PPB November 2021

How did your company get its start? Coolibar started over 20 years ago as a retail line of apparel and accessories that have UPF50+ sun protection woven into the fabric of all pieces. Because the sun protection is woven into the fabric, it never washes out. What led your company to enter the promotional products market? This starts with what led me to Coolibar. I was looking at another local line and through social media, received a notice that if I liked that line, I may like Coolibar. I did some research further into Coolibar and decided that, yes, I do like Coolibar. With their unique UPF50+ sun protection woven into the garments so it never washes out, I thought these products must be in our industry, but they weren’t! So, I reached out to their chief brand officer, explaining how happy I’d be to show her another revenue stream in the promotional products industry to see if she was interested in learning more. And so, she was! So, on September 1, 2021, I was honored to start as the promotional channel sales manager for this unique line. What’s your favorite thing about being in the promotional products industry? The extended family that we all have become and the help that comes from our relationships. This is a relationship business, and our connections with people are truly the key. I think you could ask anyone how they felt if, for some reason, they had to miss The PPAI Expo in Las Vegas, and the answer would be similar. They feel like they missed the family reunion or prom, or the big game or any big moment in our lives and can’t wait for the next January to get back to see everyone. This feeling is definitely “a thing” and if you have it, you understand exactly what I’m talking about. Why did you join PPAI? Once I came on board with Coolibar, joining PPAI was my first mission. PPAI has a vast reach to the distributor and supplier community. It’s a no-brainer to join to become a part of this trusted and respected community. I’m a 20-year veteran of our industry with a MAS certification and was president of UMAPP [Upper Midwest Association of Promotional Products Professionals] in 2018. PPAI and the regional community are where I “live.” I guess you could say, I drank the Kool-Aid and never looked back! Sandy Nichols, MAS Promotional Channel Sales Manager Coolibar, Inc. Minneapolis, Minnesota PPAI 797582, S1 NEW MEMBER SPOTLIGHT 96 | NOVEMBER 2021 | CONNECT