PPB August 2020

Pau l a Shu lman , CAS A Leader With A Glow Paula Shulman, CAS, PPAI’s 2020 Woman of Achievement, has spent 40 years in the promotional products industry, climbing the corporate ladder and serving as an inspiration to future professionals. by Danielle Renda M ore than four decades ago, Paula Shulman, CAS, made the move from bustling Manhattan to bucolic Fairfield County. As a newlywed and young mother living in New York City, she had started working as a professional model, but after moving to Connecticut she decided to settle into her new suburban lifestyle and find work closer to home. As a Bridgeport University graduate with a degree in early childhood education, Shulman came upon an ad in the newspaper for a secretary at a nearby distributor, and was offered the position. It was through this role—and as is so characteristic of an industry where relationships are key—she became acquainted with Bob Lederer, who founded supplier Prime Line, then in Stamford, in 1980. A few years later, Lederer offered her a job at Prime Line as a receptionist—and she stayed there for 36 years, working her way up to vice president of sales before retiring in 2018. At a time when women were largely underrepresented in the industry, Shulman’s presence as one of the first females to climb the ladder at a Top 40 supplier opened doors. “When I first started, you could count on one hand, maybe, the women who were in the industry, and it has slowly evolved,” she says. “I think it’s sped up in the past few years, but it’s been a hard-fought battle to recognize women, not just in our industry, but probably in many others as well. To break down the barriers of the good ol’ boys’ club was not easy, but once I did, that’s when it sort of felt like I had arrived, that I had equal say.” Shulman has used her voice to advocate for, support and help develop the industry, having served on several boards, most recently as immediate past chair of the board of Premier Group from 2018-2019, and earlier on the Board of Trustees for the Promotional Products Education Foundation from 2015-2018. She also served on the board for the Specialty Advertising Association of Greater New York (SAAGNY) and was president from 2011- 2012. And her dedication to the positions she served in was something special. As noted by her nominators—Kippie Helzel, MAS, of CPS/Keystone Line and Amanda Clay, MAS, of Walker- Clay, Inc.—Shulman has been an advocate for both PPEF and SAAGNY “before, during and after her service on the boards.” Outside of the promotional products industry, Shulman has shown her commitment to bettering the local community by volunteering for faith-based organizations serving the Greater Fairfield County area. She’s been a longtime volunteer for the Elayne and James Schoke Jewish Family Service of Fairfield County, a Stamford-based nonprofit with a mission to help sustain families and individuals during challenging periods and work toward a stronger, healthier community. Shulman dedicates her time to volunteering for its Food Pantry and Meals on Wheels delivery program, where she helps organize and maintain the food pantry, and meets with homebound clients to provide home-delivered meals, along with weekly visits to alleviate their loneliness. She is also on the board of directors of Temple Beth El Sisterhood, where she helps to benefit the TBE community through religious, social and educational events, which includes being a member of the A Hope In Motion team during Stamford Hospital’s annual Walk & Run event to support Bennett Cancer Center; helping with High Holidays and Passover food sales, Sisterhood Shabbat, breakfast at the conclusion of Yom Kippur and working as a volunteer in 60 | AUGUST 2020 | THINK