Brandon Mackay always planned to enter the Fire Academy. But as he waited for a firefighter position to open up at the academy, his then-girlfriend (now wife) clearly had something else in mind for her beau. She referred him to SnugZ USA, a promotional products supplier located in Salt Lake City.
At first, Mackay passed the time working hard on the shipping and receiving dock and made sure to stay out of trouble. The experience quickly turned into something more than a holding period. Mackay's inquisitive nature, creative thinking and tireless work ethic enabled him to climb the ranks—and the view from the top was nice.
"It was too good of a place to work to leave, so I ultimately chose to stay at SnugZ versus joining the Fire Academy," he recalled.
The rest was history. Today, Mackay serves as the company's president and CEO.
Here, he shares some insight about himself and discusses the current state of the promotional products industry.
Print+Promo (P+P): How does the economy continue to affect the promotional products industry?
Brandon Mackay (BM): It's a fight out here in the business world today. People paint rosy pictures on TV, but the truth is margins are razor thin and costs are rising. Predicting the future is like reading tea leaves and the squeeze is on for sure.
P+P: How does your company remain nimble and ahead of the curve?
BM: We focus on our business only. We don't get caught up in what others are doing. We use our energy to create an awesome culture here and delivering on time.
P+P: What do you expect to be some of the biggest challenges/changes the industry will face?
BM: Inflation, rising undermined health care costs and product safety-related issues.
P+P: What keeps you up at night?
BM: Politics. I have apprehensions when it comes to their abilities to make sure my grandkids are insulated against the actions of today.
P+P: What do you think is the most exciting, cutting-edge thing your company is doing right now? Why?
BM: I'm excited about two things right now. First, our personal care line of products is second to none. We're completely vertical in this product segment from formation to printing labels. There are two companies in the industry I'm aware of that are in this vertical. Our personal care line consists of lip balm, sunscreen and sanitizer products. Second, I'm excited about our SweetZ line, which consists of candy products like chocolate covered cinnamon bears, taffy and fruit sours. We also carry a range of nuts and even hot chocolate. We started this line to help our fourth quarter sales and it's absolutely growing. We thought it would keep our employees busy during months for us that most people are not ordering sunscreen and lanyards. We had hopes it would do well, but it's doing so well I can't believe it.
P+P: What would people be surprised to learn about you—hobbies, special interests, etc.?
BM: I love the outdoors. I live to run, mountain bike and ski (both snow and water). Also, I competitively waterski and for those who understand the language, I skied my personal best this summer and got my 35' off pass.
Elise Hacking Carr is senior production editor for Print & Promo Marketing magazine, and managing editor for PRINTING United Journal.