storytelling, create a stronger connection and extend our reach.” Because he liked his experience with tourism clients, Holmgreen hoped to eventually lead a large market convention bureau. The opportunity to work at MPI would give him exposure to another side of that space, better preparing him for what he expected to be his career path. But working in the association environment grew on him as he came to appreciate the passion of members and the positive, constructive communities created as a result. His instinct had always been to move fast on projects, channeling his own imagination to create unexpected, exciting results. But member organizations require a more deliberate, relationship- and collaboration-based approach. Paul VanDeventer, MPI’s CEO, calls Holmgreen a lifelong learner who never backs down from a challenge. “Drew is a very charismatic and engaging person who truly cares about people, which lends itself naturally to a role in association leadership,” VanDeventer says. “At MPI, he quickly and adroitly engaged with our community, demonstrating a passion and natural ability for harnessing the passion and power of our community.” Co-workers applauded his willingness to pitch in however needed. Over the latter half of his MPI tenure, he helped the firm win back most of the operating revenue it lost during the pandemic. Rachel Benedick, MPI’s chief revenue officer, refers to him as a workhorse. “When you’re in leadership at an organization that size, you really need to be a player-coach. And Drew did that really well,” Benedick says. MPI’s staff size is about 55, roughly the same as PPAI’s. “We worked very well together. A lot of times, people get confused and think not-forprofit means you don’t try to make money. You need someone who is really business-minded. But there is a side of association work that is kinder and gentler, because you are serving your members. And that’s very different. I think that fit him and is way more the core of who Drew is – it’s his style.” Now at PPAI, the Board of Directors is already encouraging Holmgreen to focus on his workhorse pace, protecting against burnout by pulling back on the night and weekend work that can come from a new leader's eagerness to make a positive and immediate impact. They want him around for the long haul, because they believe in his vision for the Association and the industry. The Future PPAI’s vision statement is that promotional products are universally valued and essential to every brand. Holmgreen can put a finer point on it. “When Amazon is thinking about their global brand and marketing strategy, I want them to think about merch just as much as they’re thinking about TV commercials,” he says. Research produced by PPAI and others has shown repeatedly that promotional Job Joy Promo pros share what it is they love about working in this industry and with PPAI. “It brings me joy being able to collaborate with like-minded, talented industry colleagues who are passionate about innovation and creating impactful products. Volunteering for PPAI brings an added layer of fulfillment. It allows me to give back, support fellow professionals and contribute to the growth and advancement of the promotional products industry.” – Cheron Coleman, VP of Global Sourcing and Sustainability, S&S Activewear “Volunteering brings me joy because it allows me to create impact, build meaningful connections and support industry growth. Through PPAI, I love helping regional leaders see how their contributions shape the bigger picture while ensuring the next generation thrives. Giving back brings me joy because it creates opportunity for lasting change.” – Kara Keister, MAS, Promise Keeper, Social Good Promotions, RRC Delegate to the PPAI Board A Vision of Joy | Must Read PPAI • APRIL 2025 • 49
RkJQdWJsaXNoZXIy NzU4OQ==