PPB October 2017

Regional Vice President Geiger Scottsdale, Arizona Number of direct reports: 50 T he 12 glowing nominations received for Laura Teter Holt, MAS, are overwhelming evidence of a boss who is not only superb at managing and coaching others but someone who is also admired and respected by those who report to her. Holt has been managing others for about 42 years, including more than 17 years at Geiger and 14 years at distributor Holt Marketing Group, Ltd., the company she and her stepson, Tim Holt, owned. “She is always my ‘go to.’ She takes a sincere interest in my success—helping me to be the best salesperson I can be,” says nominator Linda White, who has reported to Holt for 10 years. “She is available 24/7—whether I’m down and building my business back up, or doing $2 million and not sure how I’m going to get it all done—she is there for me.” Nominator Joan Beck, who has also reported to Holt for 10 years, says, “Laura has a deep understanding of our industry and people. She is very professional yet visibly human; I love her sense of humor and humility. You will never hear her say a negative word about anyone or about a situation. Laura listens and then educates or suggest ways in which we can find the answers. She never says ‘never.’ We all are so grateful to be on her team.” The team newbie, nominator Rebeccah Stains, admires Holt because of the positive reinforcement she offers. “She is a major celebrator of success and shares our success with the rest of our community,” says Stains. “Laura sends out emails to our region when someone places a large order or lands a new account. It is a small thing but makes a huge difference. It gives us all an opportunity to see what kind of business others are doing and congratulate them on a job well done.” Jason Bergstrom; Vickie Metnick Block; Dawn Ruler, MAS; Dawn Shaver; Sarah Neikrug; Jill Adams; Rachel Valdez; Christy Kaiser; and Wendy Franklin also nominated Holt praising her qualities of being fair, honest, passionate, creative, knowledgeable and a wonderful motivator. Her Best Boss Earl Becker, because he had faith in me and encouraged me. When I was 20 years old he assigned me to manage a major conversion project and sent me to the Federal Home Loan Bank of Des Moines, Iowa, to learn how to do it. Now that’s faith. What managing others has taught her about herself It has taught me that I always need to be open to other viewpoints and that I truly enjoy witnessing other’s success. Her best advice for other bosses Treat everyone with respect no matter their position. Also, never ask anyone to do something that you haven’t done or wouldn’t be willing to do. Laura’s cool factor She always has just the right promotional product to give to a bellhop, concierge, flight attendant, hotel housekeeper, server—you name it. She brings a good name to the industry. Laura Teter Holt, MAS FEATURE | Best Bosses 30 | OCTOBER 2017 |