Paula Wygonik

Paula Wygonik serves as President of Competitive Edge, a women-owned branded merchandise and engagement marketing provider located in St. Joseph, Michigan. The company, which ranks in the top 1% of its $26 billion industry, was founded by her sister 33 years ago. Wygonik joined the business 23 years ago, contributing her classical business training to her sister's entrepreneurial grit. Under their combined leadership, Competitive Edge has grown from a localized operation serving one primary client into a global provider for clients in higher education, Fortune 500 companies, nonprofits, and financial services. Wygonik earned her degree from Western Michigan University in 1989. Prior to joining the family business, she spent 15 years in consumer sales promotion publishing, where she managed marketing and global brand development, including launches in Europe and Mexico. Today the company employs family members as well as non-family team members who feel like family, with many women on staff.