2018 Wrap-Up: 10 Distributor Success Stories We Ran This Year

The end of the year is a time for retrospectives. We look back on the year and think about our accomplishments, the highlights, maybe some things that didn't quite work out but we can work on in 2019. In the television world, it's when you usually get stuck with an episode that revisits clips from the previous few seasons, connected by the main character breaking the fourth wall to tell you about how much fun we had this year together.

I am that character today, folks.

So, we've had a lot of fun at Promo Marketing this year, and we're glad you were there to enjoy it with us. For those who subscribe to our print magazine, you're familiar with our "My Best Promotion" feature, where we talk to distributors about a promotion they've done that stands out as particularly creative, successful or educational. Today, we're going to look back on the last 11 months of interviews.

How to Achieve a Long-Lasting Promotion
January is when everyone is the most committed to their New Year's Resolutions. But, for that extra push for the whole year, Ellen Allentoff, sales professional at Boundless, Gaithersburg, Md., worked on a desktop promotion for her client that reminded its employees to stay fit all year round.

What to Do When Weather Isn't on Your Business' Side
The most successful promotions are the ones that are used often and held onto for a long time. Jean Moore, account executive from BrandAlliance, Fayetteville, N.C., remembered a three-year program where a local electric cooperative gave out fine cooking equipment like customized cast iron skillets and dutch ovens.

Personalized Touch
We always talk about the importance of listening to your clients and providing personalized solutions. George Klare, co-owner of Proforma Design Management, Alvarado, Texas, found an opportunity to learn more about his client and provide a thoughtful piece—a scaled down version of an oil/gas drill bit to show engineers how the product looks.

The Value of Reliability and Promotions That Do Good
Don't you love it when a plan comes together? Bob Felice, president of Fresh Concepts, New Haven, Conn., remembered one promotion for a local hospital where all of the variables just came together perfectly.

Team Spirit
Debbie Davis, account manager for My Corporate Expressions, Cypress, Texas, worked with a local store that partnered with the Houston Texans NFL team to create scannable temporary tattoos that gave shoppers a coupon code.

Patience Pays Off
Stephen Willworth, vice president of new markets for SVS Marketing, Toronto, had to handle the toughest variable of all: time. "Everything had limited amounts of time to ship," he said. "And there was a lot of kitting involved. We overcame them by preparing what we could ahead of time and having a specific group come in and work on the project, as well as a few later nights."

How to Turn a Sale Into Repeat Business

Repeat business is one of the best possible outcomes of a job. Martin Pahnke, owner/lead advisor for SWFL Marketing Group, Fort Myers, Fla., had one customer, an annual gala, come back year after year for awards.

Creativity and Employee Recognition Programs

Employee recognition programs are a great opportunity for distributors. Melanie Levans, MAS, national account executive for HALO Branded Solutions, Sterling, Ill., worked on a program recognizing a company's CFO with a personalized crystal piece.

Making an Anniversary Promotion a Big Success

Lisa Greer, director of sales for National Awards Inc., Jackson, Miss., helped a customer celebrate its birthday with table throws, balloons, napkins and cups. She also provided gifts like tumblers, golf umbrellas and commemorative coins for everyone celebrating.

How One Distributor Worked on a Coffee Brand's Promotion and Got Invited to Francis Ford Coppola's Party

It's pretty cool to get to work with celebrities. Jovan Van Drielle, chief ideas artist for Geminus Inc., Scottsdale, Ariz., got to work on a project for Francis Ford Coppola! Her promotion involved creating an invitation for a party he was throwing, and used the event's music as inspiration for the items.

Are you a distributor with an interesting story to tell in 2019? Send an email to senior digital content editor Brendan Menapace to be included in next year's series of "My Best Promotion."