PPB March 2020

custom items introducing new shows or seasons on streaming TV. We’ve created custommazes for Game of Thrones , among others. What are your tips to achieve a work/life balance? We all know the stock answers, but personally I love to work and therefore must be very conscious about remembering what my priority is and that family must come first. I’ve been married 35 years to a very understanding man with a great sense of humor, which helps. Stick to the tasks that must be done. Get back to clients quickly. Stay organized. Make lists. Don’t say ‘yes’ to everything. I keep a funny coaster on my desk that says, ‘Today is not the day and I am not the one.’ It reminds me that I don’t always have to be ‘on.’ Outside of work, how do you like to spend your time? Yoga, family and friends, skiing, traveling, learning, livemusic, theater and dahlia gardening. What advice or resources do you have for other women business owners or those planning to start their own business? Be committed to continually learning. Owning a business and being in this industry where the owners often sell, too, there are a lot of hats to wear and you’ll get better at all of themas time flies by. Be prepared for hard work and a lot of it. Be prepared to keep swimming when times are tough. I’ve drawn strength over the years froma delightful Elbert Hubbard quote: “A littlemore persistence, a littlemore effort and what seemed a hopeless failuremay turn into glorious success.” Be prepared to celebrate your successes often with those who helped you achieve them. — Tina Berres Filipski JORDIE FREEDMAN President Jornik Manufacturing Corp. Stamford, Connecticut Jordie Freedman is a seasoned professional, not only in terms of managing her family-owned supplier business, which she’s been involved in for more than 20 years, but in terms of creating a balance between work and juggling family responsibilities. She always manages tomake it to her children’s games, even if there’s only oneminute left. She alsomakes sure her employees are satisfied— she brings in tasty office treats every Friday—and does her best to remain positive, even during hectic periods. Nomatter what Freedman’s day brings, she faces it with a smile, especially if it results in another happy customer. How did you get into the promotional products industry and what were you doing previously? I was born into the industry. My parents, Jacquie and Peter Herz, originally had a distributorship, way, way back. They sold that to start Jornik. At the time, I was working in celebrity publicity and had a career in theater and television. I needed a mental pause, so I took a break. How long have you been in the industry? I started at Jornik in 1999, however, I have been helpingmy parents at trade shows since they started Jornik in the early ’90s. [In 2017, her parents transitioned ownership of the company to Freedman and her husband, Rory Freedman, who is treasurer and secretary]. How would you describe your company to a client? I like to describe Jornik as an innovative, creatively fun, fresh and unique company, that most likely has what you need. Additionally, I like to describe the Jornik experience much like shopping at your local, family-owned and operated supermarket; easy parking, short check-out lines with five brands of milk, not 20. In what ways is your company different from others? I can’t speak to other companies, I can only speak about Jornik and what makes Jornik special. Everyone who works at Jornik, from samples to order entry to sales, marketing, production, warehouse and shipping—everyone, everyone enjoys their job and this shows in what we, as a company, produce. What is your proudest career accomplishment so far? My proudest career accomplishment so far would have to be Jornik in 2020. Coming to work every day, seeing all my employees and knowing the opportunities and individual successes they each have is a direct correlation to my hard work and the [family] sacrifices I make. What are your plans/goals for this year? Are you trying anything new? My big plan for 2020 is the implementation of our newERP. We are all really excited for this! Our newERP systemwill allowus to be compliant with Promo Standards. The only new thing I have been trying is frozen broccoli. (Youwill hearmore about this, keep reading.) Women In Business | FEATURE | MARCH 2020 | 59