After graduating from Edinboro University of PA I spent my first 2 years as a high school art teacher. I also coached the 7th grade boys basketball team and the varsity girls tennis team in Sandusky, Ohio. My girls won/loss record those two years were 9-3 and 13-1, I was sooo proud! Off I went to PITT for a year as a Graduate Assistant earning my Masters degree in Education then 2 years as a Teaching Tennis Professional and coached the Men's and Women's Tennis Teams at Carnegie Mellon University. I was "Coach of the Year" 3 out of 5 seasons while at CMU. A funny thing happened on the way to the forum . . . I was ready for a new challenge.
A friend of mine worked in the Premium/Incentive industry and I thought this looked like a lot of fun. I took a job as a sales rep. for a company that provided premiums and promotional products and I was off and running with a new career. After 10 years with that firm I started ASAP Promotions and that was over 16 years ago.
I love this business, it is very gratifying helping various clients with many different goals and objectives by using promotional products. My art background and creative nature is a tremendous asset in this arena as I've heard from my clients that "Don't have a creative bone in their body".
I like to ask my clients questions such as . . . Describe your average customer? Who are your competitors and what differentiates you from them? How are you using and how are your competitors using promotional products? Do you have an employee recognition program in place? Are you launching any new products or services in the next 12 months? Do you have an event(s) coming up soon that you will need to promote? Do you have a marketing plan?
Currently I serve on the Board of Directos as Past President of TRASA (Three Rivers Advertising Specialty Association). It is the regional promotional product association representing western PA and WV. In 2006 I earned my CAS (Certified Advertising Specialist) degree. Only 4% of the people in my industry are certified. I am currently working towards my MAS (Master Advertising Specialist) degree. I also serve on the Public Relations Commitee with the Promotional Product Association International.
I love to play golf, tennis, downhill ski, work in my yard/garden, scuba dive, archery, work out at the gym, and play with Lola, my Maltese/Yorkie.
I would welcome the opportunity to help you in any way that promotional products can be used to help achieve your goals.
