Hall of Fame | Must Read How ToWow Mary Ellen Sokalski’s catch phrase as a creative marketing guru was, “If it’s not a wow, it’s not a go.” Exemplifying her own advice, she never missed an opportunity to snatch the attention of whomever she needed to listen. This included sending some unorthodox packages their way. Watermelons: She once promoted a special service by sending out watermelons and wrote how “delicious” the offer would be directly on the fruit. Bags of Dirt: A few clients received small bags of dirt to drive home how “dirt cheap” a new product was. Philly Cheesesteaks: True to her Philadelphia roots, Sokalski sent a T-shirt rolled up like a Philly cheesesteak and wrapped in foil in a brown bag addressed to key prospects promoting their new local Philly rep. Boomerangs: To point out that her company got quotes back faster than anyone, she sent clients boomerangs. Fellow Recognition award and the 2008 PPAI Distinguished Service award, among many other industry honors. Now, she is inducted into the PPAI Hall of Fame, news that Sokalski says brought tears to her eyes when PPAI Board Chair Dawn Olds called to tell her. She still remembers her first trade show in the industry, being in the lobby and meeting people who were icons of promo, Hall of Famers. Some of them would eventually come to her seminars. She was teaching them. “And now, I’m one of those people,” Sokalski says. “How did that happen? It was a fun ride.” Auping is the news editor at PPAI. PPAI: 111248 | ASI: 35375 | SAGE: 50327 | UPIC: ACCENTS | DC: 101273 Made & Printed in the USA Quick Turn Arounds Low Minimums www.americanaccents.com | 888.287.7883 Scan for pricing! •Choose from black or white plastic •Multiple shapes and sizes available •Made from heavyweight plastic •2nd side imprint optional •Digitally Printed with 4-Color Process DRINK STIRRERS 50 piece minimums! High quality wood available in select styles! PPAI • JANUARY 2023 • 69
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