PPB October 2018

CHRIS BARTON Senior Director of Credit SanMar Corporation Direct Reports: 3 (101 total in credit department) Years Managing Others: 22 C hris Barton joined SanMar 31 years ago and considers himself fortunate to have made his career at the Issaquah, Washington-based supplier. In turn, Bonnie Wells, who has worked in the credit department for 13 years and has reported directly to Barton for more than five years, says Barton has played a significant role not only in her career development but for everyone who works with him. “Chris promotes an environment of fun, laughter, hard work and forward, out-of-the-box thinking. [He provides] ongoing mentoring with the encouragement to not only succeed but also that it is okay to fail and learn along the way.” She says his management style is unique, he practices what he preaches, always wants to learn more and supports the entire team not only toward their professional goals but also for personal growth. “Chris is the type of manager whose office you don’t ever mind being called into because you always know that when you leave, you will have learned something or, at the very least, will have had a great laugh.” Wells recalls two specific times when Barton’smanagement stylemade amajor difference in her life. She had beenwith the company only about sixmonths when her work hours caused her tomiss her daughter’s soccer game. WhenBarton heard, he told her that her child’s events are important and shouldn’t bemissed. He asked her not tomiss one again because of work. She has never forgotten that kindness. A fewyears ago, when she failed the test to earn the Certified International Credit Professional designation, he encouraged her to try again and spent several hours going over the test questions. She passed. SUSAN BENDEL-BRIDSON Senior Director of Marketing ePromos Promotional Products, Inc. Direct Reports: 10 Years Managing Others: 20+ “ S usan is empowering, yet very nurturing and kind,” says Brittaney Benson-Townsend, one of four nominators, including Kim Laffer Nick, MAS; Jamie Hoelscher and Jason Zamft. Benson-Townsend moved from Las Vegas to the company’s headquarters in St. Cloud, Minnesota, about a year ago and her boss made Minnesota livable. “If Susan wasn’t in my work life, I probably would have moved back to the West Coast. I will drive to work in the snow for her. I will get up in the freezing cold for her. Moreover, I will bust my behind for her. Susan has been the best employer I have What’s cool about Chris He can be serious when necessary, but he also remembers to have fun. He came to a meeting dressed up as rapper Flavor Flav to make everyone laugh. To raise money for a charity event he has dressed up as a super hero and also participated in a dunk tank in the rain while ice was being thrown in the tank. He sings happy birthday to everyone in the department, at times using funny accents. His best boss Marty Lott [SanMar’s owner/president]. Joining SanMar early in my career, and early in SanMar’s history, has been an incredible opportunity for me. Working with Marty to understand firsthand the importance of our customers, our people and culture has guided everything I have done over the years. Marty has always shared the importance of being nice and telling the truth. These principles have evolved over the years to become our SanMar Family Values, and they have been my guiding principle in my work with our customers and with my team. What managing others has taught him about himself That success and happiness in work and in life aren’t as complicated as I might have thought when I began my career. It really is as simple as being nice and telling the truth while supporting and allowing others to grow and to be successful. It’s about the we, not the me. His best advice for other bosses Be yourself, be genuine and have fun. Marty has shared with us over the years that we spend a lot of our time at work and we should enjoy what we do. I think we try to make sure we find the joy in what we’re doing every day, and that helps make us successful. FEATURE | Best Bosses Of 2018 28 | OCTOBER 2018 |