PPB September 2021

feel like a nuisance for disrupting everyone’s processes. However, with transparency and vulnerability, I quickly learned that I could inspire others to look at the system from another point of view. I went from being a person who never spoke up to hosting webinars and leading team meetings. This past year I was able to “e-meet” more industry leaders than ever before and instead of being nervous, I am excited for each new opportunity to connect. Being an advocate of change is not easy but collaborating with your peers and showing you care about their day-to-day makes all the difference. Proudest career accomplishment: I am honored to have the opportunity to spearhead the new webstore team at Vantage Apparel and I am proud to be working alongside forward- thinking peers every day. During all the uncertainty last year, we established a core offering for Vantage Webstore and integration options, and grew our on-demand apparel and decoration business exponentially. Not having a playbook made me think less about my exact job description and more about how I can break boundaries to build a system that generates more revenue. It makes me so proud seeing our partners and their clients thriving because they chose Vantage as their one-stop-shop. In one short year, our partners are launching webstores for multiple clients, re- opening pop-up stores with repeat business and most importantly, building their ecommerce portfolio with Vantage. I love that we offer end users the freedom to shop a wide variety of decorated apparel and we are giving our partners the opportunity to do business efficiently. I would like to take a moment to say thank you to all the partners that trusted us to take their business to the next level during uncertain times. Most optimistic about for the industry’s future: It is a revolutionary time for the promo industry. Technology is providing the promo industry with the drive to progress into a new era of digital revenue and drop-ship fulfillment. Webstores, on-demand decorating and drop shipping are no longer just an option for your business model: they are a necessity. Vantage is not a technology company, but we have strategically embraced a digital landscape to create a sustainable, long-term business model. I am excited to see how suppliers and distributors use technology to provide a new level of personalization and service to their clients. Biggest concern for the industry’s future: If we continue conducting business with the same processes, our outcomes will always be the same. We are not moving as quickly as customers need us to and we need to put a priority on our operational efficiencies. We need to shift from being reactive to proactive in sales and production. This question should always be top of mind: How are we working together to efficiently communicate product data, collect order details and process multiple drop shipments? I challenge all of us to focus on becoming better partners through technology and standardizing the order process. Inspiration: I am grateful to be surrounded by inspirational women in every aspect of my life—family, friends and co-workers. Collectively, the ambitious women in my network are showing me that you can break records no matter your age or background and proving that women can be leaders at home and work. The woman who continues to inspire me every single day is my older sister, Sandra. She taught me to always be resilient and she has set an incredible example of what it means to be a successful businesswoman. When we are not at work, we are always creating new projects on our Cricut cutting machines and coordinating together for a special event. I am so lucky to call her my sister, role model and best friend. To accomplish in the next 24 months: When I started presenting webstores in 2020, I dedicated my time to convincing industry peers to give webstores a try. Within one year, the dialogue has completely shifted to meaningful, strategic discussions about integrations and ecommerce with our top partners because the way we shop and buy is changing. For the next two years, my focus will be on building a Vantage 2.0 with peers who share the same forward-thinking vision. I will be working with the webstore team to automate the steps involved in managing on-demand programs and launching new features to provide the best digital experience for all parties involved. I strongly believe that growth is fueled by continuously implementing small changes and changing our daily habits. Each day brings new opportunity and having an open mindset has ensured me that I am prepared for any challenge that comes my way. Ideas to recruit and retain more young talent: My advice is to empower the next generation with training and new tech tools so we can drive the business forward. The promo products industry is a perfect place for young, creative professionals to thrive because creativity is in our DNA. As we re-think the way we do business, there are so many new opportunities for the next generation to collaborate and make improvements. It all starts by welcoming another point of view, promoting junior talent and investing in new tools. The young workforce wants to feel like they are making an impact and are part of a team where they can grow the company and themselves. It is our responsibility to support their career path. Best advice for them : The only way to grow is to accept vulnerability and embrace every moment that pushes you out of your comfort zone. Take on the projects that everyone else thinks are too complicated and join conversations where your opinion is outnumbered so you can uncover challenges and advocate for change. Always choose courage over fear. Continued from page 24 Danielle Olszewski FEATURE | Rising Stars 30 | SEPTEMBER 2021 |