Joan Ulrich and Jenny Hammons honored by Gifts and Dec

It’s great to see people honored for their hard work and dedication. It’s even better when they’re women you know, admire, and enjoy immensely.

Gifts and Decorative Accessories Magazine features “Fifteen Gifted Women” who helped build, shape, and grow the gift industry from coast to coast. Many of the names have become household brands over the years; some are known to fewer people, but have greater reach behind the scenes. All are certainly deserving.

Two, in particular, are women I know personally and enjoy immensely:

Joan Ulrich (Senior Vice President, MMPI) has her fingerprints on a number of high visibility properties-—7 West in New York, acquisition of numerous buildings in High Point, Beckman’s in Chicago, and the L.A. Mart, where she also oversees sales (in addition to those at the Chicago Market). Joan’s easy laugh and occasionally self-deprecating humor masks the fact she’s one of the brightest minds in the industry, able to see the big picture, then make it feel personal and unique. Quite a gift.

Coming at sales from a different direction, Jenny Hammons (Owner, Jenny Hammons Company) is the heartbeat behind showrooms bearing her name, more than 35 reps, and 90+ lines. Her approach to business is a comfortable mix of sharp business savvy and sincere warmth, extending to her current position as Chair of the Gift for Life board of directors.

Gifts and Dec did a great job introducing Joan and Jenny to the masses. Spin over here to read the full article and interviews with all fifteen dynamos. It’s well worth your time to learn more about the women who helped bring us to today.