PPB January 2021

products. A lifelong learner, speaking to students is something Moisant is particularly passionate about. “They remember my name became I give them a promotional product,” she says. “People like Teresa drive this industry forward, not just through the force of their will, though that is mighty, but through looking around and pulling up the people around them,” says Kate Plummer, vice president of supplier Clearmount Plastics in Scarborough, Ontario, and another of Moisant’s nominators. “There is much to be said about the power of quiet leadership. While no one would ever use the word ‘quiet’ to describe Teresa, it’s fitting. Her form of leadership is to encourage, inspire, to push and nudge. You’re always going to get her take on situations but with it comes messages of support and care in the form of calls, emails, texts and more. When you’re trying something new, Teresa will make sure to reach out and give you the boost that you weren’t sure you needed.” Teresa is constantly investing in others. “She has a way of teaching values and delivering life lessons that make people sit up and listen,” says Maribeth Sandford, CAS, CEO of Union, Illinois- based supplier BAG MAKERS, Inc., and another nominator. “The example she sets makes for a better world. It is this purpose that guides her everyday life. Consistency is Teresa’s middle name. That consistency is exceeded only by her compassion for others and her commitment to help them realize their goals.” Outside of the industry, Moisant has served in various capacities for Leadership Oklahoma City from 2007 to the present, including on its board of directors and as its vice president, positions she’s held since 2018 and 2019, respectively. Moisant also serves on the Oklahoma Children’s Hospital Advisory Board and the Mount St. Mary Catholic High School Board of Trustees, positions she’s held since 2017 and 2016, respectively. She's served on the Oklahoma City Public School Foundation Board from 2012-2014, where she helped to establish a “Teacher’s Warehouse” and solicited donations for teacher materials from large and small businesses, and individuals. She also served on the Board of Regents for Oklahoma City Community College from 2009-2016, and was its chairman in 2015. In 2009, Moisant was recognized by the Oklahoma City Journal Record as its Woman of the Year, and was also named to its list of Fifty Women Making a Difference in the State of Oklahoma in 2009, 2010 and 2016. In this same year, she was named The Successful Woman of the Year by the Oklahoma Hispanic Chamber of Commerce. “Teresa’s spirit of philanthropy and community service is unmatched,” says nominator Sherri C. Lennarson, MAS, who is retired from distributor Bankers Advertising Company in Iowa City, Iowa, and is a past PPAI Board Chair. “She goes about giving back in countless ‘silent’ ways. Teresa wrote the book on paying it forward.” “Teresa lives her life as an example to all of us,” says nominator Paul Lage, MAS, president of IMAGEN Brands in Mason, Ohio, and a past PPAI Board Chair. “Her passion to mentor women in our industry is as heartwarming as it is impactful. Personally, I think she has mentored just as many men. Teresa is one of those ’givers’ in our world and we have all benefited from that.” Moisant brings her passion to every project she engages in. In her free time she’s an avid gardener, and is known in her neighborhood as “the lady with all the flowers.” As meticulous in her garden as she is in business, she says, “I keep notes for each season and what I’m going to change for the next season.” She’s also a self-proclaimed sports fanatic, and her favorite team is University of Oklahoma football (Oklahoma Sooners). “I am passionate, passionate about it!” she says. “On a Friday night, you’re going to find me at a football or a basketball game, and Saturdays I’ll be at the University of Oklahoma.” Danielle Renda is associate editor of PPB. Teresa and late husband Bill Moisant opened their distributorship in 1990 and built it entirely on word-of- mouth advertising. This year's PPAI Hall of Fame award is sponsored by St Regis Group. PPAI Hall Of Fame:Teresa Moisant, MAS | FEATURE | JANUARY 2021 | 29