Print+Promo 2020: 13 Women to Watch in the Print and Promo Sector
The world looked quite different just a few short months ago. The novel coronavirus pandemic has forced us to grieve lost routines, social connections, family structure and our sense of security. Unemployment is higher than it has been since the Great Depression. There are too many questions without answers. But one thing is certain: self-confidence, decisiveness and a caring attitude will get you far in the business world.
Need proof? Just look at Print+Promo’s seventh annual “Women in Print and Promo” feature. Not only are this year’s group of nominees rewriting the narrative of female representation in a traditionally male-dominated industry, they are finding ways to overcome what is set to be an economic calamity unseen during our lifetime.
As readers will note here, the 2020 list highlights women of varying professional backgrounds—from sales managers to CEOs. Their love of customer service is just one of many things that unite them. Read on for an introspective look into what print and promo mean to these professionals.
Lynn Brewton
WebbMason Marketing
Hunt Valley, Md.
Chief Procurement/Compliance Officer
Her job advice to women: My advice would be to intern or talk to some seasoned professionals to get a real feel for the business. There are more aspects to this business than most people imagine. It can take you to the creative side or the business side.
Karen Rivkin
Barker Specialty Company
Cheshire, Conn.
Director of Program Fulfillment
Her upcoming goals: I’d love to hit a million [in sales] again this year, but COVID-19 is trying to interfere. I do, however, like a good challenge and will look toward a brighter second half of the year.
Christine O'Brien
Ennis Inc.
Midlothian, Texas
Regional Sales Manager
Her job advice to women: The best advice I would pass along is to understand and know your audience. Everyone has a different weakness [or] strength, and to quickly learn what motivates a coworker helps you better relate and work with them.
Deborah Buck
GO2 Partners
Des Plaines, Ill.
Global Quality Manager, New Product Development
Her job advice to women: Go for it. It is not the same as it was 20 years ago and can be a very exciting and gratifying career. Put yourself out there, and show your worth.
Sharon Luka
Ignite Graphics LLC
Elmhurst, Ill.
Managing Member
Her upcoming goals: This next year will be exciting for me professionally, as I am currently working on getting Ignite Graphics certified as a WBE-certified company.
Bryce Fulton
PROforma Turnkey Marketing
Jupiter, Fla.
Principal
Her proudest career achievement: When Proforma recognized us at the $5 million milestone, it really stood out as a proud moment because it meant we were being acknowledged for having achieved something few others do.
Stephanie Doty
Discount Labels
New Albany, Ind.
Director of Estimating
Her favorite leader: Condoleezza Rice because she broke the glass ceiling with tremendous poise and self-confidence.
Cathy Armando and Sarah Thomas
American Solutions for Business
Glenwood, Minn.
Senior National Account Executives
Their upcoming goals: With the impact of the pandemic, I'd say our new professional accomplishment would be to just keep our team above water during these very trying times.
Marsha Frydrychowski
Resource Label Group
Des Plaines, Ill.
Director of Marketing Services
Her job advice to women: Always be passionate about what you do, and do not settle. This industry offers so many paths–you are unlimited in what you can do or achieve.
Jessica Pinkous
Copresco
Carol Stream, Ill.
Special Projects, Research and Development
Her upcoming goals: I want to implement Copresco’s new company-wide MIS software, which will include automation of workflows.
Christy Besserman
NBS Systems Inc.
Mt. Olive, Ill.
Operations Manager
Her proudest career achievement: I worked my way up the ladder starting out as customer service to now being the operations manager. [I accomplished this] by working very hard every day to help build this business into a great company that our customers can trust.
Michelle Cousino
Kay Toledo Tag, a Div. of Ennis Inc.
Toledo, Ohio
Accounting/Human Resources
Her favorite leader: There are so many to choose from, but the first person that comes to mind with our current situation would be Dr. Amy Acton. She is the director of the Ohio Department of Health.
