PPB January 2019

the SAAGNY Foundation, Jennrich experienced one of her most rewarding volunteer moments when she coordinated Santa visits for the Lavelle School of the Blind. “Seeing the faces of children as Santa taught them how to play the kazoo or let them feel his beard was something very special,” Jennrich says. Over the course of her 42 years in the promotional products industry, Jennrich has shared, guided, mentored and given back in countless ways, and somehow, she always finds a way to give back just a little bit more. “A person like Michele is a rare find. Her giving to the industry is unending,” says industry colleague and nominator, Richard Danziger, president of Bankers Pen, Inc. “Michele is the consummate industry professional [who] exemplifies what industry excellence is all about, but Michele’s giving does not end within the industry. Michele is one of those rare people who manages to find time to also give in her local community.” Jennrich undoubtedly possesses a great love for the promotional products industry and shares an equal passion for helping those in her New Jersey community. She has served as logistics chair for the American Cancer Relay for Life, organized backpacks for low-income children, volunteered on a community committee after Hurricane Irene ripped through Parsippany, New Jersey, and served on a committee that made homemade spaghetti dinners for first responders after the hurricane. For 15 years, Jennrich has also been a Township of Parsippany Board of Adjustments member. Jennrich particularly enjoyed serving as a Road to Recovery driver for the American Cancer Society, during which she drove patients to their treatments. Sometimes, though, she became more than a driver. Jennrich recalls a poignant moment when an older woman she had driven to the doctor received news that her cancer had spread, and she had a short amount of time to live. “This was devastating news to hear without any family around,” Jennrich says. “I was so happy to be there for her.” However she is called to help, volunteering comes naturally to Jennrich, who grew up volunteering with her parents. As big supporters of Boys & Girls Clubs of America, her family often wrapped presents at the mall before Christmas or volunteered at the concession stand during baseball games. “I also moved around quite a bit,” she says, “and volunteering gave me the opportunity to meet new people and give back a little.” Jennrich’s heartfelt service and impactful contributions have brightened the promotional products industry, but Jennrich doesn’t desire the spotlight. “There are so many people in this industry who do so much,” she says. “I am humbled to be recognized and honored to be selected.” Patricia Dugan, MAS, of BUDGETCARD, Inc., who nominated Jennrich for the award, says that her colleague has become an icon for her tireless service, both inside and outside of the industry. “I have never known Michele to say no to any request for help,” Dugan says. “Michele has never done anything in order to get recognition. She has volunteered because it was the right thing to do.” When Jennrich looks back on her career, she counts it a great success to have worked in the industry for 42 years and to have worked for Howard Miller Co. for 25 of those years. “Success is being the sole provider for most of those years and being a responsible adult and member of my industry and society,” she says. If Jennrich finds herself with a spare hour, she’ll spend it walking at the beach or calling her family in California. “I am the proud mother of one son, Chris, who is married, and with his wife, Jennifer, are the parents of my two grandchildren, Bryce and Brynn,” she says. “Unfortunately, we live on opposite coasts, but thank goodness for Facetime.” Jennrich may shy away from the spotlight, but when it comes to lending a hand, helping others thrive and building up the promotional products industry, she shines. Audrey Sellers is a Dallas, Texas-area writer and former associate editor of PPB. Far left, Michele Jennrich is all smiles as chair of the SAAGNY show on its opening day in Atlantic City in the 1990s. Left, Jennrich’s family includes granddaughter Brynn and grandson Bryce. FEATURE | Celebrating The Exceptional 40 | JANUARY 2019 |