TIMES TALK WITH HEIDI SELLECK
Let me introduce you to Tiffani Burlingame, The Vice President of Customer Service for Evan’s Manufacturing in Garden Grove. She’s an industry veteran with more than 35 years at the same company! You don’t hear that very often in this day in age!
1. Can you share with me your favorite things about our business and what keeps you involved? What pearls of wisdom would you offer young people entering our industry today?
This industry keeps you on your toes. Every day is different and there’s always something new to absorb. I am a doer and I love helping, learning and I am always moving!
My advice to people just entering our industry is to have patience and the willingness to listen and learn. Seek out people that have been in our industry for a while and understand how things work by asking questions. This applies to both suppliers and distributors. It’s about aligning yourself with the best partners in our business and working together.
2. When were you first introduced to SAAC and when did you become a member? How has SAAC helped you as a regional to strengthen your relationships with suppliers and your industry friends?
I was first introduced to SAAC about 20 years ago at the Long Beach show, I filled in at the last minute and my badge was Drake Harrison. He’s the one that hired me at Evans over 35 years ago. I loved everything about the show because you could really feel the energy in the air and experience the excitement on the show floor.
With SAAC’s education and supplier exposure, industry relationships get strengthened at regional events and cemented at the SAAC expo. When I think of SAAC and the promo community, family comes to mind. I still get a call every so often from distributors saying they want to use there SAAC deal with Evans, that’s another perk of being a member.
3. What did you think of the SAAC Expo & Disney California Adventure experience last year?
I wasn’t able to attend but Nina Bui our West Coast Territory Manager, attended. She said the Disney experience last year was so much fun at California Adventure. We were a part of sponsorships at Disney, which we’re grateful to help bring something fun that’s more than a tradeshow. I was able to build relationships in a different way than traditional meetings like with John Vo from Whoopla and Craig Weiss with Initial Impressions. I also was able to connect with fellow suppliers as well.
4. If you ran for the SAAC board which role, would you like to fill? What do you like about SAAC and what would you change?
I would want to be behind the scenes. But at the moment we have a huge project coming up with HPG that will keep me busy for the next two years so I will see you down the road, but if I did run, I would probably be the treasure.
5. Are you ready to go back to the beach? We’re heading back to Long Beach for the expo this year and are you excited? What memory can you share with us of being in Long Beach and what are you looking forward to?
There something about the ocean air that offers fresh new ideas and creativity. Long Beach is a special place and where I was first introduced to SAAC. We’re looking forward to exhibiting here once again. It’s where new and old friends will come together once again and lifelong friendships will be forged.
See you at the Beach!