What is your title/role within your company?

Full time in the promo space is new for me. Having left the printing industry to start this new company, this time it's only me with no staff. So outside sales, on line marketing, order entry, graphics, supplier follow up, receivables and sometimes delivery. I get to wear all the hats now, so I guess still the Jefe'.

What do you like best about your company?

After moving from "technically" the supplier side to the distributor side, it's less stress regarding production issues. Also since I don't have staff anymore, there are no longer any HR issues to deal with. I like the freedom to come and go as I please without the obligations and responsibilities that I'm used to. It's been a nice transition.

How were you introduced to the promotional products industry?

I had some of my previous printing clients request certain promotional items over the years that I procured for them, so up until recently my experience in the promotional products industry was very cursory, printing being my primary focus. That has now changed after my first visit to EXPO in 2019 which was an overwhelming experience and solidified my intent to start this new business. It's an impressive industry and also from what I've been able to observe so far from a people standpoint, a very connected one.

If you had to pick one, what is your favorite promotional product?

I like the food items, especially the chocolate. I have to learn how not to eat my samples.

Tell us something about you that most people may not know.

I'm from Cupertino and watched the whole Silicon Valley thing being born before moving to San Diego when I was in my early 20's. I always crack up when I'm talking with someone and they are confused why this place called Cupertino is on their iPhone. I get to tell then why.