Print & Promo Marketing’s ongoing feature series, Executive Perspectives, tells the personal entrepreneurial stories of leading professionals in the print and promotional products industry. This month, Debbie Story-Klapprodt, president of Branding Touchpoint (asi/439120), shares her story of growth across more than three decades in the business.
Key Takeaways
• Debbie Story-Klapprodt emphasizes continual growth through annual goal-setting, improved workflows and automation.
• Branding Touchpoint is finding success with interactive promotional product activations that create memorable customer experiences.
PPM: How did you get started in this industry?
Debbie Story-Klapprodt: I was introduced to promo 35 years ago by a friend working in the industry. During her first month, she closed a major deal with an advertising agency, and we were both excited by the large commission check she earned. With my background in advertising design and sales, the transition felt natural. I embraced every opportunity to learn, grow and expand my network. This industry offers unlimited earning potential and is an ideal fit for those who can blend creativity with good business sense, often at the same time!
PPM: How do you set goals for yourself and for your business?
DSK: We begin by creating a success list from the previous year to celebrate our achievements. This includes major wins, new customers and enhanced workflows. Our financial goals are simple: Beat the year before! We make sure that happens by setting goals in all areas – marketing, workflow and automation versus hiring.
PPM: How does the economy continue to affect the industry?
DSK: I’ve noticed that while I may have more orders than last year, they tend to be smaller, with the biggest challenge currently being the high freight charges.
PPM: What do you expect to be some of the biggest changes or challenges the industry will face?
DSK: How to be profitable selling print on demand, how to best use AI when new options are being released daily and understanding the purchasing habits of the younger generation, who are highly influenced by social media.
PPM: What’s the most exciting, cutting-edge thing your company is doing right now?
DSK: We’re having a blast with activations! It all began when we introduced a hat bar at an event, and our customers loved creating unique, one-of-a-kind hats. Pairing an engaging experience with a promotional item has proven to be incredibly successful. We want our products to spark lasting memories. Some of our favorite activations include hat bars, shoe and sock bars, build-your-own charcuterie boards, design-your-own pens and even adding your pet’s picture to a can cooler. On the business side, we’re passionate about digital marketing and love diving into the analytics.
PPM: What would people be surprised to learn about you?
DSK: After all my success, I still worry about where my next sale is coming from.
