PPB October 2018

the company. “Josh treats his team as an extension of himself and wants his employees to be happy at work and in life,” she says. What’s cool about Josh He’s big on organizing frequent team celebrations to mark meeting sales goals, landing big orders and to honor birthdays— and that means dinner at a restaurant, a movie or just hanging out together. His best boss Craig Nadel, CAS, [JNI’s CEO]t has been my best boss because he created a workplace that allows us to sell the way we want to and just be ourselves. What managing others has taught him about himself That there is no ceiling in sales as long as you have great people on your team. His best advice for other bosses It’s so important to never make it about yourself, but to always put your team first. You are only as strong as your weakest team member. I love to create experiences and memories for them. I treat my team just as I would treat my family and clients, because they are family to me. DON FORSELL President Show Your Logo, Inc. Number of Direct Reports: 19 Years Managing Others: 20 S eventeen years ago, Don Forsell started distributor Show Your Logo, Inc. in a spare bedroom of his Oswego, Illinois, home, drawing on seven years of managerial experience at Star Printing and Promotions in nearby Naperville. Today the company employs more than 20 sales and customer service professionals; 12 of his direct reports nominated Forsell as a Best Boss. The common thread cited in almost all nominations was Forsell’s easy-going style and respect for people as individuals. “He allows us to dowhat we do best in our rolewithout micromanaging every step,” says Denise Knierim, who’s been reporting to Forsell for 11 years. “We have the freedomto fit our clients’ needs.” Steve Brungart, who has worked at the company for 17 years, says, “He is not a micromanager. He lets people do what they are good at.” Seventeen-year employee Becky Schulte appreciates that quality too. “I am able to run my department in the best way that suits our needs,” she says. “It has helped me personally in my own growth within the company and for that I will always be grateful.” What’s cool about Don He has a very laid-back approach and lets people run with thoughts and ideas. He is an actions-speak-louder-than-words kind of guy and he shows it by rolling up his sleeves and working right alongside us all the time. His best boss Chuck Kanney of Star Printing and Promotions, Ltd. He surrounded himself with people he could trust and made them feel personally invested. He was never afraid to take a chance and our mistakes taught me just as much as our successes. What managing others has taught him about himself I don’t know half as much as I think I know. His best advice for other bosses The right people simply need the opportunity, flexibility, tools and support to show what they can do, so let them. Everyone is different, so fit the job to the person, not the person to the job. Help them organize and function in ways that flow naturally for them as individuals. Even when it’s not “your way,” trust them, invest in them and watch them surprise you. Don Forsell (center) with seven of his team members, believes in fitting the job to the person, not the other way around. FEATURE | Best Bosses Of 2018 34 | OCTOBER 2018 |