Peter Hirsch, CAS


How often do you multi-task?
All the time, it's the only way I get things done. Sometimes, I try not to but sometimes I can't help it. Never, I just can't do more than one thing at a time.

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Peter Hirsch, CAS

Issue: 2009mar

Peter Hirsch, CAS, president of Houston-based Hirsch Gift, Inc. (UPIC: HIRGIFT), joined the industry eight years ago, launched his first catalog a year later and says he never looked back. PPB wanted to learn more about this native South African, who cut his teeth manufacturing ladies’ apparel for 20 years before emigrating to the U.S.

How do you like to spend your leisure time?
My wife and I are blessed with a 17-month-old granddaughter, who is my newfound leisure activity.

What’s a little-known fact about you?
I spent five years of my school life at boarding school and then a year in the army. Both of these experiences taught me to appreciate the small things in life and not to take anything for granted.

What person, living or dead, would you most like to meet?
Nelson Mandela. I marvel how a man who was incarcerated for a long 27 years could be released from prison and forgive his captors.

When did you know you wanted to work in this industry?
Meeting the high caliber of distributors through HPPA and local tradeshows was transformational for me.

What promotional product do you wish you had invented?
I have always marveled at electronic gadgetry, and the digital photo frame has such an edge on the traditional frame that it really stands out of a crowd.

If you had a motto, what would it be?
Carpe diem, seize the day.

What’s your dream vacation destination and why?
Cape Town, South Africa, in summer. We just came back from a visit, and it’s hard to beat the beaches, mountains, scenic wine routes and wonderful restaurants all packaged into the southern-most tip of Africa.

Where do you get creative inspiration?
I came from a family who designed and manufactured apparel, so I always enjoy looking at something from a different perspective.

If you had to choose a different career, what would it be?
Travel-related research in exotic locations. It would have to be a retirement wish because I so enjoy this industry and I’m not going anywhere anytime soon.

How do you relieve stress?
I enjoy golf with my buddies; we have a regular Sunday game and have a lot of fun.

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