PPB May 2020

L i sa DeJong , MAS Moving From Transactional to Relational Lisa DeJong, MAS, vice president of sales at distributor CE Competitive Edge, LLC, predicts that marketing will move from transactional to relational as people crave human connection amid the global pandemic. by Kristina Valdez L isa DeJong, MAS found herself in the promotional products industry by chance. But after 22 years in the industry— and pushing through the current economic challenges and business changes —she’s committed to the power of promo more than ever. In the late ’80s, DeJong stepped away from her corporate career for 10 years to raise her family. When a friend recommended her for a sales support position at a promotional products distributor in town, she jumped at it. “I took the job, and I was hooked,” she says. “That was it, and I was in love with this industry.” Immediately, DeJong was drawn to the promotional products themselves. She especially loved the colorful variety of products available on the market for customization—a limitless array of everything imaginable, from tech gadgets to writing instruments, wearables and housewares. DeJong started working for Michigan-based distributor CE Competitive Edge as a part- time sales account manager 17 years ago. Over time, her responsibilities have grown, and, today, she is a valued member of the leadership team. After transitioning to working- from-home full time due to coronavirus, DeJong has had time to reevaluate her goals and plans for this year. “Priorities are changing, and they are changing rapidly,” she says. “I am finding myself redirecting, sometimes hour by hour, to meet the demands of the business climate and the needs of the team at CE Competitive Edge.” Working from home presents new hurdles for DeJong and the 14 | MAY 2020 | INNOVATE