Proforma Owners Talk About Balancing Work and Family in Corporate Logo
4/28/2006
Kids on Parade
By Karen Butler
Published in the May 2006 edition of Corporate Logo
On the trade-show floor, it’s easy to spot parents. They’re the ones who are extremely interested in samples of Proinnovative’s Sploosh and Spaghetti Balls, Spongebob temporary tattoos and five-sided highlighters in flower and star shapes. Not that we don’t all love toys, it’s just that there’s usually a child’s, “What did you bring me?” behind a concentrated effort to collect these goodies.
Bryan Sheaffer, sales manager of Easton, Pa.-based Essent Corp., says his 7- and 10-year-old sons, Derek and Dylan, welcome him home from trade shows with open arms – so long as he has fun souvenirs. “They expect me to bring home lots of ‘toys’ from the trade shows like Frisbees, balls, etc. If I do not come home with a bag of trinkets, I am in trouble,” he jokes. “They look forward to seeing the toys more than me.”
On the flip side, Sheaffer acknowledges, “Traveling is tough on small kids and a strain on Mom.” As a service provider to the industry, the company not only participates in several shows a year, but also frequently sends Sheaffer to meet with clients out of town.
Distributors seem to have it a little easier when it comes to industry-related travel and raising a family. After all, they can be selective about attending shows (if at all), as well as having more control of their schedules.
Patrick Doyle, president of Proforma Synergy in Toronto, agrees, “The flexibility of work hours (weekends and after-hours) allows time to participate in school functions, family and personal outings, and extracurricular activities.”
Doyle has been in the industry for more than 15 years, and has two children, Caitlin (age 11) and Alexandra (age 8).
Dave Dudash, father of three and owner of Tampa, Fla.-based Proforma DSD Creative Solutions, has only been in the industry five years, but wishes he had become involved 20 years ago. He cites the ability to do things that are important to his family life as one of the chief benefits. “I have been able to coach my girls’ soccer teams. I have more time with my family and I can even see my youngest serve at Mass during the week. The best part is I can control my time.” Dudash goes on to say that although it might sound like a picnic, it isn’t as easy as it looks. “The downside is that in order to give great service, I do research/computer work at night.”
The fast-paced sales environment and stress of juggling short deadlines can add to the challenge, admits Doyle. Recently he had to make a five-hour drive on short notice to visit a customer. However, “To satisfy the immediate needs of the customer, I managed to reschedule booked appointments and find alternative childcare arrangements.”
Someone who’s still learning to adjust to the family life is Karie Cowden, an account executive for Team Shop Premiums in Phoenix. “This is a wonderful industry for young families,” she states. “I am just getting started with my ‘new life’ now that my maternity leave is up. Flexibility is key, but there are going to be times when the client won’t be able to be second, so it will be interesting to see how I handle that.”
With 10 years in the industry under her belt, Cowden has experience on her side. In fact, it may be less challenging to have a 2-month-old than to be pregnant. “I experienced morning sickness while I was in Boca Raton, Fla., for the RAC Conference,” Cowden explains. “The RAC board was presenting the affiliate program to the PPAI board, and I couldn’t keep my brain focused. I forgot one of the questions that someone had just asked. The nausea was a really nice addition to the shaking knees!”
“With a 7-year-old, Tiana Hill hasn’t had to worry about morning sickness for quite a while. However, as Cowden’s counterpart at Team Shop Premiums, Hill has faced the nausea of working on straight commission. “When business is not booming, it can be tough financially. I’ve had to learn how to have a nice ‘nest egg’ in cases when business is not at its best.” Fortunately, she says when things are going well, the money is great.
Speaking of cold, hard cash, it’s really the best motivator to work hard – especially for the family types. “It’s a balancing act,” explains Eric Alessi, president and CEO of Essent Corp. The father of twins admits, “Work can easily consume all of my time and energy, but I remind myself why I work … for my wife, Ann, and family.”
For more information, contact:
Mike Paulus, Chief Marketing Officer 216.520.8400 ext. 3100/Cheryl Boncek, Marketing Communications Specialist 216.520.8400 ext. 3115
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