PPB October 2018

and created a position specifically for her. “Now I’m doing two things that I love—promotional products and design/ marketing,” Bernd says. “He encourages me to use my passion for creativity to enhance our business.” What’s cool about Zac He offers a very strong work/life balance—even to salaried employees. His best boss Is it weird to say my dad? Actually, he was pretty great at showing me both what to do, and more importantly, what not to do—sometimes by accident. But he let me learn by making mistakes, which is the best way someone can grow. You hear horror stories of trying to work with family, but I can say the experience we’ve had over the last 13 years has been very gratifying, and enlightening. And entertaining. I’d also like to give a shout out to my boss at Fossil, Doug Smith. He was the first real boss I ever had, and he did a fantastic job of running a group of young, inexperienced knuckleheads, which I know is frustrating. But he took the time to teach me about the basics of customer service, respect in the office and Big 10 basketball. What managing others has taught him about himself That I have a lot to learn. Leading people is both the hardest, and most rewarding thing you can do. If you’re passionate about something as a leader, then it’s imperative you can share that passion in a way that others can understand, believe in and evangelize. No one truly wants to be managed, they want to be led. And there is a huge difference between the two. His best advice for other bosses Take the time to get to know the people you’re working with. If I’m being honest, empathy doesn’t come naturally to me, but when I make an honest effort, which I know I can do more of, then it’s amazing the difference it makes. I truly believe that if you care about those around you, and they know you have their back, then they’ll break down walls for you. JENNIFER LAPIERRE Owner Cayenne Marketing Number of Direct Reports: 6 Years Managing Others: 6+ “ I nmy journey to joining the promotional products world I have had some great jobs, but horrible bosses,” says LaPierre’s nominator LaurenMorris, a three-year employee. “It has been such a blessing to have not only a job that I love, but a boss I wouldn’t trade. Jennifer is supportive, hilarious, understanding, helpful and is always making sure we all have what we need to be successful.” LaPierre was director of media and public relations at Louisiana State University in Shreveport and an assistant recruiter in the Dallas area before joining the CayenneMarketing team in 2011. A year later she purchased the Bossier City, Louisiana, distributor. Now as owner, her focus is on client satisfaction and the company’s growth, as well as making sure employees are happy and have what they need to excel. “She has coachedme from the beginning to know all the ins and outs of this business, but she has also coachedme throughmy own personal growth. As a result of our relationship, I’ve developed new leadership, communicative and business skills that have been priceless inmeetingmy goals,” adds Morris. What’s cool about Jennifer She operates a small company in terms of employees and, as a result, she wears many hats: owner, sales, marketing, accounting, etc. It would be easy for her to keep a lot of information and decisions to herself, but she is receptive to new ideas and discusses the growth and success of the company with employees. When he’s around his team members, Zac Fowler likes to keep things interesting. FEATURE | Best Bosses Of 2018 36 | OCTOBER 2018 |