PPB January 2019

shelter for teens in Maine licensed to provide 24-hour care. The headquarters building is now called the Ann Geiger Center in honor of their mother. They were also lead supporters for a similar building project for Tree Free Youth, an inner city, after-school, drop-in center. It is now named The Geiger Center For Leadership And Learning. “His dedication to the promotional products industry has spanned his entire business career,” wrote Lantz in her nomination of Geiger. “He continues to serve selflessly, is lowkey about his accomplishments and quick to give credit to others. He has been a mentor to me and so many others.” Her nomination was supported by 13 peers—all former Hall of Fame members themselves. Looking back over the past four decades, Geiger speaks humbly about his part in the company’s accomplishments and says he’s proud to have helped grow a first-rate organization, one which has also given so much back to the industry. “I believe no company has and has had as many people volunteering at the regional and national level as we do,” he says. “There are few regional associations that have not had a Geiger person on their board or involved in their activities. And untold Geiger people give back to their communities in one form or another. In every place we operate, we are good corporate citizens.” He says he’s also proud that he’s been able to pick up the company from his father, and expand it in terms of size and improved capability, and navigate it through difficult times. Since its founding 140 years ago, the distributor has gone through numerous recessions, the Great Depression, two world wars and multiple economic shifts that would test any business. His most difficult challenge was the recent closing of the company’s manufacturing arm, Sun Graphix, in 2013. The factory, which had been in place since the company’s founding, manufactured calendars, datebooks, planners and the Farmers’ Almanac and employed 250 people, but the advent of personal computers and smartphones had lessened the demand for some of those products. “We were losing money and it was extremely difficult to make the decision to shut that business down,” he recalls. “If we had been purely focused on money, we would have sold off the business a decade earlier, but we delayed the inevitable out of loyalty to the people who worked there— some for 30 or 40 years.” After confronting that inevitable decision and many nights of sleepless anticipation, Geiger announced the closing at an all-hands meeting. To his surprise, after learning the news, the employees gave him a standing ovation rather than being angry. Because everyone had been kept informed of the challenges, they were not surprised and understood he had done his best to keep things going. A couple dozen employees found new jobs within the Geiger organization, and virtually all the others were helped with severance, counseling, resume writing and job fairs to help them land on their feet elsewhere. After 135 years of making products, the layoffs were the most difficult and sad task he says he’s ever faced. But the caring and respectful way it was handled is further testimony to the remarkable Geiger culture. When asked what the Hall of Fame induction means to him, he pauses for several minutes before answering. “It signifies that, in addition to being a reasonably successful businessperson, I’ve done things for our industry and for my community that have been worthy of note. It’s satisfying to think that I’ve done a reasonably good job of doing more than earning a living.” Despite Geiger’s significant success in driving the company forward, at 69 years old, he realizes it’s time to depart. “If I were to stay in place, the business would not adapt or grow as fast as it needs to,” he says. It is also essential to offer opportunities for others to elevate. “Talented people need to feel they can contribute at the highest levels, or they will go elsewhere. It is time for our company to be rethought and refreshed. I’m turning over the reins to a great team, but I’ll keep my hand in as board chair.” What’s next is still up in the air. Given Geiger’s love of learning, he says he would like to become conversational in Japanese and to live in other places—Alaska, Texas, Colorado or even Japan—for months at a time. Whatever he chooses, he says he’s ready to do something else. It’s time for his life to come full circle. Tina Berres Filipski is editor of PPB. Geiger with sons (from left) David and Jeff. FEATURE | Celebrating The Exceptional 28 | JANUARY 2019 |