PPB September 2016

FEATURE

Rising Stars

or years Tim Hennessy, Jr. worked

summers and holidays at his family’s

distributor company in Birmingham,

Alabama, before officially joining the company

following graduation from Auburn University

in December 2001. “I saw how my parents

worked and their passion for what they did,”

he says. “It was infectious. Working here was

never a question.”

While a career at Concepts was clearly

in Hennessy’s plans, he had to overcome

the misconceptions about his youth when he

was eventually promoted to director. He says

that even though he had worked in virtually

every department in the company, he was

considerably younger than most of his industry

counterparts when he took on his current role

and not everyone took him seriously. “I really

had to work twice as hard to prove I knew the

business and demonstrate that I could deliver

results for our clients,” he says.

Although Hennessy has a degree in

business administration with a double major in

management information systems and logistics,

his favorite part of the job is the creative side.

“Without question, it’s The Big Idea,” says the

37-year-old. “We love coming up with an idea

that’s memorable, reinforces the brand and,

most importantly, provides value and return on

investment for our clients.”

His creativity hasn’t gone unnoticed.

Hennessy has won five PPAI Pyramid Awards

for promotions he’s created for clients.

He’s also snagged a PPAI Image Award for

the company.

On the sales side, Hennessy’s passion for

the business has resulted a staggering track

record. His sales have increased more than

57 percent in the past five years, and from

2011 to 2014 this go-getter boasted sales of

well over $1 million year after year, says his

nominator, Concepts Accounting Manager

Sonya Holcomb. Last year, he set a personal

goal to hit $2 million in sales, which he met

and exceeded, she adds. “Tim has done

nothing short of trailblazing for the success

of the company by expanding business

opportunities with clients throughout the

country, keeping customers satisfied from

project to project, and meeting and exceeding

the goals he sets for himself. With successes

like these, he’s turning heads.”

Outside the office, Hennessy spends

time with his three children, is involved in his

church and serves on the boards of several

local philanthropic groups. “Being able to

balance all of these tasks while performing

at such a high level during business hours

exemplifies that Tim truly is a rising star,”

Holcomb says. For Hennessy, spending time

with his wife and children puts everything

in perspective.

His best advice to others wanting to

make serious headway in their business

is to remember: your word and your

reputation are everything. “If you say you

are going to do something, do it without

fail,” he says. “It is the cornerstone

of a solid business relationship.”

Tim

Hennessy, Jr.

DIRECTOR OF SALES AND MARKETING

Concepts & Associates, Inc.

HIS INSPIRATION

Hennessy’s parents,

Tim, Sr. and Lynne,

have been his biggest

influencers from both a

personal and business

standpoint. “They are

not only my bosses,

mentors and parents

but also my best friends.

I learned to emulate

their work ethic, and

am so thankful for the

impact they have made

on my life.”

THE INDUSTRY

IN FIVE YEARS

“I have enjoyed

seeing the continued

improvement of

technology from

decoration techniques

to all kinds of textiles

in all facets of our

industry. It’s a constant

process that will

continue to evolve and

I can’t wait to see what

comes out next.”

ON HIS TO-DO

LIST NOW

Schedule site visits,