PPB December 2020
we amped up our acquisitions strategy and we tripled down on our outbound digital marketing tactics,” he says. “Structurally, we have built and staffed a full-time fulfillment and distribution center to meet the demands of drop-ship kits directly to remote workers while also managing the growing needs for our enterprise stores and clients,” he says. QRG also established an inside sales department, offering new ways for its employees to grow professionally and better allocating responsibilities between the business development and account management teams. As a PPAI board member and incoming chair, Pottebaum has been overseeing the planning of Expo Direct-2-You from a board perspective; an event designed to provide attendees with the experience of the PPAI Expo while best ensuring the health, safety and social distancing of attendees. “We’ve worked diligently to redirect, prepare and plan programming to meet our members where they are, which has been perpetually evolving since the beginning of the pandemic. These efforts will be on display during this live, four-day virtual event with content to help our members address critical business needs at a time they need it most.” Pottebaum believes that the past year has certainly affected his perspective of what it means to be a company leader, especially during and in the aftermath of a global pandemic. “Leaders set the tone amidst any crisis,” he says. “The most effective leaders must exhibit a wide variety of qualities to lead teams through the danger while also capitalizing on opportunities.” When asked what he believes are the most important leadership qualities today, he says: “The leader’s ability to remain calm, steadfast and cope with uncertainty” to “make decisions with the best information they have, and be willing to own mistakes and quickly redirect” and that “teams will rally behind leaders who communicate frequently, transparently and with empathy.” The promotional products industry, which has demonstrated resilience in its ability to recover and thrive, will continue to evolve, and Pottebaum is confident that “we will persevere,” although he anticipates more consolidation and insolvency. His greatest concern, he says, “is the speed by which we return to pre-pandemic levels,” and he believes the industry will not fully recover until 2023. Moving forward, in 2021 he’ll continue to lead QRG toward a goal of reaching $75 million in sales, with plans to grow organically and through acquisitions. Danielle Renda is associate editor of PPB. Todd Po t t ebaum, MAS+ www.americanaccents.com BEVERAGE WRAPS & SLEEVES Material adds insulation & allows for easier grip Digitally printed with 4-Color Process Corrugated surface adds interest & dimension Design allows for quick & glue-less assembly 50 piece minimums! 3 day turnaround Made & printed in the USA Made from renewable resources Recyclable & Biodegradable PPAI: 111248 | ASI: 35375 | SAGE: 50327 | UPIC: ACCENTS | DC:101273 888.287.7883 | customerservice@americanaccents.com (Beverage Wrap) (Beverage Sleeves) Pre-assembled for added convenience | DECEMBER 2020 | 75 THINK
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