PPB September 2021

Ashley Grenell Age 34 Outside Sales Representative alphabroder/Prime Line Lansing, Michigan A shleyGrenell started her career as a corporate trainer for a Fortune 500 insurance company and hadworked there for almost 10 years when she realized shewantedmore. “I thought if I didn’t get out when I did, I would conformtoworking in a cube farmprobably for the rest ofmy life and not being paidwhat I wanted to earn,” she says. “I did a job search for ‘travel’ and ‘fashion’ because that’s what I’mpassionate about and I landedmyself an interview inAugusta, Georgia.” She says she nailed the interviewand joined supplier Augusta Sportswear in 2014 as an outside sales representative. A year later shemoved on to business-to-business sales before coming back into the promotional products industry in 2017, when she joined supplier alphabroder/Prime Line. “I’mpassionate for the industry and lovingwhat I do,” she says. Nominator Paul Kiewiet, MAS+, who is executive director of the Michigan Promotional Products Association (MiPPA), works withGrenell in her volunteer role on theMiPPAboard of directors and as co-chair of the Events Committee and the Advocacy andGovernance Committee. “When asked about board service, she didn’t hesitate to volunteer even though at the time she had only been in the industry for two years,” says Kiewiet. “She brings her A-game to everything she does and is passionate about her company, her job, the industry and her personal growth.” On the events committee, she helps produce a bi-monthly lunch-and-learn programand expanded its reach in collaborationwith two other regional associations. On the board, she leads by example. Kiewiet adds, “Ashley carefullyweighs the issues and challenges facing MiPPA and demonstrates reasoned thinking and ideas to advance our association and our industry.” About her sales rolewith alphabroder, Kieweit says, “She perceives herself not as in sales, but as an educator— she uses a consultative, solutions-based approach and her authenticity is instrumental in creating partnerships and building relationships.” Biggest challenge in the past year: This past year has challenged me a ton, more than I wanted at times. It’s definitely taught me to live in day-tight compartments. I am a dreamer, a doer and I am always looking to the future. Being stuck inside as an outside sales rep changed my perspective and created challenges of how to creatively sell from home. COVID-19 brought challenges into my day-to-day business, as I didn’t know what each day would bring. I pushed myself further outside my own box, was resilient to the ever-changing days and focused on the positive more so than ever. I created a “Zen Den” at my house, learned the practice of meditation and I am grateful for the quality family time that I got at home. I also relied on the relationships with my wonderful clients to overcome the unknown together. Proudest career accomplishment: I am very proud and grateful to have been named a PPB Rising Star. In addition, I am very proud of putting myself out there and taking a big risk at the time to leave a job where I was safe, sound and secure to find my real calling in sales. Had I not done that, I would not be the sales rep I am today. Most optimistic about for the industry’s future: I am always optimistic to see new products and innovative ideas that come out. I am also optimistic to see where the promo industry takes sustainability and eco-friendly products. Biggest concern for the industry’s future: My optimism is also my concern. People really think that the promo industry is wasteful. Inspiration: I have to give this one to my parents. I told myself I wasn’t going to be like them, but here we are. More and more I act like them as I get older and as much as the realization might drive me crazy, they are a true inspiration. They are always setting an example for me and my siblings, whether it’s good or bad and that’s the best part. I get to learn from them and listen, but not always take, their advice. They’ve inspired me to be myself, always have provided support and have been my No. 1 fans since Day One. Nothing else motivates me more than being a great parent and working hard. To accomplish in the next 24 months: My goal is to win the President’s Club at alphabroder. This is how the company recognizes its top seven sales representatives and they will be honored at The PPAI Expo 2022. Viva Las Vegas! Ideas to recruit and retain more young talent: Explaining what I do for a living isn’t always easy. It’s more than “I sell t-shirts” but not exactly “sales rep.” I say that though because I like to think of myself as an educator. The more people know, the more they will buy or use a product. I feel the same for the industry; the more we can educate people, the more we can attract and retain individuals in the industry. Advocacy is also important. I will continue to be an advocate and educate every chance I get for this industry. Best advice for them: Giving advice for this industry and for a sales role specifically, I would tell them not to compare themselves to the competition. I find this to be challenging at times, but this industry puts up a fierce competition. Be yourself, be confident and think outside the box. I believe in “breaking the mold” and that has put me where I am today. Rising Stars | FEATURE | SEPTEMBER 2021 | 19