PPB October 2019

Michael Hicks Founder/President BEST Promotions USA Balch Springs, Texas Years managing others: Almost 30 Why he was nominated “He lets us be us. Through success and failure, he is right there along for the ride. It’s really hard to put words around it. It’s his charisma, I guess. It’s infectious,” says Lee Simerly, who’s worked for him for 14 years and is one of three nominators. “You can be having a terrible day and even have a list of all of your problems and one comment from him turns it all around. People just feel his genuineness.” Michael’s insights on his best boss: I can’t name just one because I have learned to take the best parts of several bosses to formmy own leadership style. In the industry, I have only had two bosses up until we sold BEST Promotions USA to Hub Promotional Group in 2017. What I learned from them, in summary, was a relentless work ethic—having the habits and mindset to where no one will outwork us. Also, to have the interpersonal bond of trust that puts the other person first. His advice for managing others: Culture will beat strategy every day. Treat people as you want to be treated and be authentic. Have the courage to face problems and behavioral issues head on and protect the culture you want to have. Michael Hicks, third from left, with team members Kristi Smith, Lee Simerly and Janna Rodriguez. Cathy Houston Vice President/ Senior Account Manager Delta Marketing Group South Burlington, Vermont Years managing others: 10 Why she was nominated: “Cathy is a leader who truly listens to everyone before she makes a comment or forms a decision,” says nominator Melinda Lathrop, one of four direct reports. “You will never find her talking over anyone in a meeting. She promotes open lines of communication for all her employees by offering us the opportunity to chat with her directly on Google Hangouts or shoot her a text if we need something urgently. Cathy is great at listening to employees when they have an issue. She always tries to find a way to help overcome these obstacles.” Cathy’s insights on her best boss: My best boss was at one of my first jobs as an administrative assistant at a ski resort. He was great to work with and for because he was a patient teacher who had this approach: try it and if doesn’t work, let’s figure it out together. He valued my input and I felt like I was able to make a difference. He was also very supportive of me as a full-time working momwith two small children. Her advice for managing others: The best piece of advice for any boss would be open communication. My goal is to empower my teamwith the tools so they can learn, grow and succeed. This enables me to trust and value their input which allows me to learn, grow and succeed. And, I never act like the boss. I am just the teammember with the most experience. Cathy Houston, left, with her direct report and nominator Melinda Latham. 32 | OCTOBER 2019 | FEATURE | Best Bosses Of 2019