Geiger (PPAI 105182, D12) held its annual Geiger Galleria education, networking and sales conference on July 28‐29, this time virtually. With motto “Push Harder, Climb Higher, Go Farther”, almost 300 salespeople and associates from the U.S. and the UK attended each day to learn new sales tactics, network with their peers, and hear inspiring and informative keynote speakers.
“Whether in person or virtually, you can’t fake great content,” says Chris McKee, senior vice president of sales and marketing. “Galleria has always been about bringing together a mix of ideas from a variety of backgrounds from inside and outside of the industry. This year was no different.”
The event kicked off with presentations from Caryn Kopp of Kopp Consulting on getting the first meeting with a client; David Nicholson, president of Polyconcept North America, on the supply chain forecast and peer discussions on prospect generation and client presentation tactics. The second day featured Tom Armstrong, retired chief merchandising officer and senior vice president at L.L. Bean presenting on seven “Imperatives for Excellence” and Jo‐an Lantz, MAS, Geiger president and CEO, discussing the distributor’s financial outlook and the benefits of ambitious goal-making, fearless pivots and making wellness a priority. Lantz said, “You must try to triumph, anticipate demand and take advantage of our resources to capitalize on opportunities.” A peer discussion on maintaining positivity followed.
The event culminated with awards where the East region claimed the Region of the Year award for exceptional growth, acquisitions and superior service. Bonnie Beltran and Stephanie Haydon received the Gem Award for excellence in marketing, Clay Bouton was honored with the Chairman’s Club award for his achievements in corporate programs, and Lynne Duvivier and Clay Bouton also received the Endeavor Award for superior new sales partner. Alison Frazier, Anu Kelly and Scott Youmans earned the Jewel Award for largest single order.
This year two new awards were presented: The Pivot Award for most PPE sales went to Connie Mandula, and the Ambassador Award for best representing the Geiger spirit of collaboration, teamwork and support went to Brian and Sonya Beam. The winners of the Ambassador Award were nominated and voted on by their peers.
