PPB March 2020

company with a focus on creating tangible connections for clients with their target audience. It offers a full range of services for organizations and individuals, and operates under four core values that comprise the soul of the company and define its culture: customer service, quality, creativity and integrity. How did you get into the promotional products industry and what were you doing previously? Throughout my 20’s, I was lucky to work in a variety of support roles in fields likemarketing, event management, operations and human resources while also attending university at night working toward a business degree. While interviewing for an executive assistant job, two things occurred tome: I really wouldn’t be happy in that job, but I loved going on the interviews. So, I thought ‘Hey—maybe I would enjoy a career in sales.’ But what could I sell? I always loved buying promo items and awards inmy previous jobs and had seen the impact and power they possessed when given away at events, so I went to sell for the company I had bought from. I soon learned that just because I was enthused about them, I still had a huge learning curve ahead of me when it came to sales. Today I admire and empathize with salespeople as a result. How would you describe your company to a client? Besides being wonderful? [I would say] ‘Plan-It Promotions is a solid, client-centric promotional products company that truly focuses on our client’s objectives and helps themmeet or exceed those objectives. Whether our brand experts are assisting with one product or a campaign, we can be counted on to focus on your objectives, delivering a quality product, on time and on budget. You’ll be thrilled with the result!’ In what ways is your company different from others? Being 100-percent female-owned, we nurture an emotionally safe and supportive environment where people are comfortable to be themselves. Our sales awards are monthly and are not awarded based on pitting one person against the other. Knowing small successes lead to larger ones (and sometimes the smaller ones are even harder to achieve than larger ones) we celebrate both small and large successes. We were at the forefront of implementing technology to support remote salespeople. We realized early on the importance of work-life balance and the ability to work remotely helps our people enjoy a healthy work-life balance. Toronto and Southern Ontario have a rich and diverse ethnic and religious mix, and we hire a workforce that mirrors that. Our staff members are diverse in culture and religious beliefs and we foster inclusiveness for all. What is your proudest career accomplishment so far? I’m super proud of our long-standing relationships starting with the people here at Plan-It. Many have been here 10 tomore than 20 years. Our strong client and supplier relationships are also something I’mvery proud of. Mutual respect has always been a strong value we live by, demonstrating it and receiving it daily. It feels good and builds trust for everyone. Opening Plan-It was motivated by a desire to create an environment where, above all else, we were truly focused on our client’s needs, and in order to do that, we’ve put resources and a support system in place so our brand experts can do that. Providing great support to our salespeople is a huge factor in our longevity. What are your plans/goals for this year? Are you trying anything new? Bringing evenmore young people into our team is a goal for 2020. We love their youthful energy and refreshing perspectives. They have somuch talent to contribute to a creative environment. Another goal is creatingmore relevant onlinemarketing content that will engage our clients. What are your biggest challenges and how are you working to solve them? Remaining current with technology. While we have a wonderful contractor whomanages our IT, there are almost unlimited options in both the operations andmarketing sides of the business. While I think we do this well, we could always be better. What is your favorite product or campaign in which your product was used? Why is it a favorite? There have been somany amazing products and campaigns. In one, we were asked to provide gift options for a Canadian post-secondary school that has a strong relationship with the Asian community. We designed the graphics and card, and each one was personalized with the recipient's name. The client’s target audience was thrilled with the results, and so were we. In terms of campaigns, fundraising programs andmerchandise are some things we really get behind in a big way. They’re rewarding because we knowwe are contributing to the success of some very worthy causes. Another area that’s pretty thrilling is providing FEATURE | Women In Business 58 | MARCH 2020 |