Day-In-The-Life Series: Tom Goos, an Executive at the Top of His Promo Game
We operate in a business climate where everything is needed yesterday and executives are expected to anticipate the challenges of tomorrow—yet, they make it look so easy. Ever wonder how they do it? Print+Promo’s “Day-In-The-Life” series gives a glimpse into the day-to-day experiences of print and promotional product industry professionals.
Featured this month is Tom Goos. You may know him as the president of Image Source, a branded merchandise agency known for its purpose-driven culture and strategic client approach. Or, perhaps you’ve heard his name because of his extensive involvement with Promotional Products Association International (PPAI), where he has held various roles, including vice chair of finance, executive committee member and, most recently, chairman of the board. Learn more about Tom’s inspirational moments, what he does behind-the-scenes and, most importantly, when this dad, endurance athlete and top professional finds time to sleep.
March 28, 2019
5:15 a.m.: Wake up and check on the day ahead. I, of course, check email, as well as a few news sources on my phone.
5:35 a.m.: I like to kick off most mornings with a workout to start my day right. As a triathlete and duathlete, my workouts consist of either a swim, bike, run or cross-training. This morning it is a bike workout on my Peloton in my home gym.
7:15 a.m.: [During breakfast,] I always love a few minutes with my son and wife talking about the day ahead. With a 10-year-old you never know what you are going to get; sometimes, it is a monologue of his plans, but many times he has two words for me! I will take whatever I can get.
7:40 a.m.: I live just a few miles from the office, so it is a quick drive in to work, but sometimes I do a call. Today, I am talking to an industry colleague for a quick catch-up on what is going on in the industry.
9 a.m.: After checking email for an hour, I am off to my first meeting of the day, a 1:1 with my vice president of finance and operations. We cover many strategic issues and opportunities, along with some tactical things that need to be handled.
10 a.m.: Next, I check in with one of our suppliers who is visiting our office to present their new product line to my sales and support team. We pride ourselves on product education, so these meetings are an important element of our differentiation.
10:45 a.m.: Time for a quick drop-in meeting. I receive a lot of quick questions from my team; it is normal to have five to 10 a day.
11 a.m.: We have a large RFP opportunity, so I am reviewing the scope of work to prepare for an upcoming meeting with my team. This particular opportunity requires an online store with a large amount of inventory and international delivery, so I am reading it carefully!
12:05 p.m.: Today, we have an ad agency that is a strategic partner of Image Source, and we are doing a lunch-and-learn. This discussion is around our hospitality, wine and education verticals and how we can work closer on growing both of our businesses.
1:15 p.m.: I spend too much time in email, but that is the reality of our communication these days. I receive around 75 emails a day, but most require some level of analysis and response.
3:15 p.m.: As president of Image Source, managing the business operations is key to my role. Reviewing contracts, while not my favorite responsibility, is a regular part of my day.
4 p.m.: Our world is custom-branded products, so there is always a challenge to overcome. Today, it is brainstorming a factory mistake for a Fortune 10 client. I also like to do regular “fly-bys” with employees to check in on both a personal and business level. It helps me to stay connected with my staff and stay up to date on what’s happening in their lives and our business.
4:30 p.m.: Our online store clients continue to grow, and this meeting is focused on collaborating on the growth plans of this area of the business.
5:30 p.m.: Today, it is lacrosse practice for my son. He also plays soccer (club and school), basketball, flag football and volleyball. I coach both of his soccer teams, as well as flag football, but, this time of year, I am just a parent observer for lacrosse. The benefits of sports participation are something I strongly believe in. I have enjoyed witnessing his developmental growth through the process.
8:30 p.m.: After a high-energy lacrosse practice, my son is usually bouncing off the walls. With some effort, we are able to get him geared toward bed, where I enjoy our story time and hearing about his day.
9 p.m.: Right before bed, I check my schedule for the next day to see how early I need to be in the office and get an idea of the day ahead.
9 p.m.: To end the night, I am usually relaxing and watching a show with my wife. I love this part of the day!
Related story: Day-In-The-Life Series: Jillian Flesh and the Chapter 6 Cliffhanger
Elise Hacking Carr is senior production editor for Print & Promo Marketing magazine, and managing editor for PRINTING United Journal.