Her Story
About Linda
I majored in journalism at Ohio State University, graduating in 1996 after working full-time and receiving some scholarship money. Coming from southeast Ohio where my dad was a coal miner, I was determined not to return there. Artina Promotional Products was my first job after graduation, and I've been there for most of my 29-year career in the industry, with a brief time away in Chicago on the supplier side and as a sales manager. I handle a wide range of promotional product projects including trade shows, mergers and acquisitions welcome boxes, company stores, HR milestones, recruiting, and sales recognition.
Her Interview
Ten minutes with Linda
01What do you attribute your success to?
My success comes from the examples of hard work I saw growing up - my grandparents who worked a 250-acre farm after my grandfather fought in Pearl Harbor, my dad who worked 25+ years in a coal mine despite having little, and our company founder Chris who immigrated from Greece with nothing and built the business. I take bits from all those examples and apply them, while remembering that success is not just about money but being happy with what you have.
02What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
Our founder Chris Borzunis taught me to have fire in your belly to make it, and to work harder than everyone else - if others come in at 8, be there at 6:30 to get ahead and handle administrative tasks early so you can focus on calls.
03What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
Don't allow yourself to be discouraged in this competitive, price-driven industry. Decide what kind of salesperson you want to be and stay true to yourself by adding value rather than just selling on price. Focus on quality and service, and be willing to turn away orders that won't make customers happy in the long run.
04What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
Supply chain disruptions from vendors who import products are a major challenge. Also, the low barrier to entry means immense competition from small distributors working from home with no overhead, leading to pricing struggles, though they lack the service and support we provide.
05What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
Honesty and integrity are most important. Without those, you don't have much. You have to be happy with who you are as a person first and foremost.
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