PPB September 2021

Continued on page 29 Austin Hayford-Moody Age 30 Account Director Grapevine Designs Lenexa, Kansas A ustin Hayford-Moody has always known the value of hard work. He started working as a lifeguard at age 14 and during college managed 23 employees and ran three local businesses. After graduating from Iowa State University in 2013 with a double major in marketing and management and a minor in advertising, he envisioned getting a corporate marketing job and working his way up the corporate ladder, but a different opportunity presented itself. He moved to Kansas City and took an account coordinator position with a start-up distributor company. “I had no idea this industry existed,” he says, “and as you typically do in our industry, I heard about the position from a family member who knew someone looking to hire their first employee. I had to interview for the position five times, which is insane, but I’m so glad I did and have zero regrets about it.” He and the team built the company up over a two-year period and then sold it to distributor Grapevine Designs. He became part of the company during that transition in 2016. President Janie Gaunce, who nominated her employee for this honor, says Hayford-Moody is an impressive thought leader who is extremely well spoken and knowledgeable about supplier products and services as well as distributor operations, and a born leader with an amazing sense of humility and humor. She’s equally impressed by his uncanny knack for coming up with the perfect idea for clients as well as ideas for Grapevine’s overall marketing. “Besides being creative, Austin is also analytical and accepts technology challenges with ease,” she adds. Aside from work, Hayford-Moody is a trained election poll volunteer, leads his neighborhood HOA and is working on local leadership/governmental opportunities. He’s also a volunteer within the promo industry, serving two years on the PPAI Professional Development Committee and two years on the PPAI SPARK board of directors. He’s a regular at Promotional Products Association of the Midwest events and has been involved with creating social media campaigns for supplier alphabroder. Biggest challenge in the past year: Being the first employee to test positive for COVID was scary and challenging on a personal level. Not knowing how I would feel every morning and if I could crank out the work I needed to get done was stressful. Having to wait and wonder if I spread the virus to any of my co-workers was even more nerve- wracking, and the idea of our company potentially having to freeze all operations for two weeks because of me was something I never hope to experience again. Trying to plan a wedding during the pandemic was a real treat as well. After three date changes, two venue changes and a lot of wine, we were so happy to finally be able to say our “I do’s” in front of family and friends this past May. Professionally, I would have to say inventory and supply-chain logistics. Trying to generate business in a global pandemic is tough and not having inventory available has made it even harder. As sales professionals, we have really been challenged this past year to think outside of the box on how we can educate and sell our clients on the “pivot.” It’s frustrating and while our supplier teams are working hard to resolve these issues, I don’t foresee it getting any easier within the next six to nine months. I’m #Grapeful to have a team who is quick to jump in and help navigate these uncharted territories so we can continue to bring ideas and products to the table that exceed our clients’ expectations. Proudest career accomplishment: Truly being able to say that I love what I do and having a deep passion for helping my clients makes me Rising Stars | FEATURE | SEPTEMBER 2021 | 23