PPB October 2020

ROBERT CUNNINGHAM President Uniflex Hauppauge, New York Before Robert Cunningham joined supplier Uniflex 25 years ago as an artist, he was a graphic designer working for a variety of agencies. While in college, he worked as a designer, caterer, ski instructor and in construction to pay the bills. He says he’s held leadership positions most of his work life, ranging from supervising a few employees to more than 100. Those who nominated him cited his ability to allow his sales team to work independently while remaining available to lend support and guidance as needed. “As a salesperson in the Uniflex division, Rob allows us to own our business from sales contact to negotiation to winning the sale and processing the order. If needed, he is there to help in any of the stages,” says Neil Sklar. Francine Carlino says, “Rob is always available to lend support and guidance, while at the same time lets me be an autonomous salesperson. He wants you to succeed and do well and will help you to achieve that in any way he can.” Cunningham is also described as a kind and compassionate person who’s not afraid to show he cares. “I ended up in a hospital while at an industry trade show and he stayed with me for a few days after the show and took me home,” says Michael Burger. “[In doing so] he missed his surprise 50th birthday [party] that his family was going to have for him. That’s what makes him different.” Robert Cunningham on his best boss. I would say I have had some great bosses as well as some real bad ones. But I have learned something from each and every one of them. Understanding what works and what doesn’t is important in shaping yourself as a leader. The most valuable lesson he’s learned frommanaging others. I have learned as a leader to listen more. Learning to empower people and listen to what they have to say will help you achieve your goals a lot faster and build a powerful team. His best advice for being a great boss. Communicate! It’s a trait that I try to improve on all the time. Share your vision and your passion with your teams. Talk to them, not at them. Create a collaborative environment and invite ideas. DREW DAVIS, MAS President Specialty Incentives, Inc. Denver, Colorado Drew Davis, MAS, is described by his nominators as a dynamic boss and a great communicator with a positive attitude. “I’ve always seen the greatness in him, but especially now, during the pandemic,” says nominator Lori Strike, a seven-year employee. “He has put his whole self into ‘flying the plane’ per se, to keep all his employees calm, motivated, focused as best as possible, and lifting spirits professionally and personally while we are all moving through these difficult times together.” Five-year employee and nominator Heather Taylor says, “Drew is awesome at communication. Even though we are not all together with the social distancing going on, he has purchased cameras for all staff to be able to stay in front of each other and support being together while we are apart. He holds frequent calls with all staff members to update them on things going on and celebrate the successes of all.” Nominator Dan Zyla, who’s been at Specialty Incentives for two years, likes how Davis cares about employees, especially when he asks about his family members using their first names. “Drew considers himself one of the team members and not the mighty owner of a company. He is kind-hearted and fair to all of his employees. And his door is always open regardless if it is something personal or about business.” Davis came to work at his family’s company in 2000 after earning a master of business administration Best Bosses 2020 | FEATURE | OCTOBER 2020 | 21