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IRA NEAMAN ON PARTNERING
64
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DECEMBER 2016
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FEATURE
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Powerful Partners
The Eight Elements Of
Strong Partnerships
1 Trust.
Good partners have confidence that the
other looks out for their best interests—
even when the other is not watching. One
must truly care about the other’s success.
2 Dedication.
When both partners are equally
committed to an outcome and willing to
give whatever it takes, there’s much less
chance of failure.
3 Collaboration.
The old saying that two heads are better
than one plays out here as well, especially
when partners bring expertise from
different sides of the industry.
4 Honesty.
A partner who is not authentic, scrupulous
and of highest moral character can bring
down the best laid plans.
5 Shared goals.
Working in tandem with someone else
who is equally dedicated can make the
quickest work in solving a problem or
reaching a goal.
6 Integrity.
Powerful partnerships rely on honor,
truthfulness and reliability in all dealings.
7 Candor.
When there is a problem in a partnership,
it’s best to be forthright and open about
it so the situation can be resolved. Learn
how to clear the air without negatively
affecting your business relationship.
8 Communication.
The key here is timeliness, follow‑through
and follow‑up. Any distributor who is
left wondering where their order is, or a
supplier who is still waiting for artwork
approval days later, knows the importance
of prompt and thorough communication.
Ira
NEAMAN
President / Vantage Apparel
Avenel, New Jersey
Nominated by:
Steve Lipic, president,
Lipic’s Engagement
Few industry professionals have the historic
vantage point of Ira Neaman, who opened his
apparel company in New York City in 1977
and has witnessed the fashion and apparel
trends that have influenced wearables and
decorating techniques over nearly four
decades. Although he didn’t set out to sell
within the promotional products industry
distribution channel, once he discovered it,
the industry was a perfect fit for his business.
As the company grew so did Neaman’s
network of industry professionals who sought
out his expertise, advice, services, products
and friendship. Among them was Steve Lipic,
president of Lipic’s Engagement, a privately‑
held St. Louis, Missouri‑based distributor
founded in 1863. “Ira and Vantage have been
our partner on all of our major programs,”
explains Lipic, who has led his family‑owned
marketing and promotions company for the
past 21 years. “We work extremely closely
with all areas of our organizations to bring
exceptional value to our clients.”
Like most partnerships, this one comes
down to trust. Because Lipic trusts Neaman
and his team at Vantage, it handles the
distributor’s service award program as well
as a uniform program that has gone through
many custom iterations and changes over
the past 20 years. “Ira has demonstrated that
he will stand with me to resolve any issue
that arises,” says Lipic. “We work together
to make sure all challenges are a win for all
involved. This program would not be possible
without his partnership.”
Lipic values Neaman as not only a partner
in business but as a personal mentor as well.
“Without his advice, guidance and friendship,
I would not have enjoyed the success that
has come our way,” he says. “I don’t know
another person in this industry who has a
greater love for the industry than Ira. He has
personally helped me and many others learn
more than I ever would have.”
What are the most important qualities
in a good business partner?
Trust.
What do you do that sets you apart from
others in the way you work with clients?
I enjoy collaborating with customers and
in‑house teams to find new and exciting
ways to use apparel for branding. With
an intimate knowledge of both the
apparel manufacturing/design process
as well as extensive hands‑on experience
with decoration, I look to make the sales
process easier for our customers.
Is there something Steve does that
makes it easy for you to provide
exemplary service?
Steve is an excellent communicator
and always makes happen what
he says.
What advice do you have for
others who want to achieve a true
partnership with their clients?
Understand the value of collaborating
with your partners right from the
beginning of a project or opportunity.
Listen closely and be responsive.
continued on page 67