Quinn Bui, 35
Owner/Multi-line Rep
n9ner Marketing
Riverside, California
Getting Started
After college, Bui worked as a customer service rep for a small supplier in Colorado, where he learned graphic design. His journey took him to the distributor side of the business, then back to the supplier ranks before he founded his own company as a multi-line rep earlier this year.
Earning The Honor
Nominator Charity Gibson, CMO of Proforma says, “Using photography, video and social media, he has been able to tell the story of promo as lifestyle products.”
What’s Your Biggest Career Challenge?
“Probably diversity and inclusion. Going into the first trade show was eye-opening. There were so many people there, but there weren’t too many people that were young, and at the same time there weren’t too many Vietnamese people. It wasn’t something I found negative. I just had to go out and look more. So I think that’s why I’ve leaned into being a part of associations and going to more events. I always push people to be a part of more than just your supplier or your distributor. Go out there and break out and climb those walls.”
What Are You Most Proud Of?
“When I started my distributorship, a portion of what I made went to a mission that I started with my family in Vietnam. It’s called Mission Giving Back. I’m so proud to be able to do that in my own business again, n9ner Marketing, and 2% of everything I make, doesn’t matter what supplier you work with, actually goes to saving orphans and families in Vietnam.”
How Do You Think The Industry Will Change In The Next Decade?
“I think technology is here, and AI is going to be a big part of it. Selling products is not what it was 10 years ago, and selling products is going to be different in 10 years, too. There’s going to be a lot more e-commerce coming into play, and I feel like the melting pot of marketing agencies to parent companies and promo are all going to be mixed together even more.”
