XBIZ is pleased to present “Execs of 2018: The Year in Review.”
A successful enterprise is often known for its leaders who become known as the face of the company. Brand ambassadors are a rare breed of individuals that is gregarious and champion their brand at every turn.
Each of the executives we spoke to below has one thing in common — they are among the finalist nominees for Brand Ambassador of the Year in the retail edition of the 2019 XBIZ Exec Awards.
What key skills have you noticed become more important in your role as brand ambassador?
Brent Aldon
Director of Sales and Marketing, Aneros
“There are several factors in becoming a successful brand ambassador. I wish I can say there is only one, but it comes in a package: relationship building, knowing your craft and products, and being able to adapt to many different personalities. As a brand ambassador, you need to have an overall open mind, as communication is key…. Relationships are one important key component in being a successful and good brand ambassador. Building that relationship with owners, buyers, sales staff, etc. is important as you build that trust with your brand. When people believe you, they believe in your products. Know your products! I have seen so many brand ambassadors that seem like they are reading a training booklet. Know your products, try your products.”
John Marinello
Senior Sales Manager, pjur Group
“There are several key skills that I have noticed becoming more important in my role as a brand ambassador: the ability to successfully communicate the company’s core values and to create an experience of the brand for every customer you interact with. Leadership and innovation are also just as important. My role is to represent the company in a positive light at all times, not just from 9-to-5 during the week. It is much more. If you are truly passionate about the brand and successful in communicating the brand experience, brand awareness and sales both increase.”
Taylor Means
Brand Ambassador, Nasstoys
“Product knowledge in its relation to sexual health and wellness has become key in the brand ambassador role. Not only buyers, but retail sales associates and even end consumers are more educated than ever before. You need to know more than just how many functions a toy has or what material it’s made of, but also, what those different functions physically do for that erogenous zone and why to choose that material over another. Relaying this information through trade shows, trainings and store events to further brand awareness and sex education has been a growing part of my responsibilities as brand ambassador at Nasstoys.”
Joe Pascolla
Brand Ambassador, Trigg Laboratories
“There are many key skills that are important for being a great brand ambassador; however, I think the most important is to genuinely love and believe in the company and products you are representing. You can always tell when someone is genuinely passionate about their products because they get everyone else excited about it without even trying. A great brand ambassador who truly loves and supports their brand is ultimately going to be the most successful at what they do, and it will be reflected in trainings and ultimately, numbers. It’s all about the real excitement and happy, positive energy. You can always tell authentic passion from someone who is just trying to collect a paycheck.”
Rob Reimer
Chief Marketing Officer, Boneyard Toys
“The skill that has become most important to me is definitely public speaking, which I used to hate. After doing trainings and seminars for the last several years, it’s become something I really enjoy and have a lot of fun with. I always start with a joke or funny story, which breaks the ice — and it’s important to keep your audience involved, either by handing out samples or asking them questions. It’s also great to meet new customers from around the world. Now that I’m repping my own brand Boneyard, it’s become even more fulfilling to me.”
Janet Rini
Brand Ambassador, NS Novelties
“Being a brand ambassador for NS Novelties is multifaceted. We thrive on not only knowing our own product line, but the lines of our competitors. It is vital you know the latest technologies and materials being used in the marketplace. I also need to be on the road providing on-hand trainings, extending product knowledge to the end consumer as well as having face-to-face time with our direct customers and most vital store employees.”
Sunny Rodgers
Brand Manager and Resident Sexologist, Pipedream Products
“For me, what’s truly important are the many benefits that our Jimmyjane, Sir Richards, and Pipedream pleasure products give to our end consumers. Our products have the power to create sexual wellness, enhance intimate relationships and make healthy personal lives for so many people. It’s these valuable benefits that really represent the miracle of our brands, and I am honored to be their messenger as a brand ambassador.”
Molly Romeo
Senior Account Manager, Holiday Products
“I feel like my love for all things Holiday is hard to contain, and that enthusiasm is contagious.”
