William Trading Co. marketing coordinator Kelly Szwed’s bubbly, friendly personality has gotten her far in just over a year of joining the Pennsauken, N.J.-based distributor. This summer she played a significant role in the planning and executing of Williams Trading’s first-ever Customer Appreciation Seminar, and on a daily basis energetically manages the communication between the company, its customers, vendors and media. Szwed, who places a high value on every-day learning, sat down with XBIZ to allow us to learn a little bit about her.
How did you get into the business?
My business philosophy is simple, to be the best I can be everyday and to create an environment where people want to work with me and to get excited about what we do.
Strangely enough I answered a Monster.com ad for a marketing coordinator position. I was aware that it was adult in nature so that was intriguing to me. I had invested three years as a consultant for a home party company that featured adult products so I was already familiar and comfortable with the industry and I thought it would be a good fit for me.
What was your background prior to adult?
Prior to adult I was a marketing coordinator in the medical field, which is so totally different. The basic marketing model is the same but the message is much different. Prior to that, I was a fairly successful entrepreneur. I am certified in massage therapy and owned and managed a small business for eight years.
Describe a typical Monday at your desk …
A typical Monday at my desk starts with coffee, for sure! Then it consists of checking voicemail and then on to email. Once I have answered all of my emails I then look to my calendar to see if we will be having any manufacturers coming in to present their new wares. Next I check to see what new and exciting products we will be launching. After I have that information I begin to put together email blasts for our customers as well as necessary press releases so that our customers are kept up to date on our new releases.
What is your business philosophy?
My business philosophy is simple, to be the best I can be everyday and to create an environment where people want to work with me and to get excited about what we do. That energy is contagious! I believe that every day is a chance to learn something new and that gives me the opportunity to share what I know.
What is the most rewarding part of your job?
I think the most rewarding part of my job is when I get feedback from the industry veterans who assure me that my work is good and is appreciated.
How do you maintain balance in your life?
I love my nightly glass of wine! That along with pilates, Zumba and good, long walks. I also enjoy spending time with friends and family and my two cats.
What career accomplishment are you most proud of?
The accomplishment I am most proud of would be our first ever Customer Appreciation Seminar back in June 2011. That was an undertaking that I didn’t realize would be so exhausting and exhilarating all at the same time. I managed to arrange (not entirely on my own) a mini trade show of 26 vendors and over 120 customers as a way of saying thank you for the continued business and support our customers give to Williams Trading. It showed me just what I’m made of and I look forward to future challenges which will hopefully exceed the expectations of both vendors and customers alike.
Each month, industry news media organization XBIZ spotlights the career accomplishments and outstanding contributions of Women in Adult. WIA profiles offer an intimate look at the professional lives of the industry's most influential female executives.
