2018 Women in Print and Promo: Janice Tippett, Millennium Marketing Solutions

Janice Tippett
President and CEO
Millennium Marketing Solutions, Annapolis Junction, Md.
Years of Experience: 28

How she got her start: In 1990, in the basement of my parents’ house, I started a graphic design firm just after college. With nothing but my passion for design, an original Macintosh computer with only five typefaces and a 300 dpi printer, I was living out my dream. While I was successfully designing graphics, I realized that there was so much more I could offer my growing client base. Thinking toward the future, I purchased a print shop in 1997 for $400,000. My sister, Jody Franklin, joined the business as head of accounting and human resources.

The new company quickly evolved into Millennium Marketing Solutions. Ever since that day, I have realized that graphic design and printing are not simply ink on paper, but rather crucial marketing and business tools. ... My desire to learn and grow as a professional marketer has encouraged me to expand our company into various divisions that work together to provide our clients with all critical tactics necessary for today’s successful marketing campaigns: Marketing strategy, graphic design, printing, web-to-print solutions, web design/development, search marketing, content/social marketing, as well as promotional products.

On working in a traditionally male-dominated industry: When I purchased the print shop in 1997, I attended one of the national print conventions. I remember how isolated I felt. I was young and one of a few females. I do remember I was able to sit with one gentleman who took the time to visit with me. He said one thing to me that has stuck with me since that day: “If you are not growing, you are slowing.” I work every day to grow personally and professionally, and I help my clients grow their business and my employees grow in their careers.

Her industry mentors: I am part of a peer advisory group (TAB - The Advisory Board), as well as WPO (Women’s President Organization).

Her biggest lesson learned: Surrounding myself with the best employees and vendors is how I will reach my goal of delivering the best solutions to my clients. It’s also very important to have the right professionals working with you as an extension of your business. By working closely with my accountant and banker for several years I was able to fulfill another dream of buying my own building.

Her job advice to women: Have a passion for learning and using creativity to solve problems. Printing and promo constantly are changing, so you have to love to learn to keep up on the latest printing technologies and promotional products available.

How she maintains a work/life balance: It’s all one in the same for me. I love what
 I do.

Read the complete Women in Print and Promo feature here.