CAPPA Chat

Scott Harris, 2010 Director/Social Chair

Why is volunteering with CAPPA important to you?

Up until I had this opportunity/honor of sitting on the CAPPA board I had always promised myself that I would volunteer but something (family, work, obligations—yada, yada, yada) always seemed to keep me from following through on this commitment.  CAPPA gave me the perfect opportunity to give back while at the same time staying in tune with what was happening in my industry.  I also get to work with smart/insightful and energetic people who all have one common goal.

What is the one event or person that brought you to the promotional products industry?

Cold calling Dell Computer when I moved to Austin from Dallas with Cintas Uniforms.  I bumped into Jeff Haynes from BD&A and he asked what I liked best about what I was doing.  After some thought I realized I really enjoyed the creative and relational aspects of promotional products.  He asked what I thought about doing that full time…and I haven’t looked back since.

What is important in your life right now?

My continued growth/journey in my faith, my family–especially my two sons that seem to get bigger every time I blink, bringing integrity and enthusiasm to my work every day and striking a sincere balance of all of the above—all in that order

Name one thing that not many people know about you.

I am a Foodie…yep, every chance I get I flip the channel to Food Network.  I love to experiment with different recipes, grilling, sauces the works. 

What is your favorite place on this earth?

Hmmm….tough one, God has created so many favorites.  I was truly in awe at the National Forests near Mt. Rainier in Washington but give me the Caribbean beaches/food/sun/play any day.  My parents lived on St. Thomas for 4 years and we visited every year, snorkeled St. John, St. Kitts…it really is an amazing place.

 Before the board orientation what was your impression of CAPPA as an organization, good or bad?

Well, it wasn’t good or bad…it really was just there.  There did not appear to be much value, especially considering how busy I always was on the Distributor front I wasn’t motivated in any way to attend the functions that CAPPA had organized.

What is the one take away you received after the board orientation?

This is a NEW CAPPA!  I think our first Event in April will prove that.  We will be bringing honest to goodness Value in 2010—I am certain of that.

What is your personal goal for CAPPA?

To contribute and learn as much as possible to and about CAPPA , Distributors and Suppliers and to provide real value.  I view CAPPA as a  great vehicle/resource to accomplish this.

Jennifer Brown, 2010 CAPPA Vice President & RAC Delegate

Why is volunteering with CAPPA important to you?

In my opinion, it’s all about the relationships I’ve built through my volunteer work. I have been very fortunate to meet so many wonderful people that I am lucky to call my friend. I also truly believe in the work we’re doing and the potential that CAPPA has to help you succeed in your business.

 What is the one event or person that brought you to the promotional products industry?

 Honestly, I ended up here on a fluke! I was working part time for a local distributor and after I had been there several months they decided that they wanted to get out of the business. In a matter of about 3 days I became a business owner and as they say “the rest is history!”

 What is important in your life right now?

 I’m working on focusing my business model to adapt to the new economy while continuing to grow my business. In my personal life I am a natural born worrier and i’m learning (slowly!)  to “be in the moment” so that I enjoy everything life has to offer, today!

 Name one thing that not many people know about you.

 If you’ve ever been around me for more than an hour or so, you’ll probably notice that I tend to wear my sunglasses a lot inside. The reason for that is not that I think I’m “too cool for school” , it’s because I’m legally blind (sunglasses are prescription).

 Where is your favorite place on earth?

 WOW-this is a tough one for me because I LOVE to travel! It’s a tie between two places: Ireland- there is no words to describe the natural beauty of the country and my Granny’s house in East Texas- it represents everything good in my life.

 Before board orientation what was your impression of CAPPA as an organization, good or bad?

 My impression of CAPPA was that it was an organization with great heart but one that needed new leadership to focus and move forward toward a successful future.

 What is the one take away that you received after board orientation?

 Our new Board of Directors has the passion and dedication to bring CAPPA to its full potential.

 What is your personal goal for CAPPA?

 I want distributors and suppliers to recognize CAPPA as an organization that is beneficial to the overall success of their business.