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Close Up: Lauri Laufman, MAS
By: Staff
Issue: 2009aug
Lauri Laufman, MAS, vice president of Houston, Texas-based distributor Bullpen Marketing (UPIC: BULLPEN), launched her career in the promotional products industry 25 years ago as owner of National Jewelry Company, helping clients such as Exxon and Schlumberger with their service and retirement awards. As NJC grew, it added promotional products and, in 2006, was acquired by Bullpen Marketing.
A lifelong volunteer, Lauri has generously given time to her diverse interests, from staffing a teen abuse hotline for the Houston Area Women’s Center and helping with animal therapy at Caring Critters to serving as a board member and president for Houston Promotional Products Association (HPPA) and as an active PPAI committee volunteer for more than 20 years.
From her volunteer work, Lauri has honed her natural gift for relationship building, which has become the cornerstone to her success in sales. She believes in establishing good relationships with customers and helping them meet their needs with a variety of ideas, excellent customer service and a little bit of humor.
How do you like to spend your leisure time?
Hand me a ticket and I am on that plane with book in hand and camera in my bag for later. I enjoy most any table game, am an avid bridge player, love spending time with family and friends, cooking and escaping to the theater, movies or concerts. Oh, and I add a little volunteer time to the mix—that makes life all that more rewarding.
What’s a little-known fact about you?
I used to be very shy. This changed thanks to getting involved in photography in my teens. [Lauri has a marketing degree from the University of Texas, a keen interest in photography and originally wanted to be a photojournalist—Ed.] Through photographing events (including political, sports and entertainment), I met a lot of celebrities and even got published internationally along the way.
What person, living or dead, would you most like to meet and why?
I would trade that opportunity to spend one more day (or even an hour) with my dad, whom I lost when I was very young. And on a lighter note, I would love to have my own personal rendition of “The View” by sharing a table for a couple of hours with Whoopi Goldberg (entertainer/extraordinary woman in her own rite), Sandra Bullock (Is she really as fun as she appears in her movies?) and Denis Waitley (motivational/productivity consultant).
When did you know you wanted to work in this industry?
An opportunity introduced me, education and getting to know the people hooked me. Back in the mid-’80s when I got my start, I became involved with HPPA, attended MAS/CAS classes, spent time with many industry notables (including office visits with industry icons Carl Rosenfeld and Chet Wren) and ultimately participated in PPAI committee work.
What promotional product do you wish you had invented and why? Although making a bandana with one’s napkin looked cool, in the promotional industry the Koozie® defines cool by keeping beverages icy, hands dry and advertising messages visible in a totally new way.
If you had a motto, what would it be?
Honor the golden rule, be the best you can be and say ‘I love you’ to those who matter most as often as possible.
What’s your dream vacation destination and have you been there? I’d like to go around the world in 365 days (without jet lag). And I’d like to have red shoes that I can click three times for breathers since we all know “there’s no place like home!” No, I haven’t done it yet.
Where do you get creative inspiration?
Everywhere. From the wonderful team at Bullpen to a variety of industry resources (be it publications like PPB or networking with others) and all other aspects of daily life.
If you had to choose a different career, what would it be?
I would do something that allows me to assist others, possibly related to travel or teaching. Within the industry, it would be rewarding to exhibit and network at events for suppliers.
How do you relieve stress?
Calgon, take me away. In lieu of a visit to my masseuse, a walk with a friend or spending some time outdoors, I would say we have come full circle. Answer No.1 fits well.
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Copyright (c) 2005-2010 Promotional Products Association International. All Rights Reserved.
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