doesn’t turn out exactly how you imagined it. “Sometimes, it’s really exciting, going down a path that you didn’t expect, because you end up with unintended consequences or results you couldn’t have imagined—and they’re often better than what you could have predicted.” Nominator Paul Kiewiet, MAS+, says the honor of Hall of Fame is reserved for people, like Lennarson, who have put a “dent in the universe.” He says, “Starting as an Association volunteer, she quickly assumed committee chairmanships, was elected to the board of directors and became the chair of the board. As board chair, she steered the Association to higher levels of advocacy with state and federal government. She saw a need and created a solution; a solution that has proven valuable and an important aspect of PPAI.” For Lennarson, volunteering has always been something that came naturally. “I grew up with parents who were involved in the community, the church and the neighborhood,” she says. “Volunteering was a way to share my time and talents. It was and seemed like the right thing to do. My personal motto is: having fun and getting things done. Volunteering is the perfect way to do both.” Lennarson was recipient of the PPAI Distinguished Service Award in 2013 and was honored with the PPAI Woman of Achievement Award in 2015. “One opportunity to volunteer almost always leads to another,” she says. “Whether it was the Chamber of Commerce, the rehab center, the men’s homeless shelter, the HIV/ AIDS network, my church or PPAI, I was always stretched, stimulated, humbled and gratified by volunteering. It brings richness to life that cannot be achieved in any other way.” Lennarson wears her giving heart on her sleeve for all to see. Kiewiet says, “All of these accomplishments have been achieved with a level of kindness and caring that inspires. Many in our industry have received cards of appreciation and encouragement from this serial card-writer and blessing-giver.” For Lennarson, the proverbial glass is not merely half full, it’s overflowing. “There may be difficult circumstances and things we have to endure, but the one thing that I can control is my attitude. If you are concentrating on the positive, you can turn any situation around or at least, the worst of the situation can be made better.” She says hard times don’t last forever. “I envision that things will change. Patience is not a soft skill. It takes a lot of courage to patiently wait. You learn about gratitude during tough times and about the abundance that you have. You have to look at the bigger picture. If you look beyond your struggles, there’s so much more.” In 1996, Lennarson’s internal “Believe Attitude Counts” campaign won a PPAI Gold Pyramid Award. To someone just getting started in this industry, Lennarson says to go all in. “Be prepared to work hard. Never, ever lose your thirst for knowledge. Find a mentor and reach out to your regional association,” she says. “One thing about our industry is that people are so generous with sharing their experiences. I don’t know if there’s another industry where a competitor will share a lot of their secrets. So, if you can’t get involved with your regional association for whatever reason, call a competitor. More likely than not, they’ll share some tips. The industry is stronger when all of us strive to improve what we aredoing.” And while working hard, Lennarson says it’s important to never stop visualizing. In fact, it’s crucial to true success in the industry. “Plan your work, then work your plan. Those are the people who I find are successful. Commitment is really important. We can all have a dream, but it doesn’t come into fruition if we don’t take steps toward it.” If there’s one thing she wants people to take from her, Lennarson says, it is that one must “believe attitude counts.” Kristina Valdez is associate editor of PPB. Sherri Lennarson with her four younger brothers, (from left) Scott Cress, Russ Cress, John Cress and Daniel Cress, during a University of Iowa Hawkeyes football game tailgate in 2011. PPAI Hall Of Fame/Sherri C. Lennarson, MAS | FEATURE | JANUARY 2022 | 15
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