Profile - Joan Melner

Strategy May 16, 2014

Owner/Principal, Advertising Etc., LLC (asi/110494)

I went to college at International University of Geneva and got an MBA in marketing.
My childhood ambition was to be in a creative endeavor, such as dance, art, theater, etc.
I got into the promo products industry as a nonprofit client and then, transitioned to the distribution end because of family. My mother-in-law was a distributor for 35 years and now I’ve taken over the family business.
You might be surprised to know that I was a speech/language pathologist as my first career and have lived in four countries outside the U.S.
The best advice anyone has given me is, be true to yourself and be honest and kind to others.
The most interesting or unique product I sold or program I worked on recently was a system of recognition gifts based on tenure for a major university.
My proudest achievement is meeting my 2013 financial goals (first full year as an owner).
On my days off, you will find me cooking and entertaining and taking long walks with the dog.
My theme song is “Happy” by Pharrell Williams.
If I could trade places with someone for a day, it would be Tina Fey.
My favorite websites are NPR, Washington Post, New York Times, LinkedIn, Twitter, Flipboard, ASAE, Martha Stewart