PPB October 2018

Her best boss My favorite boss of all time is Sean Patrick Kennedy, who supervised me in an intern position when I was in high school. He later hired me to be a producer in Dallas at the TV station he was working for. He never sugar- coated anything, and I always admired that because that’s not my strong suit. What managing others has taught her about herself Patience. I remember messing up a big order or not meeting the client’s in-hands date and I was so worried that my boss would yell at me or say hurtful things. Deep down, I’m a softie. So now in my role as owner, I remember that feeling of panic. At the end of the day, and I say this often when someone on our team messes up, it’s just pens. Her best advice for other bosses Listen to your team. Hear out their ideas. Support them in ways they are interested in pursuing for career or personal goals. A happy team is a successful team. Oh, and once or twice a year, surprise them with something fun out of the blue. A little gift in the mail, a bottle of champagne on their birthday or dinner with each of your team members individually. Everyone wants to feel special. DANON MIDDLETON VP of Supplier and Client Relations Summit Group Number of Direct Reports: 12 Years Managing Others: 30 L ike her career, Danon Middleton’s management experience has evolved from her start with Nevins Marketing in 1988 to the launch of Tango Partners with Marsha Londe and Leigh Canavan to bringing gourmet retailer Harry & David into the promotional products industry, and then to joining Summit Group, a Silver Spring, Maryland-based distributor. Middleton began managing others six months after joining Nevins as customer service manager. “I have had the pleasure of working with Danon for over 15 years,” says Carolyn Unger, one of Middleton’s seven nominators. “She is one of the most levelheaded, calm, cool and collected people I have ever met. She was born with the leadership gene. She has the ability to communicate with those she works with in a very friendly and straightforward manner, providing direction and guidance, always with a smile on her face and a can-do attitude.” Nominator Amy Rabideau, who has reported to Middleton for eight years, says when she finds herself in tough situations she asks herself, “What would Danon do?” “The answer is easy,” says Rabideau. “Always the high road. Always the professional. Always let the other person have a sense of winning. Always let the other person have a chance to grow. This is the essence of Danon’s management style and who she is as a person.” Jennifer LaPierre (center) enjoys spending time with her employees who include nominator Lauren Morris, far right. Danon Middleton (second from right) with team members (from left) Bruce Leaf, Carolyn Unger and Michael Londe. Insets from left: Amy Rabideau, Julie Thorpe and Marsha Londe. FEATURE | Best Bosses Of 2018 38 | OCTOBER 2018 |