PPB October 2019

implement them. While focused on results, he also celebrated progress. Johnmade me feel valued. He supportedme endlessly at Arrow Uniform and still to this day. I consider him a mentor, teacher and role model. Her advice for managing others: I don’t see myself as a boss, I view myself as a coach. If you think about the best coach you’ve ever had they provide immediate feedback, recognize achievements (even the small ones) and help develop you on and off the field. They build relationships that allow for tough conversations. And, most importantly they create a culture of positive teamwork. Sharing best practices to foster a team environment helps a sales team feel connected. I feel passionately about serving our team as their coach and their biggest fan. I findmy sense of success and accomplishment throughmy team’s development and success. Trina’s insights on her best boss: I had the privilege to work for Jerry York, the iconic CFO of IBM and Chrysler whomentored me early inmy management career. He was by far the toughest boss I have ever had, but he taught me to always be prepared and knowmy business inside and out. He also taught me to never be a victim. If I amhaving a rough week, I hear his words inmy head: “Don’t be a victim of your circumstances; take the reins and find the solution.” Her advice for managing others: Listen to your associates. Create a mentoring, energized and kind environment where people feel safe and empowered to bring you the good and bad news. Many times, the best opportunities to grow and improve the business comes from listening to your team. Bret Bonnet President Quality Logo Products Aurora, Illinois Years managing others: 16 Why he was nominated: “Since day one, Bret has acted as my mentor and has helpedme grow the department in ways neither of us expected,” says one of his three nominators, Kate Oscarson. “Every day Bret challenges me with new projects, encourages me to share my opinion and gives me plenty of room to figure things out and continue to grow. It’s a great feeling to have the trust of your boss, the freedom to do your job and to feel the passion and excitement of working every day. Bret has definitely inspired that inme, and it has spread throughout our entire department.” Bret’s insights on his best boss: I’ve worked for myself and/or as my own boss for most my life. The best boss ever has to be my partner in crime at QLPMichael Wenger. I swear he’s the byproduct of a Tony Robbins and Adam Sandler love child. The man is unstoppable, inspirational and the definition of the freaking Energizer Bunny. He’s taught me more in our time together than all of Wikipedia. His advice for managing others: I’m the farthest thing from your traditional boss or leader. For better or for worse, I lack a filter of any kind. My advice is “honesty is the best policy.” Transparency matters. Never lie. I’m also a terrible liar so I’ve got that going for me—LOL. Bret Bonnet with his three nominators, from left, Kate Oscarson, Kelsey Skager and Alyssa Mertes. Best Bosses Of 2019 | FEATURE | OCTOBER 2019 | 25