PPB October 2017

Michael Snyder Vice President – PCNA Apparel PCNA/Trimark Chicago, Illinois Number of direct reports: 14 M ichael Snyder got his first taste of managing others while growing up in his family’s clothing store, Snyder’s of Oconomowoc, one of the oldest and most respected clothing stores in Wisconsin. Along with buying and selling tailored apparel and top sportswear brands, he learned the importance of treating employees well. The lessons he picked up proved invaluable in his roles that followed in the corporate apparel market with Tri-Mountain; Hartwell Industries; his own venture, Snyder Apparel Sales, Inc.; and then at PCNA, where he’s honed a loyal employee base since 2011. Jill Rogers, one of Snyder’s eight nominators, says that when Snyder began building the Trimark sales team in 2013, he handpicked his teammembers and was clear about his expectations: work hard, make money and have fun doing it. “He has an innate ability to uncover what motivates people and draws from that to get the best out of what each person has to offer,” she explains. “He encourages collaboration, spontaneity and humor, making him fun to work with and for. Over the years, I’ve had many bosses who sucked the life out of me, but Michael gives me the freedom to manage my territory, yet he’s always there for me when I need help and guidance.” She calls him boss, friend, leader, mentor, comedian and genius, adding, “I don’t think I’m alone when I say that I would follow him into a fire.” Nominator Kristi Lewis, who has also reported to Snyder for four years, explains what makes hima standout. “He is a leader; passionate about the company and his employees; and genuine and authentic. You know he cares deeply about you. He is a ‘what-can-I-do-for- you’ kind of a leader vs. a ‘what-can- you-do-for-me’ type of boss. He wants more than anything for you to be happy. He is knowledgeable and relatable, humble and approachable. He leaves you wanting to give your job your all.” Along with Rogers and Lewis, Snyder received Best Boss nominations from Nicole Deen, Geoff Vejsicky, Rachel Hare, Lisa Folts, Alina Rubinshteyn and Andy Stilts. Michael’s cool factor He is genuine, and a leader, not a manager. When he asks for feedback, he wants to know the good, the bad and the ugly. His best boss My uncle, Tom Snyder. He was the third generation in our family clothing store; I was the fourth. He taught me the true art of sales by speaking about meaningful trends, referencing relevant case studies, and through good old- fashioned storytelling. He stressed the importance of being 100-percent focused on who is standing right in front of you (be that the customer or our employees) and he mandated that I be immersed in continuing education. He gave back to his family, friends and community far more than he took, and he always remembered to laugh (I mean really laugh—like a Santa Claus belly laugh). What managing others has taught him about himself That while I have some good ideas now and then, true success (both personal and professional) lies in tapping the incredible wealth of knowledge that resides in the amazing people around me. His best advice for other bosses Culture is paramount; without great culture, you have no foundation to work from. It all starts with you, be the boss you want for yourself. Collaboration is integral; include your team in as many critical decisions and strategies as possible. Sell your team, do not lecture them. Try to avoid the use of “I,” “me” and “my” when speaking to your team. Using “us” and “we” makes a world of difference. Michael Snyder, center, with his direct reports at PCNA/Trimark. Best Bosses | FEATURE | OCTOBER 2017 | 41