WHJ: The economy, like a strategic plan, is very dynamic and changes from day-to-day. Our business, advertising and promotional products, is generally the first category to be cut when the economy is weak. Therefore, it is necessary to have a strategy for handling the downturns and to be prepared for the economic uptick.
P+P: What do you expect to be some of the biggest challenges the industry will face?
WHJ: Among the industry’s major challenges are the speed with which the Amazons of the world are entering the business, the entry of large office supply companies and the rapid growth of low/bid sellers.
P+P: What keeps you up at night?
WHJ: Nothing! I’ve lived through many changes, and I remain convinced that we have a viable industry that will adjust to most challenges.
P+P: What do you think is the most exciting, cutting-edge thing your company is doing right now? Why?
WHJ: Providing an opportunity for extremely talented young people to enter the industry. They bring new energy, new ideas and new approaches to using technology. In addition, Icon Blue utilizes its social media channels to not only market services and capabilities, but also to interact with and educate our audience. As an easily accessible communication platform, social media and the company blog affords Icon Blue the ability to not only let clients know of the most current and popular products, but also to create awareness about pertinent current events that affect the business. When the West Coast port strike began to significantly impact the delivery of goods, Icon Blue used social media to not only inform about the issue, but also to offer solutions to circumvent the issue by ordering products that would not be affected by the current events.
P+P: What would people be surprised to learn about you—hobbies, special interests, etc.?
WHJ: Tai Chi is one of my hobbies. I always enjoy the opportunity to practice with a master whenever I’m in China. Learning to play the harmonica, something inspired by my late father, is another passion. And, as a grandfather, service on the board of Mattel Children’s Hospital [UCLA] gives me a great deal of satisfaction. Helping children in any way possible has always been important in my family.