PPB October 2018

ever had. I am committed to our company because of her.” Before joining distributor ePromos seven years ago, Bendel- Bridson most recently spent two years at distributor Deluxe Corporation. “Over my career, I have been fortunate to work for excellent managers,” she says. “I have tried to take the traits that resonated the most with me and incorporate them into my own management style.” That method has proven to bring out the best in those who report to her. “She never dwells on mistakes but rather looks at the big picture,” says Nick, who has reported to Bendel-Bridson for over a year. “She’s said to me on multiple occasions, ‘Kim, it’s progress over perfection. No one can tell you that you didn’t try hard; now let’s move on to the next thing.’ It’s her equivalent of ‘shake it off’ and it quickly takes my mood from uncomfortable and upset to optimistic and motivated.” What’s cool about Susan She lets people fail. She wants the person to own their position and that comes with making mistakes and learning from them. Her motto is to act now and beg for forgiveness later. She is also a big proponent of effort vs. impact, which helps the team prioritize by comparing the effort it takes to do something and the impact it will make. Her best boss If I had to identify one best boss, it would be Sheila Johnshoy, the chief revenue officer at ePromos. Sheila is extremely supportive, motivating and empowering. What managing others has taught her about herself I don’t need to have all the answers. My job is to trust the insights and experiences of others, along with giving them the tools and freedom they need to do their best work. Her best advice for other bosses Leading by example is the most effective way I have found to manage others. I know I need to show up every day displaying the positive behaviors I want to see in my team. BLAKE BOZEMAN, MAS Director of Sales SAGE Quick Technologies, Inc. Direct Reports: 2 Years Managing Others: 22 T hriving companies operate between a steady hum and a full- on roar, but Blake Bozeman never lets the hubbub faze him. “Blake is the type of boss who always takes time to think before he responds,” says nominator Teri Cragle. “And, even better, he responds instead of reacting. He is even tempered and always has his employees’ best interest at heart.” Another nominator, Ryan Hanchey, appreciates the way Bozeman leads by example. “It’s the small things like showing up early and putting in hours that I knowmy team sees,” he says. “Also, he’s not afraid to get his hands dirty in the office or at a trade show. There is something to be said when a director wearing a suit is helping set up the booth.” Before joining Dallas-based SAGE more than four years ago, Bozeman spent six years in sales with PPAI and eight years at supplier Identification Plates. With a total of 22 years of sales management experience, Bozeman has learned to keep his head in just about every situation. “One of his best characteristics is that he’s unbelievably even-keeled, levelheaded and calm,” says Hanchey. “I, on the other hand, can be a bit high strung and get overly excited, be it positively or negatively. Blake is always there to level me out.” What’s cool about Blake He’s cool as a cucumber when everyone else is freaking out. Maybe he’s freaking out inside, but on the outside, the world is perfect. Susan Bendel-Bridson (center in white blouse) shows off her marketing and merchandising team. Best Bosses Of 2018 | FEATURE | OCTOBER 2018 | 29