PPB April 2019

HALO PPAI 759194 HALO PPAI 759196 HALO PPAI 759198 HALO PPAI 759200 HALO PPAI 759202 HALO PPAI 759204 HALO PPAI 759206 HALO PPAI 759208 HALO PPAI 759210 HALO PPAI 759212 HALO PPAI 759214 HALO PPAI 759216 HALO PPAI 759218 HALO PPAI 759220 HALO PPAI 759222 HALO PPAI 759224 HALO PPAI 759226 HALO PPAI 759228 HALO PPAI 759230 HALO PPAI 759232 HALO PPAI 759234 HALO PPAI 759236 HALO PPAI 759238 HALO PPAI 759244 HALO PPAI 759246 HALO PPAI 759248 HALO PPAI 759252 HALO PPAI 759254 HALO PPAI 759256 HALO PPAI 759258 HALO PPAI 759260 HALO PPAI 759262 HALO PPAI 759264 HALO PPAI 759266 HALO PPAI 759268 HALO PPAI 759270 HALO Branded Solutions PPAI 671310 HALO Branded Solutions PPAI 755591 HBDGR Enterprises, LLC PPAI 714968 HESAPA LASER SOLUTIONS PPAI 714968 Houston Wholesale Printing PPAI 338464 I M Print Promo, Inc. PPAI 606254 NEW MEMBER SPOTLIGHT How did your company get its start? One thing I love about ZipSip is that we do have a fun story. Like many others, it starts with a bit of frustration and a desire to improve my current situation. I would get so frustrated trying to enjoy a cold beverage in a sweaty cup or glass using a beverage holder meant for a can or bottle, and finally I just decided to do something about it. Now with the ZipSip, the problem is solved. It’s the only beverage holder on the market that seamlessly transitions from cans and bottles, to a Solo cup, bar glass, pint glass and everything in between. In the beginning I took a regular can cooler with my clothing company logo, ripped it apart and had my dad, who is a retired tool designer, help with the prototype. I showed it to some friends and people just loved them. We made a couple more prototypes and filed the patents. Once the patents were official, it really started to take off and I hope it doesn’t slow down. What led your company to enter the promotional products market? The plan to enter the promotional products industry really just evolved naturally out of market research. Everyone we showed a ZipSip to ask if we could do them with a company logo or if they could get a custom order, and that’s the path we decided to follow. What’s your favorite thing about being in the promotional products industry? As time passes and ZipSip sees growth I’m sure my favorite things will change but starting out, I can say without a doubt my favorite thing is the sense of community I have experienced. From day one there has been a welcoming sentiment from everyone I’ve worked with. I knew it would be fun, and it is, but I’m overwhelmed with the warm welcome. Why did you join PPAI? Great mentorship has made such a difference in every aspect of my career life and the ZipSip story and my journey to join PPAI is no different. In the very early planning stages, when I was thinking of making the jump into the promotional products market, I reached out to a few key mentors and ask them who they knew in the industry. As I followed those leads and asked for advice, one thing I heard repeatedly was “join the professional Association.” So, for me, not joining wasn’t even a thought. It was great advice, the support from PPAI has exceeded my expectations. I knew PPAI would be helpful, but the amount of resources they make available and the early support is a game-changer. Lacie Leatherman CEO and Founder ZipSip Derby, Kansas PPAI 752907 | APRIL 2019 | 93 CONNECT