PPB October 2020

Shamrock Companies, Inc. PPAI 285644 Shirts From Fargo PPAI 787297 Showcase Awards & Trophies PPAI 787221 Silver Line Promotions PPAI 787299 Sir Speedy Printing PPAI 787337 Six Horse Creative PPAI 712766 Small Biz Printing DBA Total Custom Solutions PPAI 545300 Special T Designs PPAI 786775 STLCreative PPAI 790222 Sweet Jane Store, LLC PPAI 785799 Tara Promotional Products, Inc. PPAI 286439 The Printer PPAI 787245 The Printing Department PPAI 787610 The Synthetic Creative, LLC PPAI 787458 TJR Designs PPAI 737484 TLM Custom PPAI 787436 Trellis Concepts PPAI 790054 Triad Graphics, Inc. PPAI 790093 Trinity Enterprise Group, LLC PPAI 789887 Universal Sign & Graphics PPAI 786793 Victory Advertising PPAI 786871 VIP Self Promo PPAI 788737 Wired Graphics, LLC PPAI 787398 Wonderfully Made Brands PPAI 787203 Suppliers Essef Distributors PPAI 383490 Gizmo Sanitizer PPAI 790185 N8 Essentials, LLC PPAI 790121 Prizes for Excellence PPAI 769006 Raw Mfg., Inc. PPAI 243031 Rush Service PPAI 789923 Turtleson PPAI 787366 Turtleson team were past colleagues of mine when I was with another group of brands and witnessed our success there in this segment. What’s your favorite thing about being in the promotional products industry? Two things actually: the pace and range of creativity. Regarding pace, we know the speed of this business is not for the faint of heart, but there’s an energy you get from it that I love. To execute well, you need to be firing on all cylinders and it’s fun to watch your team excel and deliver. Culture is a critical factor in being able to service efficiently and a high priority at Turtleson. They do not underestimate the importance of shared core values—something most will say they appreciate and consider a priority but don’t actually act on it. I saw what happens to a brand’s product and operation when that commitment is gone and the realization that it’s missing comes too late. You want to work with suppliers who not only can execute but want to service this industry. That’s what makes the difference. The second is creativity. My focus is to find solutions for customers. While some solutions present easily, others require more or something different. Especially now, new ideas and concepts are key. I am always learning from our customers what works, what doesn’t and where we can be better in terms of what we offer in products and services—because life is constantly changing. That push keeps you motivated always. Why did you join PPAI? We joined PPAI to have access to the tools and industry information needed to make good strategic decisions— things I can’t possibly get to alone wearing the multiple hats I do. It’s like anything though—to enjoy the benefits, you have to actively participate. I find their team committed to my success and consider some of them true colleagues of mine after working with them for over a decade. | OCTOBER 2020 | 103 CONNECT