PPB March 2020

The Will To Win DENISE ACQUAYE Founder, Co-Owner FASTSIGNS Newark, New Jersey Denise Acquaye, owner of distributor FASTSIGNS, doesn’t shy away from change—she leans into it. When she first began running her business in 2012 with her husband Robert, FASTSIGNS was just beginning to offer customers more than signage. Today, Acquaye displays pens, wearables, award plaques and inflatables in her store along with the limitless possibilities for signage. It’s a reflection of your business, Acquaye says, when customers use a pen or see amagnet with your business name on it. Like the FASTSIGNSmotto—more than fast, more than signs—Acquaye takes the time to tell customers who are opening a new business or having a huge sale why it’s important to send their customers home with something special. How did you get into the promotional products industry and what were you doing previously? When I first came into the industry, FASTSIGNS was just transitioning to bemore than signs. When they toldme that, I bought hook-line-and-sinker into this thing. I got on the bandwagon very quickly. I was like, ‘Okay, I can do that.’ I started selling right away. I used to run amagazine for a partner, and we did very nice giveaways for all our events. So, before I even openedmy doors, I thought I’d sell promotional products. All I had to do was come up with some ideas or search for what I was looking for. Six savvy female business owners talk about their companies and what it takes to achieve their dreams. by PPB Staff W omen are the ultimate multitaskers. From raising children to starting businesses and running companies, they want it all, so they set their sights high. According to the National Association of Women Business Owners, there are 114 percent more women entrepreneurs in the U.S. today than there were 20 years ago, and 40 percent of U.S. businesses are women-owned. In celebration of International Women’s Day on March 8, PPB spoke with six successful female business owners and leaders across the promotional products industry. Their stories are sure to inspire your professional growth, no matter who you are or what your goal is. FEATURE | Women In Business 56 | MARCH 2020 |