PPB April 2020

ChrisDollar President Chris Dollar Marketing Group Austin, Texas Chris Dollar was recruited into the promotional products industry in 1993 by supplier Outdoor Cap Company upon graduation from Oklahoma State University. After 10 years with the company, he opened his own business called River Rock Apparel. After RRA closed, he became a multi-line rep and started CDMG in 2009, representing the Southwest territory. Today, CDMG consists of four multi-line reps: Matt Sheffer, Tina Fincher, Dick Rauner and Thomas Robertson, and Jaleen Rippy, who manages the office for the team. Nominator: Geoffrey Duncan, Radius Display Products What makes him the best: “Chris brought to our attention to some items that he was getting questions about,” says nominator Geoffrey Duncan. “It was something we didn’t offer at the time, and his team could have simply said, ‘No, we don't offer that,’ and left it at that. Instead, his team recognized there was a serious need for this item and clients were not able to easily source it. As a direct result of that feedback, we pursued the opportunity, and with some trial and error, we figured out how to make the item (Slim Stand Glow) and it was added to our 2020 catalog. Chris’s going the extra mile and thinking out of the box resulted in increased business and improved service.” His secret to success: The CDMG team and honesty, honesty, honesty. Even if it’s bad news, and it is hard news to deliver, distributors and suppliers can react to honesty and truthfulness in a timely manner. How distributors can help reps do a better job: I work with great distributors overall. The best way to help me is to give me the complete ask in the initial conversation, whether it’s by text, email or phone. For example, I need the in-hands date, quantity needed and budget for the project, and attach the art file. The biggest issue facing reps today: I believe we have two big issues. First, consolidation and mergers between suppliers, and second, product crossover from each supplier trying to expand and grow their bottom line. I believe time and the future will tell us what the solutions will be. What he wants distributors to know: [I’d like them to know] howmuch we are truly on the move, from show to show and between multiple appointments each day. This slows down our response time to our emails and phone calls. His alternate career choice: I would love to be a motivational speaker, encouraging and pushing people to be the best they can. “Chris’s going the extramile and thinking out of the box resulted in increased business and improved service.” —GeoffreyDuncan Best Multi-Line Reps | FEATURE | APRIL 2020 | 53