PPB March 2021

Ma r k Abe l s , MAS fast-growing because the distributors just hadn’t thought much about watches before. It was something new for them.” When Abels took over the business, he streamlined Selco’s focus once again. In 2009, Selco began to exclusively produce watches, and in 2010, the company bought S&S Watch Company, and in 2020, it acquired Belair Watch Company. “Watches tend to get in [incentive] programs and companies don’t like to change them; that doesn’t mean we don’t try to come up with new and better items, but you can have a watch stay in a program for 25 years. It’s not unusual,” says Abels. During the 28 years that Abels has been involved in the family business, he has dedicated his efforts to volunteering in the industry, and to learning from other industry professionals. Abels— who is recipient of PPAI’s 2021 Distinguished Service Award, an annual honor presented to Association members who consistently contribute their skills and expertise toward the betterment of the Association—began volunteering for PPAI in 1995, when he served as a workshop assistant with PPAI Facilitators. He served in a number of leadership roles over the years, including chair of the PPAI Marketing Information & Research Committee from 2008-2010 and chair of the PPAI Suppliers Committee from 2013-2015. He was advisory chair of the Conventions Advisory Council from 2002-2008, advisory chair of the Awards Advisory council and advisory chair of the Technology, Terminology & Standards Council in 2002- 2003. In addition, he was a member of 12 PPAI committees from 1998-2018 and served on the Leadership Development Workshop Task Force in 2009. Abels also served on the board for his regional association, Promotional Products Association Southwest, from 2010-2011. He was named a PPAI Fellow in 2016. Speaking on her experience working directly with Abels (above) Mark Abels, left, and his father Larry Abels, packaging 600 watches to deliver for an event in Naples, Florida. (right) A then and now look at Larry and Mark Abels. But growing up around the family business—Selcowas foundedbyAbels’s grandfather, Jack Seligson, and later takenover by his father, LarryAbels— he not only knew what was needed to carry on the business, but to carry it forward aswell. 62 | MARCH 2021 | THINK