PPB July 2018

feed back Send feedback on articles in PPB or opinions on industry issues to JamesK@ppai.org . Remembering Fran Ford, CAS Fran Ford, CAS, president of supplier Castelli, a division of Magnet, LLC, and 2015 PPAI Hall Of Fame Inductee, passed away on May 21 after a long battle with cancer. He was 68. Ford spent more than 40 years in the promotional products business and throughout that time made strong connections with countless people throughout the industry. As news of his passing spread, several shared personal memories of their time with Ford. I was blessed to have known Fran for over 30 years. He always had a smile on his face and a hug for his friends. He was an icon who will be missed terribly. Thank you, Fran, for all you did to help me in my career. But, I thank you most for your friendship. KIM REINECKER, MAS Regional Sales Manager Southwest Starline, Inc. Houston, Texas PPAI 112719 Fran was a mentor to many, including me. No single person had more of an impact on my understanding of the sales process than Fran Ford. CHRIS SINATRA, CAS Owner Sinatra Enterprises Elgin, Illinois Fran was someone you could always count on for advice and help. It has been a joy to have worked with him while serving PPAI. Fran often gave advice with his down-home nature and only wanted the best for everyone. He will be missed but never forgotten. BRUCE FELBER The Image Group Director of Marketing & Sales Streetsboro, Ohio PPAI 103424 Six years ago, I was a new rep to Geiger and met Fran at the PPAI show. He was so sweet and kind to me. When I told him I had been in the business for 10 years and recently joined Geiger, he assured me I made the best decision. I reached out to him on numerous occasions and he answered me immediately, always offering to help in any way possible. He so reminded me of my father—a gentle giant. I am so sorry for his loss. He will forever be in my heart. LISA HARWOOD Marketing & Promotions Geiger Lewiston, Maine PPAI 105182 Fran was one of the best people I ever met. I was blessed to have known him for many years and was pleased to be his friend. He is in a class of his own. The world suffered a loss with his passing. May God bless his family. GEORGE JACKSON Owner George Jackson Promotions, Inc. Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania PPAI 231203 Fran Ford and I were the best of friends for many decades. I am sure that many others feel the same way. He was a compassionate, bright, helpful, loyal, active, ambitious person. His ability to reach out to people is legendary. I will miss him in my life and he will always be my Buddy! BOB WALDORF, CAS Former CEO Idea Man Los Angeles, California I worked with Fran 17 years ago. To hear him present to distributors was a treat. His ability to capture the room was magical. He connected with everyone. I remember sitting with him as he shared the finer points of the sales process. He made the most mundane objects come alive. You absolutely had to buy what he was presenting. He had the unique skill of making everyone in his presence feel that he/she was the most important person in the room. Or, if you spent one-on-one time with Fran, you knew he was your best friend. He was my dear friend and mentor. The magnificent thing about Fran Ford was that he mentored hundreds of industry professionals. I love him and miss him greatly. Oh, he was the best there ever was at this craft. BRAD LANGTON, CAS Owner LPS Langton Promotional Sales Farmington, Utah 8 | JULY 2018 |