PPB September 2018

FEATURE | Rising Stars Biggest Challenge I think the hardest thing has been finding a balance between ambition and controllable growth. There’s a part of me that is eager to fully develop and launch every new idea coming out of our think tank. I want to expand our product line, our decoration capabilities, our stock colors— you name it. I’m the kind of person who gets out of bed in the middle of the night to sketch a product idea or make notes so I remember it in the morning. I desperately want to show the world exactly what we are capable of creatively, but at the same time, there is something far more important at stake—providing the best customer service possible. Keeping our feet under us has and always will be my No. 1 priority, and I’m immensely proud of the job my staff does. Best Advice Be calculated. In business, acting in a calculated manner is simply understanding that for every possible action, there are any number of potential outcomes. If we accept that as fact, then we also must conclude that each potential outcome is a function of our own actions. So, if the last two concepts hold true, then to most effectively elicit our desired outcome, we need to understand the “why”—who we are talking to, and where they are coming from. Seek first to understand your customer, and together you will uncover opportunities that otherwise may have never been unearthed. ChangesHe’dLike To See I’m a big proponent of challenging the status quo and finding new or better ways to accomplish a goal. I love getting out of my booth and walking around shows to meet and congratulate suppliers who are doing things I’ve never seen before. Over the past year or two I’ve seen more innovation within the industry, specifically from young, creative minds. I’ve been the new guy, with a brand-new product, and I know exactly how challenging it can be. I’d love to see some sort of mentor system available to help newcomers. There are brilliant minds on both sides of the industry [and we can] help develop these innovative, passionate individuals and keep them around to see what amazing things they will bring to the promo market next. Robert Russell, 32 Owner and CEO Strike Promo S trike Promo entered the promotional products industry in 2015 with a single item, the BOLT LEDWristband. Today the company sells 16 LED items fromwristbands and keychains to glow sticks and flashlights. “Rob’s idea for Strike Promo’s next great product is generally in the works before the last new product has been fully stocked,” says nominator and employeeMegan Salm. “Clients, employees and especially his business partner are always eager to see what new designs and products Rob is preparing to launch.” Russell’s passion for promotional products started in college when he worked tournament operations for a PGA event and interned at Major League Baseball’s Manhattan front office where he spent the summer working on sponsor contracts for the All-Star Game. After college, he worked as a season ticket sales account exec where he saw the effect great promotions could have on fans. Later, he began designing products, and manufacturing, sourcing and consulting for inventors to bring their ideas to fruition. One day a friend, now his business partner, showed him an LED wristband he had designed and asked if Russell would run a promo company to sell it. The pair spent two years building custom lasers and opened the Wilmette, Illinois, supplier three years ago. Using sheer creativity, intellect and plenty of hustle, Russell has taken one winning product and built a champion of a business. 46 | SEPTEMBER 2018 |