Holiday Products Senior Account Manager Angela Blackmon entered the adult novelty industry in 1998 as a sales assistant and quickly worked her way into sales. After a cross-country move to join Team Holiday in 2011, her hard work and determination has earned her the distinction of being one of the top distribution reps in the country. Angela prides herself on a level of service that is not only a true partnership with her clients, but has resulted in customers becoming life-long friends that are like family.
How many years have you been in the Industry? With Holiday?
I have been in the Adult Industry for 22 years, and with Holiday Products for 9. Moving to Holiday Products was one of the best decisions I have ever made.
How did you get into the business?
My boss Ken Sahn originally hired me to work for him as an assistant to the sales staff. One year later, his top rep at the time was retiring. I ask him to let me try my hand in sales, and the rest is history.
What challenges have you confronted in your career and how have you overcome them?
One of my biggest challenges being in this industry for 22 years is the amount of competition we now have. Everyone is now calling themselves a distributor and it has really convoluted this industry. I think what most in distribution neglect to understand is, we are all going after the very same accounts. No one has an account base that is exclusively theirs. When we keep allowing non-industry people to come into our industry and tarnish it, it hurts us all.
What is the most rewarding part of your job?
Some of my closest friends that I have gained over the years are my customers. One of the most rewarding things is I have gained life-long friends that are now family!
What is your personal motto or mantra that you live by?
Don’t take it personal and always keep it professional and respect is key!!
What career accomplishment are you most proud of?
Becoming the number one rep in the industry has been my most valuable accomplishment throughout my career. I went from assistant to 22 years later dominating with record growth. I hugely proud of that.
What are your professional goals for 2020 (and beyond)?
I would really like to make it to the other side of this pandemic with most, if not all, of my retailers intact. I have serviced some incredible accounts through all of this and my support to them and their support back has been the saving grace through it all. I thank my customers for being my sound board and for calling on me when they just needed to talk. I would love to do another 10 years if the industry will permit and then retire and enjoy the sacrifices of all my hard work.