PPB February 2018

Pau l Ko r y P aul Kory knew that he wanted to be in sales. As a college student at the University of Texas, he quickly learned that his passion was helping people to solve their business needs. With his high-energy, extroverted personality, Kory was also drawn to the fact that each day in sales is different from the next one, and that he wouldn’t be sitting behind a desk for long periods of time. He graduated with a bachelor’s degree in political science and business management and set out to pursue his dream. Kory started his career as a sales rep at Nabisco Brands. After five years, he was promoted to regional manager before moving on to The Gillette Corporation as regional sales manager. Kory’s next move took him from Texas back to his home state of Ohio, which allowed him to be closer to family. As a regional manager with GPA Associates, he got his first introduction to the promotional products industry with PaperMate pens and Braun shavers. He knew he had found his niche, and his expertise was rewarded with increased levels of sales responsibility for several apparel brands before landing at Sierra Pacific Apparel two years ago. Whywas it important to you toreturn toOhio? I grew up in a great little town called Hudson, which is known for its excellent school system and small-town atmosphere. It’s a traditional New England-style town with local businesses (there is no Walmart to this day) with a large green space where we had concerts, ice cream socials and art fairs throughout the year. It is straight out of a Norman Rockwell painting. With a childhood like that, who wouldn’t want to return? I also wanted to be close to my parents. My father has been my mentor and the biggest influence on my life. He had an extremely difficult childhood and still managed to go to college and graduate school, and enjoy a high-profile career. How did you get interested in the promotional products industry? To tell you the truth, I had limited knowledge about this industry until I interviewed for Sierra Pacific’s business development guru loves what he sells and sells what he loves. by Terry Ramsay For The Love Of Sales 68 | FEBRUARY 2018 | CONNECT