •
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• 85
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