Karen Thompson
Karen Thompson is an accomplished Account Executive at CopyKat Promos, based in San Carlos, California, with more than 25 years of experience in marketing, branding, and promotional products. A graduate of Boston State University with a Bachelor of Arts degree, Karen began her career in fashion and marketing, where she developed her skills in brand strategy, creative design, and customer relations. Her early work in these dynamic industries provided the foundation for a long and successful career focused on helping organizations strengthen their brand presence through thoughtful, results-driven marketing initiatives.
Over the course of her career, Karen has worked with two prominent promotional marketing companies and successfully owned and operated her own marketing business, delivering innovative solutions across a wide range of industries. Her professional achievements include managing a large-scale uniform program, developing campaigns for biopharmaceutical organizations, and partnering with non-profits to advance their missions through creative promotional strategies. Always eager to explore new opportunities, Karen also ventured into a side business involving a fat cell-freezing machine, reflecting her entrepreneurial mindset and adaptability in emerging markets. She remains an active member of both the Advertising Specialty Institute (ASI) and the Promotional Products Association International (PPAI), continuing to engage with the latest trends and innovations within the industry.
Beyond her professional accomplishments, Karen’s story is one of strength and perseverance. Diagnosed with stage 4 metastatic breast cancer 15 years ago, she has faced significant health challenges with grace, determination, and optimism. Despite undergoing multiple surgeries, Karen continues to pursue her passion for marketing and remains deeply committed to her clients and her work. Her resilience, combined with her creativity and business expertise, has made her a respected and inspiring figure in the promotional marketing community.
• Boston State University Bachelor of Arts Degree
• Advertising Specialty Institute
• Promotional Products Association International
What do you attribute your success to?
I attribute my success to my mother’s unwavering support and my husband John’s positive influence.
What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
The values most important to me in both my work and personal life are compassion, community, and service. I am deeply committed to mentoring cancer patients through a local nonprofit and conducting hospital surveys to help improve patient experiences. Family is also a core value that grounds and motivates me every day. Professionally, I find great fulfillment in being involved with organizations such as ASI and PPAI. In addition, my work with cancer-related nonprofits—organizing annual breast and ovarian cancer events for nine years and participating in Susan G. Komen walks—reflects my dedication to giving back and supporting others through meaningful causes.