Barker Specialty is honored to be named one of the Greatest Companies to Work for in 2024!

August 26, 2024

Employees’ Favorite Things: Personal confidence in the future, work/life balance, appreciation by management, high NPS score, open to new ideas, growth experience, motivation to succeed, strong values and ethics

What Employees Say: Working for Barker Specialty has been a truly rewarding experience. The environment is fair, supportive and focused on employee recognition, which makes you feel valued and appreciated.

Distributor Veteran Rep of the year

May 20, 2024

After nearly 50 successful years in promo sales, Bob Steinbach could comfortably retire and sail off into the sunset.

But why in the heck, he asks, would he want to do that?

For the Barker Specialty (asi/132690) ace, fun is generating about $1.2 million in personal sales in 2023 – his 48th year in the business. It’s being a walking encyclopedia of product, sourcing and branding knowledge for his Barker colleagues and industry friends. It’s mentoring the next generation of merch professionals, as well as learning from them, and enjoying the warm relationships he’s cultivated with customers, suppliers and company teammates.

“Once promo products are in your blood, they’re there forever,” says Steinbach. “I’ve met so many interesting and wonderful people through the years because of this industry. And I continue to. Like anything else, there are good days and bad days. But when a customer tips their hat to you on a job well done, I still get a thrill out of that.”

From Enterprising Undergrad to Multimillion-Dollar Selling Entrepreneur

Steinbach’s first flirtation with promo came in high school. He worked at a small print shop in the New Haven, CT, area. The owner dabbled in promotional products and had catalogs lying around. “I remember flipping through them and thinking, ‘This is interesting stuff,’” Steinbach recalls.

Still, Steinbach’s promo journey began in earnest while he was studying accounting at the University of Connecticut. He noticed that a restaurant and liquor store he frequented (“Hey, it was college,” he laughs) had poor marketing. He felt he could do better, so he sent them a proposal. “They liked a few mock-up advertisements I did, and I started doing their marketing, including aerial advertising over football games,” Steinbach shares. “Through that I found my way into what was then known as advertising specialties.”

It was the potential in those tangible, brandable products that got Steinbach’s creative and entrepreneurial juices really flowing. He began researching merch manufacturers and writing to them for catalogs. Some declined, but others were impressed with the enterprising undergrad and sent the product books. Ultimately, Steinbach had access to enough suppliers to start selling branded specialties. “I was doing all this on my own,” he recalls. “I didn’t have family or friends in the business. I didn’t yet know about ASI. I was looking up manufacturers in the library.”

Bitten by the promo bug, Steinbach decided to give the industry a go once he graduated. He figured if it didn’t work out, he could always get an accounting job. Suffice to say: He’s never worked as an accountant a day in his life.

A solo operator in his early days and aided, he shares, by an ASI membership, Steinbach set about building his business. And build he did, delivering solutions for a range of clients. Roughly five years into his career, he took on a partner who was an expert in packaging. The pair’s expertise complemented each other, and they found considerable success. “For a time, it was a good marriage, and we built the business up nicely,” says Steinbach.

Things change though, and after approximately 10 years, Steinbach was back on his own again. That was fine by him. For several decades, he ran Wallingford, CT-based The Idea Company as president and owner, with a small support staff. During that time, he developed a lucrative niche serving educational industry publishers. He had more than a few multimillion-dollar sales years. He networked, made friends, and even met his wife at an ASI Show in Orlando. It was an awesome run, all powered by capitalizing on the opportunity inherent in promo.

Several years ago, he and Barker Specialty President Gerry Barker – long friendly competitors – began talking about Steinbach joining the firm. Given where Steinbach was at in his career, it made sense to do so. Steinbach has been with Barker Specialty for about three years, now serving as director of strategic sourcing, a role that involves strategy development and frontline sales.

“Bob is a tremendous colleague,” says Gerry Barker, whose firm was Counselor’s 2022 Distributor Family Business of the Year. “He wants to share his vast knowledge so salespeople are protected from making any errors, and so others can learn from his wisdom. He’s gracious, considerate and generous. He’s a leader, and Barker Specialty is very proud to be working with him.”

Keys to Success

Steinbach’s clients include some of the most prestigious universities, hospitals and high-profile sporting events in the U.S. – representative of the fact that he’s placed an emphasis on courting customers in the education, athletics and healthcare industries.

Whether serving household name brands or small businesses, Steinbach takes the same dedicated approach. “I view what we do as a bonified profession, and I never want to say ‘no’ to a customer, so I do everything I can to come through,” he explains. “I’ve seen it as my responsibility to develop the necessary expertise in sourcing, products, trends and production process to be a steward of every client’s brand and to assure them peace of mind and a great promotional buying experience.”

Steinbach’s seven figures worth of sales in 2023 is evidence the approach continues to work.

Just as pleasing as working with clients is helping and collaborating with colleagues, especially pros just starting out. On mentoring, Steinbach says: “It’s kind of like your parents might say, they want you to have a better life than they did. I didn’t have a mentor when I started out, so I like to help others. It’s not a one-way street. I’m learning all the time from them, too. It’s important to stay humble and open-minded and keep learning if you want sustained success.”

Steinbach strives to treat suppliers with the same consideration he does clients and colleagues. A telling anecdote: When supplier employees help him execute high-pressure rush orders, he’s known to send those people a gift – everything from “boom boxes” back in the day and television sets, to Best Buy gift cards. “They’re our partners, and they should be rewarded,” he says. “That’s how I like to do business.”

Doing business is something Steinbach plans to keep at for the foreseeable future. He’s only half joking when he says that if he retires, his hobby will probably be work. “Even if I do retire one day, I’ll keep going to industry trade shows,” Steinbach says. “I still get a kick out of seeing the new products, the creative things suppliers are coming out with. I love this industry, and it’s been good to me.” – Christopher Ruvo

Barker Specialty Announces Acquisition of Wolfepromo

May 14, 2024

Barker Specialty, a leader in the promotional products industry since 1951 is pleased to announce the acquisition of Wolfepromo, a Connecticut based distributorship for over 35 years.

"We are so excited to join with David Wolfe! David is exceptionally creative and has built a great business. Our entire staff is looking forward to working with David.”— Gerry Barker

David Wolfe, managing partner of Wolfepromo, developed a reputation for creativity backed with excellent customer service throughout Connecticut, Massachusetts and New York. He noticed early in his career that the way promotional products were marketed did not resonate well with him. He took this opportunity to differentiate himself by focusing on each client’s individual needs, understanding the clients’ goals, and envisioning their logo on products that would be differentiators. From there Wolfe’s tagline “Creatively Disruptive!” was born.

The hyper focused client experience that Wolfe led his company with is a natural fit for Barker Specialty. “I wanted to partner with a great company, I was very selective in inviting possible partners to discuss opportunities,” Wolfe said. As a family-owned business of more than 75 years, Gerry Barker fully understood and valued the importance of the client relationships Wolfe built over the years. “I’ve always thought highly of David. His company is small, highly respected and well run. This is just a terrific fit”, says Barker. Amy Serrano, Chief Revenue Officer for Barker Specialty added, "As soon as I met David, I knew the synergy between our companies would be perfect. We both have the same goals--- giving our clients peace of mind while providing the best solutions using promotional products."

Wolfepromo clients will continue to experience the same level of customer care, with the benefit of additional resources that Barker Specialty offers. This includes implementation of company stores, on premise warehousing, artwork services, on-site production, in-house kitting, global sourcing, and much more, all while providing competitive pricing. Furthermore, Barker Specialty's commitment to a diverse work force and supply chain, sustainable product sourcing, safe and vetted products, and intellectual property protection, all enhance the value of the Wolfepromo and Barker Specialty combination.

Barker Specialty announces Karen Heiligman as new Chief Operating Officer

April 4, 2024

Barker Specialty Company, of Cheshire, CT, a worldwide leader in the promotional products business, is proud to announce the promotion of Karen Heiligman from vice-president to Chief Operating Officer (COO) effective April 1, 2024.

Karen, currently VP of operations, has been with Barker Specialty for 21 years, after graduating from Central CT State University. During those 21 years, Karen has worked in many of the operating areas of the company, including customer support, sales, logistics, and most recently as director of fulfillment operations.

Son of company founders, Herb and Gloria Barker, President Gerry Barker states, “I am so proud to recognize and promote Karen to the critical position of COO. Karen is a strong leader and diligent worker. Her innate commitment to succeed is one of her many impressive qualities, and her compassion, empathy and concern for others are traits that my Mom recognized when she hired Karen. I remember how excited Mom was when Karen joined us, and I know my folks would be thrilled seeing the success Karen has achieved."

"Throughout my career at Barker Specialty, I have had the privilege of working alongside Karen. Her dedication and drive continuously inspire me!” — Amy Serrano, CRO

In her new role as COO, Karen will be responsible for overseeing the company's day-to-day operations, developing strategic initiatives, ensuring operational success throughout all areas of the business, and expanding international opportunities through IGC Global Promotions. Karen commented, "I am excited to take on this new challenge and greatly appreciate everyone's confidence in me! This business is difficult and has so many moving parts.... but I am determined to build on our 75 year history, while still maintaining our company values of respect for all, excellence in service, and competitive pricing."

Karen’s constant strive for excellence can be attributed to her numerous athletic victories throughout her high school and college career as a competitive swimmer. She is a passionate reader, averaging 30 books a year, fueling her love for knowledge and personal growth. Karen is deeply committed to her family and finds joy in the companionship of her beloved dogs Kenzie and Bella.

Counselor 2024 Best Places to Work: Barker Specialty

January 31, 2024

Ingredients for a Best Place to Work: Barker Specialty has been around for more than 70 years. The third-generation family business, which was named Counselor’s 2022 Distributor Family Business of the Year, prides itself on fostering a positive work culture, creating opportunities for growth and encouraging education and learning opportunities. “The company culture is one that feels like a family,” says Amy Serrano, chief revenue officer at Barker Specialty. “We work hard and are known to jump into an ‘all-hands-on-deck’ mentality when needed. We celebrate one another’s achievements and stand together in difficult times.”

Top Benefits & Perks: In addition to a comprehensive health and benefits package and savings plan, Barker Specialty has convened an Employee Engagement Committee, made up of staffers from different departments in the company. The committee plans opportunities for staff bonding outside of work and virtually, as well as themed morale boosters throughout the workday. Another fun recognition program? Barker gives employees a special gift for their birthday each year. The distributor’s recognition program lets team members nominate their peers for a job well done, drawing a random name from those recognized to win a gift card each month. The company also has a paid volunteer day each year, giving workers the opportunity to support a nonprofit with a mission close to their heart. And at the end of each year, Barker hosts a holiday party, which includes a milestone and recognition award ceremony.

Barker Specialty Announces New Look!

September 22, 2023

Barker Specialty proudly announces the reveal of its new brand identity! The new design embodies Barker Specialty’s cutting edge and contemporary position as a leader in the world of branded merchandise, company webstores and proprietary marketing strategies.

The choice was made to maintain similar color schemes, secondary design elements and the company name in order to preserve the recognition of the family-owned business that Herb and Gloria Barker started in 1951. By introducing a completely new logo, Barker Specialty demonstrates the importance of being able to adapt and modernize. The new logo is intentionally subject to varied interpretations, with the overarching goal to represent the concepts of caring and concern for customers, company and community.

Along with the brand refresh, Barker Specialty has reframed its mission, vision and values to highlight its commitment to an enhanced client experience, focus on the environment and continued emphasis on employee growth.

“Adapting to an ever-changing world, while maintaining core values is the driving focus behind the excitement of this rebranding. We are thrilled to reintroduce ourselves with a fresh, modern and vibrant persona.” – Chelsea Fishman, Director of Marketing

Gerry Barker, president, stated, " I have so much respect for our marketing team who have led this initiative and worked diligently to ensure a smooth transition. Removing our revered dog from our logo wasn't an easy choice but reflects our growth as a worldwide supplier of promotional marketing products."

“These positions reflect our commitment to fostering talent from within, while also welcoming fresh perspectives. Our continued growth is a testament to the dedication and hard work of our team,” says Gerry Barker, president of Barker Specialty.

The new brand identity can be found throughout the Barker Specialty website and social media channels.

Barker Specialty Empowering Growth: Introducing New Roles and Celebrating Promotions on Our Dynamic Team!

August 15, 2023

Barker Specialty, one of the leading distributors in the promotional products industry and recently named Greatest Companies to Work For by PPAI, is excited to announce two new roles and multiple promotions within the company. These changes are a direct reflection of the company’s ability to evolve and adapt over its 70+ years in business and further position Barker Specialty for continued growth.

Sara Trigilio has joined Barker Specialty as their first Human Resources Manager. Bringing her expertise of over 10 years of professional HR experience, Sara will oversee the management of premium employee benefits, provide employee training on diverse topics, lead onboarding initiatives and aid in general employee engagement efforts.

Alex D. Bowen has been promoted to Director of Sales after being with the company for over a decade. His ability to maintain a position as a top salesperson within the company makes him a natural fit for this position. His track record for excellence, combined with his strong leadership skills and strategic sales tactics, will be a valuable asset to the further growth of Barker Specialty.

Amy Serrano has been promoted to the new position of Chief Revenue Officer. In the 7 years she’s been with the company, Amy has grown her own book of business, while taking on larger leadership roles including facilitating vendor relations, creating new proprietary business tools and leading the marketing department. Her ability to understand and assess a situation and develop a clear strategic path forward is the notable skill set Barker Specialty sought when creating this position.

Chelsea Fishman has been promoted to Director of Marketing. Since joining Barker Specialty in 2016 she has maintained a position as a top salesperson, while carrying a proven track record of planning and executing multiple marketing campaigns, supporting companywide events and most recently led in the rebranding of the company.

“These positions reflect our commitment to fostering talent from within, while also welcoming fresh perspectives. Our continued growth is a testament to the dedication and hard work of our team,” says Gerry Barker, president of Barker Specialty.

Each of these positions reflects Barker Specialty’s ability to recognize and nurture talent from within, while also capturing outside talent that continues to propel the company forward. If you are interested in joining the team at Barker Specialty, please send your resume to [email protected].

Barker Specialty Announces Exclusive Partnership with agood company

June 13, 2023

By simply replacing plastic with plants, localizing our supply chain and reusing natural materials, we can cut down on waste tremendously. Join the good fight!

CHESHIRE, CT, USA, June 13, 2023/EINPresswire.com/ -- Barker Specialty is proud to announce its exclusive partnership with agood company- one of the first fully sustainable suppliers in the promotional marketing industry. agood company is a Swedish premium lifestyle brand founded in Stockholm in 2019 by CEO Anders Ankarlid and Henrik Jonsson. agood company is dedicated to sourcing production materials that have a minimal environmental impact. Additionally, agood company only works with trusted suppliers to ensure that they share the same values, and a true understanding of the production techniques that are required. They also promise to "never ever use harmful industrial chemicals in our production, such as acidic bleach or Bisphenol A plastics".

From natural grass pens to recycled organic cotton t-shirts, to bamboo toothbrushes--- agood company has the sustainable products that are in demand by marketers today! The list of companies using agood company products includes Universities, Financial Institutions, Governments, Energy Companies, and everyone who is concerned about the environment. agood company is highly recognized in Europe and is making inroads in North America. agood company has chosen Barker Specialty of Cheshire, CT to be its first North American partner. "We researched potential partners throughout North America and were impressed by the value and commitment of Barker Specialty to sustainability and environmental consciousness", said Taina Buscato, Global Sales Director for agood company. "In addition, we respected Barker Specialty's longevity in the business for over 75 years, and their outstanding commitment to customer service."

agood company's commitment to saving the environment extends well beyond the products they provide. "We detail the environmental footprint of each and every one of our products. We account for the materials used, total water consumption, the source of energy used in the production, and the carbon emission footprint of both production and shipping. We also benchmark our products against competing products in the same category", stated Anders Ankarlid. Anders also stated that "We continuously challenge consumers to transform mindless consumption into conscious decisions by helping people make informed and well-thought-through decisions when it comes to the things they buy. It makes sense for today's advertisers to use agood company products for their promotional marketing needs!"

Ewa Wlaz, Account Director for Barker Specialty commented, "Our clients are asking for high-quality products that are eco-friendly. While we have many options, the products of agood company are some of the best we have found. I particularly like the Stone Paper Notebooks and have received great feedback on this product".

Partnering with agood company was an easy decision for Barker Specialty because right away we recognized that agood company aligns with our mission, vision, and values. We continuously look for trusted suppliers and companies that are conscious of the materials they use, undergoing sustainable practices and are actively giving to the community.

Distributor Salesperson of the Year Finalist

May 23, 2023

Karen Montgomery

Karen Montgomery upped the ante in her first year as a sales rep at Barker Specialty (asi/132690) when she not only aced the company’s seven-figure sales goal, but delivered a proverbial royal flush, exceeding her goal in 2022 by over 150%.

That’s no surprise given that Texas Hold ‘Em is her favorite way to relax. “I’m a competitive person,” she says, “and I look forward to my regular poker games with friends, pizza and grinders!”

Montgomery might bluff at the poker table, but when it comes to selling, she’s a straight shooter whose clients always come first. “Karen prides herself on relationship management, not only with her customers but also with her team, and always has a pulse on the order in the production process so she can confidently update her customers,” says Amy Serrano, Barker’s director of marketing. “As busy as Karen is, she responds within minutes of an email, even for trivial matters.”

Montgomery learned the ropes from company co-owner and executive vice president Steven Barker, with whom she worked side by side as his senior account manager for over 10 years. When Barker decided to retire from his selling role in 2022, he looked no further than his right-hand woman to fill his shoes. “Her transition to sales was a natural move,” says Barker. “She knew all of the accounts inside and out, and I knew she had the hunger; she’s a go-getter.”

And now? “Karen’s doing a great job and it makes me feel proud,” offers Barker (who Montgomery refers to as “Master Po” and herself as “Grasshopper” in a nod to the 1970s TV series Kung Fu). “In fact, now her numbers are ahead of mine. Maybe I should have retired earlier!”

Montgomery’s largest client is an international disaster relief organization, and recently Montgomery provided over 1 million bags for the people of the Ukraine that were used to distribute food in that country. “I did all of the sourcing; the order was a lot of hard work and also good timing,” she says. “I had always handled this customer from soup to nuts, and we delivered.”

She credits her sales success to “hard work, a tremendous teammate in account manager Kimberly Smith Duplessis, and also sheer luck.” In addition, a comment from her first sales manager also fuels her: “No one has anything to do unless someone sells something.” – Jean Erickson

2022 CSR All-Stars: Kim Duplessis, Barker Specialty Company

Oct 26, 2022

Kim Duplessis

Behind every great salesperson is a capable CSR. For the lucky ones, that CSR is Kim Duplessis.

Got a customer on a tight timeline? Do they need extra attention? Are they a little demanding? Duplessis is on it, always able to anticipate the best course of action for both client and assignment. She brings 17 years of promotional products knowledge to her role, where she supports roughly 25 clients and one of Barker Specialty Company’s top million-dollar salespeople.

“When working at that high level of sales, there are countless scenarios where things can become complex quickly, and Kim navigates it all with professionalism and compassion — not only within our team, but with vendor communications and problem-solving as well,” her nominator says.

While every day is different, Duplessis typically begins with reading emails, checking phone messages and reviewing her calendar. She then has a brief status check with her salesperson, which is followed by order entry, researching new requests and attending vendor meetings. Of course no shift is complete without a purchase order mishap or inventory shortages, but this is where Duplessis thrives.

Even while managing her own heavy workload, Duplessis is the first person to ask how she can help others.

“It’s just the kind of person she is,” her nominator continues. “She wants to help her team alleviate stressful situations, while ensuring our customers are all well-cared for and all orders are on track for success, even when not her own.”

Her Approach to Customer Service
I always want to exceed my clients’ expectations and I do so by envisioning myself in the clients’ shoes. For example, if I send tracking information, I also do the tracking, so the client doesn’t have to do the extra step. If there are orders with event dates, I try to be proactive and alleviate any customer concerns by keeping the client constantly updated. Communication is key and my mantra is: “A bad truth is better than a good lie.” I am always open and honest with our customers, and this has been particularly true during the past three very difficult years.

Her First Instinct When Things Get Complicated
From my experience, when things start to get complicated, there is a snowball effect. I try to figure out the source of the issue and try to fix it as soon as possible. Fortunately for me, my mentors at Barker Specialty Company, especially Steven Barker, always have time to review and discuss various methods of handling problems and over 17 years, I have learned how to deal with the many issues that arise.

What Pandemic Fallout Has Taught Her
My takeaway from the current supply chain change is to check stock and production time before placing every order. It has taught me that patience is truly a virtue. I have also learned to be compassionate about our vendors who are often stressed and overworked. At the same time, it has also taught me how important it is to have good relationships with vendors and clients. Problems will always happen — it is the ability to resolve them in an expedient and calm manner that sets our company apart from others.

Her Proudest Career Achievement
A couple of years ago, I received the “Customer Service Representative of the Year” award for Barker Specialty. It was quite a special honor to me, as it not only came from my co-workers, but so many of them I deem exceptional as well.

Her Best Advice
At the beginning of the position, it may seem difficult, but stick with it. It is rewarding. Also, knowing the direction you would like your career to go in is helpful. Communicate that with your supervisors and it could potentially help you land where you would like to be.

What She Does for Fun
My idea of fun is spending time with my family — especially camping, cooking or playing with our dog. I have two daughters who have lots of energy and always keep me moving. Seeing my children smiling and happy is my ultimate joy.

SAAGNY Announces the 40 Under 40 for 2022

October 14, 2022

Ally Mazel

Tara Fede

The Specialty Advertising Association of Greater New York (SAAGNY) is excited to announce the 40 Under 40 for 2022. Forty individuals under 40 years old from the promotional products industry were carefully selected from nominations received. The chosen individuals represent the best and brightest.

Both Ally Mazel and Tara Fede were nominated by their peers and chosen by SAAGNY judges as a “talent to watch”.

Ally grew up in the industry and was destined to make her mark in this space! As a leader in our e-commerce programs, she handles complex and intricate details to ensure the best customer experience.

Tara sets the example of how to take initiative; she is incredibly dedicated and hardworking, always going above and beyond to ensure our clients' orders and events are perfect for our e-commerce programs.

Barker Specialty is extremely proud and honored to have both women honored by our industry.

Industry Veteran, Bob Steinbach, Joins Barker Specialty

July 21, 2022

Barker Specialty Company is excited to announce that industry veteran, Bob Steinbach, has joined Barker Specialty as Senior Account Executive and Director of Strategic Sourcing. Bob was the president and owner of The Idea Company, a very successful sales company in Wallingford, CT. Bob will continue to maintain his large customer base while sharing his extensive industry knowledge with Barker Specialty’s sales staff.

“We are thrilled to have Bob join Barker Specialty Company. Bob has a wonderful attitude and has already fit seamlessly into our company. Bob’s drive to ensure that everyone succeeds is one of the many attributes that sets Bob apart in this industry.”

Bob is a graduate of the University of Connecticut, and brings over 44 years of experience in business development, supplier sourcing and sales leadership within the promotional products industry.

Distributor Family Business of the Year 2022: Barker Specialty

July 20, 2022

The Cheshire, CT-based distributor focuses on serving its three Cs: clients, company and community.

It all started with salt and pepper shakers.

After they got married in the late 1940s, Herb and Gloria Barker began selling the souvenirs up and down the Atlantic coast. Soon enough, they were fielding requests for custom products and “tangible advertising,” so in 1951, they founded what would become Barker Specialty (asi/132690).

Seven decades later, the Barker legacy remains strong, with son Gerry Barker at the helm as president and his son, Max, on board as an account executive. The third-generation family business, based in Cheshire, CT, still operates with the same ethos that it has for decades. “There’s not that focus on profits,” Gerry says. “It doesn’t mean we don’t need to be profitable. But we actually say here we serve our three Cs: our clients, our company and our community.”

Members of the Barker family in 1987: (from left) Adrienne, Herb, Gerry, Gloria and Steven. Even as far back as the 1960s, Gerry says, Barker Specialty had sales staff on salary, rather than fully commissioned. “We were probably the first in the country to have all our employees on salary,” he adds. “Part of that was the family mentality that we couldn’t have anybody working for us and go hungry.”

Gerry views his staff as part of the family – attending their weddings, getting to know their children and helping them through illness and hardship. That caring attitude shows in staff loyalty and longevity. Ewa Wlaz, a 2022 finalist for Distributor Salesperson of the Year, joined Barker right out of college and is closing in on 20 years. Darlene Bowen, chief financial officer, is celebrating her 45th anniversary at the company this year. “I have loved being part of a family business that cares deeply about their employees, customers and vendors,” she says.

Though company history remains important to Barker Specialty, the distributor has also kept an eye on the future, never shying away from experimenting and innovating. “We were one of the first companies to have an end-user trade show,” Gerry recalls. “When we started that, everybody said it was wrong. Everybody said it was stupid. Everybody said it doesn’t make sense.” These days, however, inviting end-users to trade shows has become commonplace.

Other examples include the distributor’s 6,000-square-foot showroom, created years before many in the industry saw the value of displaying swag onsite and inviting clients to visit. Barker Specialty has also invested in limited in-house production capabilities – allowing for things like heat-transfer printing and laser engraving on blanks. “It’s really designed to enhance the work that our suppliers do,” Gerry says.

Gerry Barker, left, president of Barker Specialty, and Max Barker, account executive. Gerry’s parents, Herbert and Gloria Barker, are pictured on the photograph on the wall. A recent example? Barker Specialty was one of the first promotional products companies to explore the potential of nonfungible tokens (NFTs) in the promo industry. Last June, Gerry minted an NFT of a ramp walker, a cast-iron elephant toy from the 1870s that lives in the Barker Character, Comic and Cartoon Museum created from his parents’ personal toy collection.

“Being a family business, we’re able to make changes rapidly and not have to go through a formal exercise,” Gerry says. “The ability to make fast decisions and do the things the client needs in a pinch – that really is the personal touch.”

The nimbleness has helped Barker Specialty grow into a multimillion-dollar business with 95 employees. Gerry attributes the company’s continued success to the legacy his parents set: “They were ahead of their time. They were remarkable people. They were very caring people. And, you know, keeping the business going is, in many ways, a testament to them.”

Class of 2022 Meriden Hall of Fame Honors Herbert Barker

July 12, 2022

Barker Specialty Company is honored to announce Herbert (“Herb”) Barker’s induction to the Class of 2022 Meriden Hall of Fame.

Barker dedicated his entire life to the promotional products industry and was involved in the company’s operations, until his passing in 2019. Together with his wife Gloria, they worked to establish Barker Specialty Company, founded in 1951. Herb started Barker Specialty based on the idea of imprinting company’s names on useful products for advertising. Barker Specialty is now one of the leading promotional product companies in the USA and celebrated their 70th anniversary last year.

Herb also had an endless amount of pride and joy for animation, art, and collectibles! Herb and Gloria began collecting animation art and antique toys, which ultimately inspired them to open the infamous Barker Animation Arts Galleries and the Barker Character, Comic and Cartoon Museum in the 1990’s. Both remain remarkable sources of attraction to this day in Cheshire, CT.

Herb and Gloria were devoted to preserving cartoon heritage by the continuous collection of art, toys, animation, and artifacts. In 2016, they expanded the long-lasting appreciation for artwork by opening an additional Barker Animation location in the Tanger Outlets at Foxwoods in Mashantucket, CT.

Herb's business acumen and friendly demeanor made him a popular figure in Meriden where he chaired the Public Celebrations Committee. He led major events like the Meriden Day at the 1964 World's Fair in NYC and many parades throughout the downtown Meriden area. He also opened the first Golden Skillet restaurant in Meriden, CT. In addition, he was one of the first inductees into the Connecticut Business Hall of Fame in 2006 and was named “Boss of the Year” by the Greater Hartford Jaycees.

“Dad and Mom would be so thrilled and honored to have this recognition by the Meriden Hall of Fame. Our entire family appreciates all the work done by the Meriden Hall of Fame organization!” said President Gerry Barker.

Herb was an amazing person, father, boss, friend, and husband during his lifetime and certainly would be proud of the business’s evolution, success, and the continuous dedication to thrive in the industry. Herb will forever be remembered as a charismatic entrepreneur, visionary, and an icon of Meriden.

Ewa Wlaz - 2022 Sales Person of the Year – Top 10 Finalist

April 6, 2022

Ewa Wlaz emigrated to the U.S. from Poland when she was just 10 years old. “It was certainly an adjustment learning the culture, making friends and trying to navigate school,” she recalls, noting that being young and eager to learn helped her pick up English fairly quickly. And the resilience and strong work ethic she learned in childhood helped her succeed in college and beyond.

Wlaz has brought that eagerness and work ethic to Cheshire, CT-based distributorship Barker Specialty (asi/132690), where she’s worked for nearly 20 years, helping clients develop creative promos. The account director helped one client create sterling silver bracelets for its own clients, adding a new custom charm for the bangle each year. For another, she created a custom 3-D ornament made up of over 100 intricate pieces, all packaged in a beautiful box.

But one of the projects she’s most proud of is a custom online safety recognition program she launched for a Fortune 500 client. Wlaz led the development of online stores, recognition and safety program sites and fully integrated the portal with the client’s internal approval and organizational workflows to make the experience seamless to the customer. After the consolidated process was launched, “Employee recognitions doubled, and employee feedback has been extremely positive,” says Wlaz, who was previously recognized by Counselor for its 30 Under 30 list in 2005.

Wlaz approaches sales with a creative flair – thanks perhaps to a degree in graphic design and theater – and views her relationship with customers as a collaboration. “I look at each client interaction as an opportunity to learn from them,” she says, “but I also get to educate the client in return.”

That “unquenchable thirst for knowledge and ability to quickly grasp new ideas” are some of the reasons Wlaz stands out in the industry, says Gerry Barker, president of Barker Specialty. “Ewa is always pleasant and cheerful, whether a client is looking for a large order or one gift, and she handles stress very graciously,” he adds.

Despite the challenges of the last few years, Wlaz – whom Barker describes as “a master of merchandising” due to her flair for online store curation – has seen a steady uptick in sales, growing her revenue 5.4% from 2019 to 2020 and 6.9% from 2020 to 2021.

Though she strives for success, Wlaz remains humble and has never forgotten her roots, staying active in Polish organizations with her family and enrolling her two daughters, ages 12 and 14, into Polish school on Saturdays since they were in first grade. “I want to make sure,” she says, “they learn about their Polish heritage and culture, appreciate where they’re from and are able to communicate in the Polish language.”

Alexis Frederick – Recognized as NEPPA’s 2022 Rising Star

April 5, 2022

Barker Specialty is proud to announce that Alexis Frederick, Account Manager, has won NEPPA’s (New England Promotional Products Association) 2022 Rising Star Award. Alexis’s professionalism brings new ideas, dedication and enthusiasm to our company and industry. Alexis’s role within Barker Specialty has morphed into a hybrid role where she now works with two of our top salespeople; Account Directors- Ewa Wlaz and Roger Luchnick- where she manages the day-to-day of the orders- from order processing and client and vendor communications. She has gained the confidence and trust of her colleagues and their clients that certain accounts go directly to Alexis first when a need arises, and she is able to swiftly handle product sourcing and suggestions. She collaborates with Ewa and Roger on larger programs and attends client meetings where she assists with the sourcing and logistics of the project. Her attention to detail is impeccable- she has managed to deescalate potential shipping errors for a large kitting program by catching a customer’s error on their shipping list.

Alex D. Bowen - Recognized as the 2022 NEPPA Cares Award

April 5, 2022

Barker Specialty is proud to announce that Alex D. Bowen, Director of Sales- Strategic Accounts, has won the 2022 NEPPA (New England Promotional Products Association) Cares Award for his charitable efforts both professionally and personally. Throughout the year Alex is often supporting charitable causes in his free time for not only his friends and family, but also for his clients. He not only donates monetarily, but he also helps collect school materials for local schoolteachers for their classrooms, and even initiated a Barker Specialty Volunteer Day where employees can take a paid day off to volunteer for a cause close to their heart. But perhaps his most notable charitable endeavor is that he has been a member of the Hartford Gay Men’s Chorus (HGMC) since its inception over 10 years ago. As stated on their website, HGMC is an ensemble of over 35 members whose passion is to perform a wide range of music that inspires, impacts and enriches the lives of the members, patrons and the community in Connecticut. He truly enjoys contributing his time to the organization and the cause.

In Alex’s own words about this organization and what it means to him: “I’ve seen this organization help people stand on stage for the first time as an open member of the LGBTQIA+ community and sing to say “this is who I am”; to people who are transgender who transition and truly “find their voice” as it changes and sing with a group of supportive singers who love them as a human. I’ve seen the family that it is, save the life of people who truly wanted to end it all and then have stuck through it because the love and support of the people in the HGMC. I’ve seen this organization literally find a kidney for a member in need and another member donate. It’s not ‘what I do’ for the organization…. It’s ‘what won’t I do?’”

We can all take a page from Alex’s book- he is inspiring to say the least and we are proud that he is a part of our team!

2021 CSR All-Stars: Olivia Monroe, TAS, Barker Specialty

October 20, 2021

By Elise Hacking Carr, Print + Promo

The pandemic has tested even the most resilient of people. From a professional standpoint, employees have been tasked with navigating health and safety issues, supply chain disasters, raw material shortages and production delays. For Olivia Monroe, it taught her about her own character and the unexpected reward of discovering new strengths. When shutdown orders first went into effect last spring, Monroe jumped in to help with Barker Specialty’s marketing efforts, and created outreach documents to pinpoint clients’ rapidly evolving needs. She also recently earned her training advertising specialist (TAS) certificate through PPAI, the largest not-for-profit trade association serving the promotional product industry.

“Olivia is truly excellent at her job and, on top of that, does everything with a positive attitude,” her nominator said.

A human services major at Cazenovia College, Monroe took the opportunity to intern in various marketing and human resources roles. The first stop in her post-grad professional career was a human re-sources coordinator position at Macy’s Logistics. Like many before her, Monroe had never heard about the wonderful world of promotional products, but when a business connection introduced her to Barker Specialty, the industry pull was immediate.

Her typical day involves a lot of back-and-forth communication with vendors, sales staff and some-times clients when needed. Although her approach may be flexible, Monroe is not willing to compromise on accuracy and timeliness for her 280 assigned client accounts.

Her Approach to Customer Service

My approach to customer service is to always be flexible and have open ears, and by that, I mean to truly listen and understand the needs of your clients and vendors. The demands and situations can vary from order to order, so it is important to listen to what is being requested and know how to strategize and acclimate to ensure satisfaction.

How She Keeps Calm and Stays Inspired

When times are tense, I first take a deep breath, stand up to stretch and drink a big glass of water. Sometimes, stimulating more blood flow by moving around helps reset my mind to stay productive and positive. If I am feeling overwhelmed, I know I can always rely on my colleagues, who inspire me daily, for additional support. They are the best!

How the Pandemic Changed Her Job

Since COVID-19, my job has required additional attention to follow up with our vendors due to supply shortages of material around the world. We have noticed the material is not as easy to obtain due to a number of factors as a repercussion from COVID. I have also been given the opportunity to work from home, which has physically changed my work environment.

What She Learned About Herself in 2020-21

During 2020-21 I learned that I can adapt to change better than I originally thought (thanks to COVID)!

Her Proudest Career Achievement

I wouldn’t necessarily call this an achievement, but I am proud of the way I was able to adapt to “the new normal” in the business world during COVID-19. When the pandemic first broke out in the spring of 2020, I assisted my company with creating marketing ideas to promote our business and clients. Some examples were composing marketing flyers, constructing outreach documents for our sales staff and researching what the ‘new’ demands would be for our industry.

Her Best Advice

would say to try and become efficient at multitasking and stay organized! But most importantly, always make time to do things that make you happy outside of work.

What She Does for Fun

For fun I enjoy spending time in the outdoors with my dog and refurnishing wood furniture pieces.

Barker Specialty Named One of the Top Workplaces of 2021

October 8, 2021

Barker Specialty is honored to have been awarded as one of the Top Workplaces of 2021 by the Hearst Connecticut Media Group. The list is based solely on employee feedback gathered through a third-party survey administered by employee engagement technology partner Energage LLC. The anonymous survey uniquely measures 15 culture drivers that are critical to the success of any organization: including alignment, execution, and connection, just to name a few.

“Barker Specialty Company is very honored to be recognized as a top Workplace in Connecticut. Our 70 year old business is dependent on the hard work and dedication of our wonderful and engaged staff. Most importantly, we maintain our core values of dignity and respect for all and take great pride in providing our customers with a level of service that results in an excellent experience. We greatly appreciate this recognition and will continue to empower our employees to be a valuable resource for all businesses and organizations in our country” said President Gerry Barker.

Barker Specialty is currently celebrating their 70th year of business and excels at enhancing brand recognition and identity. Founded in 1951, the company quickly grew to become one of the leaders in the promotional products industry. Barker employees’ partner with clients to communicate their brand story through the creative use of branded products. The company is a one-stop source for all promotional and marketing needs and works with clients to develop a strategic strategy to achieve their branding goals.

Paving The Way For NFTs, Promo And Art

September 1, 2021

By Danielle Renda, Promotional Products Association International

When non-fungible tokens (NFTs) began attracting national attention, Gerry Barker was already knee-deep in minting (creating) one for his distributorship, Barker Specialty Company. Having realized early on the benefits these one-of-a-kind digital assets can offer to both the promotional products industry and the art collectors’ market—for the family-owned business, one has never existed without the other—Barker, president and CEO, and his team, which includes his son, Account Executive Max Barker, began leading the movement in NFT innovation for their clients in both industries.

“I recognized the fact that we’re dealing with tangible products in the promo space, yet at the same time we understand how important digital and technology are to our world. There’s been a real effort made to create tangible products that have application to the digital world or provide support for many of these digital products,” says Barker, noting examples such as web cam covers and smartphone attachments, like PopSockets®. However, researching NFTs led him to ponder, “If the world became almost exclusively digital, what would happen in the promotional products space with a total reliance on tangible products?” He says, “I wasn’t sure NFTs would fit this bill, but I believed it was a step in the right direction.”

Since joining his family business in 1986, Barker has always had a strong interest in technology and how it can enhance creative design and branding potential. The pandemic only propelled the use of tech, and Barker teamed up with Barker Specialty’s Director of Marketing Amy Serrano, CAS, who was recognized as a 2019 PPB Rising Star; Director of Sales Alex Bowen and Max, who represents the family’s third generation in the distributorship, to break into the world of Clubhouse, an invitation-only social media application that allows users to chime in and out of, and participate in, live conversations about any number of topics that are taking place around the world. Together with Max’s brother, Harrison Barker, this group leads a conversation on the app known as “The Swag Shop,” where they discuss industry- and tech-related topics.

Barker also isn’t afraid to consider a new experience or tool if he feels it may pose an advantage to his business or provide personal growth. The year prior to attending business school at the University of Chicago, he spent a year teaching English to high school students living in the Samoan rainforest, while living in a hut in a small village, side by side with his students and their families. It was an experience that broadened his perspective of understanding the needs of humanity and the humility that comes with living closely with others.

When chatter of NFTs grew louder amongst the general public, he saw that, as the owner of a promotional products distributor—which includes an office in Orlando, Florida, and sister businesses, Barker Character Comic and Cartoon Museum (BCCCM) and Barker Art Animation Galleries, located on the company’s 10-acre office park—not only did NFTs offer the potential for brands to convey truly meaningful, lasting and unique messages that align with modern-day tech trends, but also for special moments, like graduations or weddings, to be forever preserved and cherished, and for artists to sell their creative works in a potentially lucrative, new way as well.

“It was very easy to think that NFTs were synonymous with artwork, but that really isn’t the case,” says Barker. “What I believe is that artwork provided an easier way for people to start understanding NFTs. Many artists would say, ‘no, NFTs are only about art and this is what we’re sticking with,’ but I saw a greater vision for how NFTs could be used in an ever-expanding number of areas. That’s what got me excited for the world beyond art and to be used as uniquely owned digital assets, which is what they are. Indeed, we are starting to see cross-collaborations and greater support for a convergence of both digital and physical assets.”

But even from its start, Barker Specialty Co. was borne from a forward-focused, go-getter mindset. Celebrating 70 years in business this year, the distributor was founded in 1951 by Barker's parents, Gloria and Herb Barker, a U.S. Army veteran, who sold souvenir salt-and-pepper shakers across the East Coast; something which, in three years’ time, developed into selling branded, custom merchandise and became a multimillion-dollar business not too long after. While running their business, the couple developed their shared interest in collecting, and eventually decided to invite the public to enjoy their personal art and toy collection, opening BCCCM in 1997. Today, the collection the Barker’s started in 1873, spanning more than 40 years’ worth of collecting, features over 80,000 items, most of which are relics of childhood, like cartoon lunchboxes, toys, games and other collectibles. Some of the many smile-worthy characters in the collection include Popeye, Betty Boop, Mickey Mouse and Howdy Doody. Also during this time, Gloria and Herb discovered their shared, niche interest in production works, which began after purchasing a Mickey Mouse original production drawing in the ’60s. This interest evolved into an animation and pop-art collection which opened as Barker Art Animation Galleries in 1997. Recognized as the largest animation and entertainment art gallery in the world, Barker says, it includes an additional location at Foxwoods in Mashantucket, Connecticut, and features works from studios such as DC Comics, Disney/Pixar, Dr. Seuss Enterprises, L.P., Marvel Comics, Universal Studios and Warner Bros.

Considering the Barkers' joy for celebrating the collection of toys and other collectibles and creations, it only made sense for Barker Specialty Co.’s very first NFT to be of a treasured toy from Gloria and Herb's personal collection. The chosen item was a cast-iron elephant ramp walker manufactured in the 1870s by Ives Toy Company in Bridgeport, Connecticut, using discarded Civil War bullet casings. Being one of BCCCM’s oldest toys, an original is hard to find on the marketplace, but now toy collectors and fans alike can purchase their own digital version (NFT), aptly named “The Ramp Walker,” complete with music and animation to add to the experience. An NFT created by the company soon after, showcasing Barker Specialty Co.’s logo, can be found at bit.ly/3jgAzsD.

Today, the promotional products distributor has grown to a staff of 100, and serves as a one-stop resource for all promotional- and marketing-based solutions, including custom graphic design, webstore capabilities, warehousing, fulfillment, in-house decoration services and overseas sourcing capabilities. Its office includes an impressive 6,000-square-foot showroom with a meeting area that was purposely designed with a relaxed feel. The showroom includes a bar space complete with barstools and a large-screen TV for viewing products, and now NFTs. Serrano’s plan was for clients to meet with salespeople in a comfortable environment—and comfortable, it surely is.

Barker, together with his business, remains focused on continuing to offer advanced tech solutions for clients. To educate them and fellow promotional products professionals alike, the company created a webpage dedicated to NFTs, their purpose and how they are being used today: promoNFTS.com. Currently, Barker is partnering with Craig Wolfe, the owner of Celebriducks, a line of collectible NFTs featuring these iconic ducks, which can be viewed at bit.ly/3AdKLsC.

“We may be wrong in our vision, but many ideas in our country take time to evolve, which is exactly why I have been speaking out on this subject (NFTs),” says Barker. “I often think of the creation of the microwave oven as an example of an innovation that was designed to accelerate cooking time! However, most people don’t use their microwave as often to cook food but everyone has one, as people recognized the value of reheating and defrosting, which was never the original intention. Our latest project is the creation of a business to use NFTs to help charities expand their fundraising as these exclusive digital assets can be marketed to a large audience, even a universal one. I have teamed up with Lisa Fosdick [a business leader and early adopter of crypto currency and blockchain] to build NFTs4Charity (www.nfts4charity.io) and this is already gaining traction.”

For more on NFTs, read Barker’s “NFTs: The Next Revolution In Promo” in the May 2021 issue of PPB by clicking here.

SAAGNY Announces the 40 Under 40 for 2021

August 18, 2021

By Donna-Jean Plante, Specialty Advertising Association of Greater New York (SAAGNY)

The Specialty Advertising Association of Greater New York (SAAGNY) is excited to announce the 40 Under 40 for 2021. Forty individuals under 40 years old from the promotional products industry were carefully selected from nominations received. The chosen individuals represent the best and brightest.

SAAGNY President, Rachel Levin, commented “Recognizing young professionals who have made noticeable contributions to their companies, the SAAGNY community, and the overall Promotional Product Industry is a great pleasure and honor. These individuals are a guiding light to our future."

Two of Barker Specialty’s very own were recognized:

Chelsea Fishman began her promotional products journey, in 2014, after working for a nonprofit for a few years and graduating from the University of Hartford. Chelsea joined Barker Specialty Company learning the operations and supporting various salespeople eventually taking over a number of existing accounts and growing them exponentially. Chelsea’s creativity and diligence are instrumental in her growth. Chelsea is an amazing sales professional and Barker Team Management would love to replicate her! It is noted that her calm demeanor in the face of intense pressure, and her warm and engaging personality have helped her succeed. Chelsea never says “no” and always figures out a way. Her uncanny ability to get suppliers to work with her and support her is legendary.

To reflect on the accomplishments and growth Amy Serrano, CAS has achieved in just five years at Barker Specialty, could outshine what some people achieve in an entire career. Joining Barker Specialty as an account manager, she quickly proved her skills and dedication and was promoted to the Director of Marketing. As if that is not enough, recently Amy also took on the role of Vendor Relations to help Barker Specialty build and maintain exceptional partnerships with suppliers. In each of her roles, Amy has brought new ideas and a drive to the positions. In her role as Account Manager, she opened several new and prosperous accounts that continue to see great success under her management today. When she took on the role of Director of Marketing, she worked on a team to overhaul the outdated Barker Specialty website. Amy doesn’t back down to complicated situations either. She helps facilitate and guide salespeople through the development of new webstore programs. As an active part of the Program Development Team, she works to analyze and assess potential new programs and determine the viability of each one’s success. As each program is different, multiple scenarios and challenges arise, but Amy doesn’t back down and works alongside her colleagues to help find the best solution for the client’s desires.

Barker Specialty named one of PPB’s 2021 Greatest Companies to Work For

June 2, 2021

On May 13, 2021, Promotional Products Business (PPB) Magazine announced Barker Specialty as one of the 52 companies awarded the title of “Greatest Companies to Work For.” These companies represent promotional products distributors, suppliers, and business services from across the United States and Canada.

Companies were nominated by an employee, and then a 15-question survey was sent to each full-time employee to rate their company in 5 areas which included benefits, resources, culture, leadership, and company direction. “This competition is extremely popular and competitive, and we were so happy to be able to reinstate it this year. After the challenges we’ve all been through over the past months or so, it was a joy to give our member companies a way to engage their employees and an opportunity to celebrate,” says Tina Berres Filipski, PPB’s editor and director of publications.

Barker Specialty is currently celebrating their 70th year of business. Founded in 1951 they quickly grew to become one of the leaders in the promotional products industry. The company is a one-stop source for all promotional and marketing needs and works with clients to develop a strategic strategy to achieve their branding goals.

“We are so thrilled to be honored as one of the 2021 Greatest Companies to Work For. We are a family owned and operated business and I think it really shows in how we are treated by management, how we treat one another and how we treat our clients. Those values run deep and make us who we are” said Chelsea Fishman, Account Executive and Senior Marketing Manager.

Premium Promotional Product Provider Goes Solar

Barker Specialty in Cheshire brings solar to 55 Realty Drive property through C-PACE financing.

May 9, 2021

Press release from Connecticut Green Bank:

The Connecticut Green Bank proudly announces that 55 Realty Drive in Cheshire has closed on Commercial Property Assessed Clean Energy (C-PACE) financing for the installation of a rooftop solar photovoltaic system. The 26,458-square foot office building is owned by sibling partners Amy, Gerald, Adrienne and Steven Barker, and is home to six tenants, including Barker Specialty Advertising Co. Inc.

"Barker Specialty is committed to help build a sustainable future for our community and planet. We mitigate our carbon footprint through environmentally conscious actions, and partner with suppliers who responsibly source products and materials," said Gerry Barker, President of Barker Specialty. "Adding solar to our property helps us take another step to our goals."

The 102.4 kW solar system will be installed by Verogy, a solar developer headquartered in Hartford. The system is projected to produce energy savings equal to the energy used by 212 homes in a year and gross total cost savings of more than $730,000 over the 25-year effective useful life of the panels.

"To reach our goal of continuous reduction of our carbon footprint, we have looked inward to what we could control through business operations and culture. This project is a giant leap towards showing how our buildings can also be a part of the solution," said Jane Leukart, Director of Sustainability at Barker Specialty.

“It’s a real sort of sea change in thinking,” Barker said. He first read about NFTs, then asked his twenty-something sons about them and researched the practicalities on the social media platform Clubhouse.

Barker Specialty has been the one-stop source for all promotional and marketing needs for over 70 years. Barker is a service oriented, innovative promotional marketing agency, specializing in promotional products, logoed merchandise, apparel, premium gifts, awards, tradeshow displays and signage.

"We are always excited to see businesses using C-PACE financing to advance their sustainability plans," said Mackey Dykes, Vice President of Financing Programs at the Green Bank. "The installation of solar systems is a great way to reduce costs and improve the environmental footprint of a building."

For more information on C-PACE please visit www.cpace.com.

Digital Assets: Cheshire firm sees the future of promotional products in NFTs

May 3, 2021

By Liese Klein, Hartford Business Journal

Popeye, meet the Ramp Walker

At the Barker Character, Comic and Cartoon Museum in Cheshire, the iconic cartoon character of Popeye lives on in dozens of tin toys, plastic figurines, masks and other collectibles in glass cases for visitors to see (by appointment) and enjoy.

The Ramp Walker, however, exists in a pixelated form for the entire world to see at any time — and buy. The Ramp Walker is an NFT, or non-fungible token, an animated digital object created by Gerry Barker of the Barker Museum. The digital creation is based on an actual cast-iron toy made in 1873 from discarded Civil War bullet casings, which sits in a case near the Barker Museum’s front door.

“The idea of having it in a digital space, as well as the tangible collectible — I feel that’s a convergence of the two, the digital and the physical,” Barker said. “We really liked the idea.”

Barker and his family firm — Barker Specialty, a supplier of promotional products — are the first known local company to create and deal in NFTs, a relatively new digital asset that has seen an explosion in interest since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic. Like cryptocurrencies, NFTs exist as an outgrowth of blockchain or digital ledger technology. NFTs are technically not assets in themselves but encrypted chunks of data that serve to certify the authenticity of a unique digital image or animation clip.

“It’s a real sort of sea change in thinking,” Barker said. He first read about NFTs, then asked his twenty-something sons about them and researched the practicalities on the social media platform Clubhouse.

Family legacy of innovation

Barker’s main occupation is CEO of his family business, Barker Specialty, started by his parents in 1951. With promotional items ranging from plaques to pens to T-shirts, the company has grown to $20 million in annual revenue and just under 100 employees, based on a 10-acre campus off Route 10 in Cheshire.

Barker’s dad, Herb, pioneered many sales techniques in the promotion business, opening the first showroom for swag in the 1960s. The company also became an early adopter of digital marketing and social media.

But the senior Barker’s abiding passion was toys and collectibles — an obsession born of his work-centric youth in Meriden helping to run his family’s grocery business. With his wife, Gloria, Barker amassed a collection of more than 80,000 items, which he began displaying to the public in a barn on the Cheshire property in 1997.

“That was the big thing with my parents, the love of collecting and sharing,” Gerry Barker said. Both of his parents have died, but Gerry has continued adding to their collection and promoting the joy to be found in vintage toys and collectibles.

When Barker noticed the swift rise of NFTs in the media earlier this year, he saw the potential to link both his parents’ passion and his own promotional skills.

Barker picked the Ramp Walker as his first NFT experiment and set about working with an artist to create an animated GIF. He then “mined” the NFT and put it up for sale on OpenSea, one of a half-dozen or so major NFT marketplaces. The entire process cost around $400 and took only a matter of weeks, Barker said.

Now you can buy the Ramp Walker NFT for about $600 — just make sure you’ve got enough digital currency in your wallet. Only cryptocurrency can be used to pay for the items, in most cases Ethereum. (The Ramp Walker, Popeye, and all of the physical objects at the Barker Museum are not for sale.) Other NFTs on the various platforms include baseball cards, animated art and audio clips.

Selling art objects as NFTs got a huge boost in March when Christie’s auctioned off a collage by the digital artist Beeple. The final price — $69 million — topped all previous records for digital art and kicked off a boom in NFT speculation. The opening bid for Beeple’s work, a jpeg image file, started at $100.

Major players in the NFT space like the NBA have even created their own marketplaces. At the NBA’s Top Shot website, fans can browse, collect and buy more than 7.6 million “Top Shot Moments,” or NFT clips of players. A basic pack consisting of nine moments starts at only $9.

But NFTs offer far more promise than just opening up the world of vintage toys, jump shots and baseball cards to everyday collectors, Barker said. Imagine gifting a departing executive with a unique, one-of-a-kind digital memento of their service. Imagine fundraising for a dance company by offering clips of duets that donors can own in perpetuity.

“I said to myself, there are so many great opportunities for this not only in the world of not just promotion, but business and fundraising,” Barker said. “As the world becomes more digital, I’m thinking there is a place for this in the world of promotions.”

In a society seeking to rid itself of clutter, memorabilia, arts and gifts could be transformed into something infinitely portable, durable and affordable. Although crypto-mining and other blockchain activities have an environmental cost, the technology is expected to become more efficient over time.

“We think it has legs, we think it has long legs, particularly among younger people,” Barker said of NFTs and other blockchain innovations. “We’re willing to invest, but we do need a return.”

New frontiers in accounting

Measuring the value of digital assets like cryptos and NFTs has become a growing part of business at firms like Deloitte, an international accounting and professional services firm with offices at CityPlace in Hartford.

“The conversations we’re currently having around NFTs are similar to the conversations we were having four to five years ago with companies that were exploring Bitcoin and other cryptocurrencies,” said Michael Berrigan, a Deloitte partner.

“Digital content isn’t new,” Berrigan said. “What we are seeing is the blockchain technology and the cryptographic signature embedded within each NFT really over the last year has provided a viable way to really monetize and market digital content. I think that’s part of what’s driving the surge.”

Firms that are considering diving into NFTs need to do their homework and determine if they have the infrastructure to report on and value digital assets.

“What I tell clients is that when it comes to accounting and reporting for these, we have the framework, which is GAAP [generally accepted accounting principles],” Berrigan said. “The question becomes how do these new ventures fit into that.”

“It’s an evolving landscape,” Berrigan said, adding that Deloitte has a blockchain task force that approaches the assets from a variety of angles. “What’s important here is trying to educate yourself more broadly.”

Playing it safe with content

Despite the wild-west novelty of the blockchain space, existing intellectual property law applies to all minted NFTs, said Jesse Halfon, an attorney who specializes in NFTs and advised Gerry Barker. Content has to abide by copyright law and rules governing the images of celebrities and others.

“When you’re purchasing an NFT, even if it is linked, you are not receiving any intellectual property rights, you’re not receiving a copy of any digital work,” Halfon said. “It’s a sort of indication of authenticity on the blockchain.”

In addition, any mistakes made when minting an NFT are difficult to correct because the token cannot be retracted or removed.

“From a business perspective, if you are entering this space and creating an NFT, I would be more cautious than normal,” Halfon said. “It’s out there forever — there’s no traditional way to take work down. I would be more conservative.”

NFT creators should stick to original work and make sure they fully understand their rights and responsibilities on the blockchain, Halfon said. They should also ensure the platform they choose is likely to survive into the future, or their asset may be lost forever.

“The best practice is to use original content when creating NFT and to underpromise and overdeliver,” Halfon said. “The reward is that, like anything else, being first here allows a brand to fit with their profile of being forward thinkers or technologically savvy.”

Betting on ducks

Regardless of the potential risks or rewards, Gerry Barker takes a childlike joy in watching his Ramp Walker NFT march tirelessly across a computer monitor. He hopes to make money on the technology at some point, but he also sees the value of being a pioneer and helping his customers understand blockchain and its related innovations.

The next step for Barker is a collaboration with Craig Wolfe, the owner of a line of playful figurines called Celebriducks that feature the likeness of sports icons, musicians and movie stars. Digital artists will be commissioned to create the Celebriduck NFTs, which will be mined by Barker Specialty.

“We are so excited to use the creative aspect of NFTs to bring our unique line of collectibles to the digital art space,” Wolfe said. “We believe our many collectors throughout the world will be thrilled to own a Celebriduck NFT and we are looking forward to seeing the creative vision of NFT artists.”

Barker is looking forward to the Celebriduck project and hoping his promotional clients warm to the idea of digital branding.

“Barker Specialty has always been a thought leader in our space,” Barker said. “Over time [NFTs] are going to evolve because it’s a great product, but we haven’t figured out yet where it’s going to go.”

Barker Specialty Celebrates 70 Years In Business

March 26, 2021

Barker Specialty is pleased to announce they are celebrating 70 years in business! The promotional products company was started in 1951 by Gloria and Herb Barker who had a vision that tangible marketing products would one day become a critical advertising medium. Their thought was that useful products, those that can be seen repeatedly, would be a popular way to carry a branded message.

“I am so proud that my parents’ vision has become a reality and the company they started in their kitchen has become one of the premier promotional products companies in the country with nearly 80 employees. While I am saddened Gloria and Herb are not here to share our 70th anniversary, I am thrilled they were both here for our 65th, and we are committed to continuing the wonderful legacy they created.”, says Gerry Barker, President of Barker Specialty.

What started as a desire of Gloria and Herb’s to share in the joy people receive when getting a gift of a promotional item has turned into a thriving second generation family-owned business. In addition, they wanted to create a work environment where respect for fellow employees and clients was paramount. This mentality extended to the greater community where Barker Specialty has and continues to give job and internship opportunities, donations and volunteers to many worthwhile causes and organizations.

Barker Specialty continues to thrive and stand out as a leader in the promotional products industry. With multiple recognitions including most recently the 2020 PPAI Pyramid Award for Technology, Barker Specialty is committed to growing and adapting to offering the best services for our clients for years to come!

‘Bring Your Own Blanket’ Idea Supports Local Restaurants, Illustrates Promotional Opportunities

October 20, 2020

By PPAI Media

While the temperatures are growing cooler, preferences and restaurant occupancy limitations are keeping many diners on restaurant patios and outdoor dining areas. To encourage people to keep going to area restaurants and to make eating outside a more comfortable experience, Gerry Barker, president and CEO of Cheshire, Connecticut, distributor Barker Specialty Co. (PPAI 102001, D10), along with several area chambers of commerce and local restaurants, are collaborating on a “Bring Your Own Blanket” campaign.

The “Bring Your Own Blanket” or BYOB idea was created to spur business for restaurants, a sector hit hard by the pandemic, during the fall and winter months, and persuade diners to bundle up, visit their favorite local eateries and have a good time.

In a recent story in the New Haven Register, Barker said, “Changing people’s perspectives is really hard … people don’t want to be indoors, we want to socialize with our children and friends [at restaurants]. I can see this campaign being very positive.”

Barker also noted that as diners are encouraged to bring their own blankets to restaurants, the program isn’t intended to be a moneymaker for Barker Specialty. However, in a conversation with PPB Newslink, he did highlight how the program showcased how the right product at the right time can make a difference. He says, “The best element of this campaign is the opportunity to present our creativity and openness to a new way of thinking. We have been impressed with how receptive everyone is and how gracious both patrons and restaurants owners have been.”

Barker adds, “The idea wasn’t to create an avenue for business but there certainly are many possibilities. Blankets are an obvious one—whether sold to restaurants for resale or as a gift with purchase of maybe gift cards. The use of blankets as a fundraiser to support a local charity is another idea as is their use as a prize for a best picture submission or other contest involving outdoor dining. Signage is another opportunity. And we are also discussing possible programs with all types of restaurant suppliers to support their clients.”

Outdoor dining, which has gotten renewed attention due to COVID-19, is increasingly representing a year-round opportunity for promotional products companies. Bob Strem, executive vice president of supplier Kanata Blanket (PPAI 217153, S6), says, “We have recently seen changes in all industries, especially the restaurant industry, with new innovations in safe, outdoor dining. However, with the weather turning colder as fall is here and winter approaches, not every climate is perfect for year-round outdoor dining. This has created a demand in premium products that bring warmth to customers looking to get out and support local restaurants offering outdoor dining experiences. Kanata Blanket has seen an increase in orders from clients looking for products to be used in outdoor-safe gatherings. The world is changing to fit our needs, so Kanata is too.”

Barker’s initiative is finding traction with several area chambers of commerce, with several participating or exploring the idea. He tells PPB Newslink, “We are calling this a ‘community initiative’ and partnered with our local chamber of commerce. The genesis of the idea is really to share an idea to help restaurants, but also to provide opportunities for those who like to dine out—but not in—to have a longer season of outdoor dining.”

2020 CSR All-Stars: Jessica Defilpo, Barker Specialty Company

July 22, 2020

By Elise Hacking Carr, Print + Promo

JESSICA DEFILPO
Account Coordinator
Barker Specialty, Cheshire, Conn.

It is such a pleasure to work with Jess and she is well deserving of this recognition. In the two years she has been with Barker Specialty, she has become a valuable asset to our team and someone we can rely on. I never have to worry about orders and requests as I know they will be handled correctly, professionally and quickly. I’m proud to have Jess on my team. – Tracy Howson, Account Executive

It’s every company’s nightmare: Production hiccups, shipment delays and low stock supplies threaten to jeopardize the customer experience. Sometimes, there is no way around it, but thanks to ready and able employees like Jessica Defilpo, there are ways to correct it. The account coordinator for Barker Specialty Company recalled an incident where a decorator did not receive the correct sizes needed to complete an apparel job. While others may throw up their hands, these are the situations where Defilpo thrives. She jumped in and coordinated the details, ensuring the decorator was well-equipped for the task. The deadline was met without her account executive or customer having to worry about a thing.

A described “team player,” Defilpo has been known to arrive at the office early, stay late and even work weekends to ensure appropriate timelines are followed to meet in-hands dates.

With only two years of industry experience behind her, Defilpo is no stranger to customer service, having served at restaurants, worked with clients and their dogs, assisted the elderly and even driven school buses, to name some examples. Prior to joining the world of promo, she was a senior bilingual customer service representative for a company that sold event tickets. During her time in that role, she promoted company-sponsored events, particularly UConn games—an experience she credits with giving her insight on branding and promoting, and how they relate to specific events.

“When I heard about the position being available in Barker Specialty, I was genuinely excited, and once I was hired, I was eager to get my feet planted in the industry,” said Defilpo, who works directly with five account executives, each with approximately 100 to 200 clients of their own.

Her Approach to Customer Service:   My approach to customer service is being the one behind the scene making sure it all works out in the end—whether it’s catching a problem before it becomes an avalanche or making last-minute changes per our client’s request. Each day is different, and it’s hard to know what your workload will be like, but that’s what makes it exciting—the challenge. It’s handling each case as a puzzle piece, making sure it goes where it needs to go to complete the bigger picture, even if I may not even know what the picture is exactly! My ultimate goal is to make sure our customers are satisfied with what they ordered and that it meets their expectations. Sure, anyone else can do this job, but I take pride in handling all aspects of the field, especially the tough knots I have to untangle sometimes.

How She Keeps Calm and Stays Inspired:   As silly as it may seem, sometimes I just pause, take a deep breath in and sigh it out. My supervisor chuckled once when she heard me do a few of those throughout the day. She knew I was having a tough moment, but realized that it was my way of working it out. I also try to reorganize my work area daily, from the sticky notes on my desk, to my emails, and to-do lists. Though they always seem to pile up, every cross off or check mark is one accomplishment achieved—and one less headache.

How COVID-19 Has Changed Her Job:   The amount that I communicate to my account executives, fellow account coordinators and clients seems to have increased since the COVID-19 outbreak. Now that we don’t cross paths in the office, I make it a point to reach out to each of my teammates as much as I can. My workdays are also much shorter with reduced hours, yet all the orders I work on are still monitored by my colleague when I’m not on and vice-versa. Though COVID provided another challenge on top of a tense job, it definitely taught me, again, the importance of reaching out for help and working as a team to make sure things get done.

Why She Loves Her Job and the Industry:   I love the ability to be creative, even in the position that I’m in. Though I process orders and follow up on them, I am able to provide input on how the decoration on a product looks. One recent example was an order of tumblers the customer brought to our company. They were engraved with a wedding date, but she had to reschedule due to COVID-19. The plan was to cross off the date and add the new one below. When the proof came in, it was just an “X” on top of the date. I suggested crossing off the date with an arrow to make it look cleaner and the customer agreed with the concept. Though it wasn’t a mind-blowing experience, the fact that my advice was considered made me happy to be a part of the project.

Her Proudest Career Achievement:   The proudest moment I had was delivering an order to a client. They had ordered and received a plaque with pieces that did not line up. The plaque was needed that same day since they were mounting it on the wall for an event the following day. Rather than trying to coordinate with my account executive on what to do and how to retrieve the plaque to fix it, I went and met up with the client, grabbed the plaque and brought it back to Barker to have it fixed by our awards department. I then drove back out to meet with the client and hand them the plaque. They were happy with how quickly the situation was resolved. The team that I worked with at the time was thrilled that I took initiative, as it was such a time-sensitive case.

Her Best Advice:   Be clear when it comes to communicating with your customers and team since it will lead to direct responses, cleaner orders and less troubles down the road. When you, your team and customers are all on the same page, it provides a greater chance of success. That being said, the customer will more likely return and, therefore, your business with them will increase. It goes full circle, but starts with exceptional customer service. Also, it never hurts to ask for help when needed. As much as you can do most things on your own, you still have quite a bit to learn from others in a field that is so large, diverse and ever- changing.

What She Does for Fun:   I love exploring new places, especially spots with waterfalls. There’s just something about going on a trail and hearing the rumble of the falls as you get closer. I would have never known there were so many places in Connecticut, as well as the surrounding states that have these hidden gems. Nowadays, I have been working on crafting more, mostly preparing for my wedding. The whole process has been rather interesting during these times, but just like I do with work, I take a deep breath in and a long exhale out!

2020 Women in Print and Promo: Karen Rivkin, Barker Specialty Company

May 20, 2020

By Elise Hacking Carr, Print + Promo

KAREN RIVKIN
Director of Program Fulfillment
Barker Specialty, Cheshire, Conn.

Throughout the promo industry, Karen Rivkin is known for her “unstoppable energy and calm demeanor, especially during a difficult time,” her nominator shared. With companies abruptly forced to pivot strategy during the current COVID-19 outbreak, they would fare well with Rivkin on their team.

Like others in her age group, Rivkin had to deal with professional disruption straight out of college. Armed with a marketing degree, the 2002 Central Connecticut State University graduate was excited to put her skills to use. But the job market transformed after 9/11. Positions were scarce and bills needed to be paid, so Rivkin jumped at an opportunity in the retail sector. A year later, she realized it was not a good fit and was fortunate to find work in her hometown at promotional products distributor Barker Specialty Company.

Rivkin quickly acclimated herself to this world of marketing, starting out on the fulfillment team, where she processed e-commerce orders, provided customer service and restocked merchandise. After proving herself and her commitment to the company, she was asked to lead the department.

“It wasn’t until I was really in that role that I started getting into sales,” Rivkin said. “I had obtained industry knowledge, a comfort in dealing with customers and confidence in myself to know that the sales role was something I could do.”

Her current role is split between managing the program fulfillment team and sales—the latter of which she generated more than $1 million for. Rivkin enjoys working closely with her 10 direct reports in managing inventory, websites, product selection and customer service. The sales side, she said, provides a nice balance that allows her to build relationships with clients while using her marketing background to develop creative ideas that promote their brands.

What Brings Her Joy Professionally and Personally:   I love getting feedback from a customer after they receive an order and share with me the outcome of the event. It is satisfying and rewarding to hear how sometimes a “simple” item can really make an impact on a person or event. In life, overall, seeing people laugh or smile brings me joy. I love exercising and also curling up on the couch to read a book. I am a proud dog mom, and, most importantly, the love and happiness of my family and friends bring me the greatest joy in life.

Her Proudest Career Achievement:   Personally, I am most proud of earning the position to lead my team. I learned long ago that you don’t need to be a loud and outgoing person to lead. Professionally, I am most proud of reaching the Million Dollar Club. I think I am often overlooked at being a successful salesperson since I am shy and reserved. However, I enjoy quietly building relationships with my clients, getting to know them and the way they think, and using the industry knowledge I have obtained to creatively and effectively suggest the print and promo products to best display or portray their message.

On Working in a Traditionally Male-Dominated Industry:   While the industry is male-dominated, I am so fortunate to work for a company that has had, and continues to employ, a strong group of women who have paved the way for me and others to follow. It is only natural to struggle and face challenges when you are outside of your comfort zone. Learning as much as you can about the industry and trusting yourself will give you the confidence to sell just as well (if not better) than your male counterpart. I think that cultivating friendships and finding mentors within the industry is important to our success.

Her Job Advice to Women:   Learn. There is so much to learn about this industry and it is constantly changing. Take classes, attend vendor meetings, follow industry leaders on social media, read industry magazines–there are many tools to take advantage of and learn from. Be confident. Believe in yourself and your ability to express all that you have learned through your own creative avenues. Have fun. Look at what we sell. The selection of promotional products and print capabilities makes this career field stand out on its own.

Her Favorite Leader:   My father is my favorite leader for more reasons than I can share. He is someone that I looked up to until the day he left this world. He taught not only his children but everyone who had the honor of knowing him the value of honesty, confidence, a positive attitude, sense of humor and commitment. Both in and out of the workplace, he was empathetic and passionate to all. He listened, he taught, he encouraged and he fought. He earned respect by being true to himself and providing guidance in all aspects of life. In my eyes, my father possessed every quality that makes up an inspiring and successful leader, and so much more.

Her Upcoming Goals:   I’d love to hit a million [in sales] again this year, but COVID-19 is trying to interfere. I do, however, like a good challenge and will look toward a brighter second half of the year. Personally, I would like to complete my second half marathon and reach my reading goal (quarantine is helping with that).

How She Maintains a Work/Life Balance:   One of the things I enjoy most about this industry is the pace. COVID-19 has certainly changed our daily lives and [has] forced us to slow down in many aspects. Like many of us, I have formed a new work/life balance while working from home. I am still committed to getting up and working out before the workday starts and I have also formed a habit of practicing yoga during lunch. The workday is filled with fielding questions trying to figure out which suppliers are open, who has stock, updated production times, etc. It has been a challenge, but knowing we are all in this together is comforting. I think that keeping busy with the business we are fortunate to have and doing video chats with coworkers is helping to maintain some normalcy to our days. My day ends on the couch just like it used to, binging Hulu with my husband and cuddling with the pups.

Barker Specialty Update

March 13, 2020

Barker Specialty (BSC) has taken a serious interest in the coronavirus and its potential health implications as well as the potential for supply chain disruptions. The health and safety of our employees, vendor partners and our customer base is our number one priority as such, we will follow the guidelines that the CDC, state health departments and other appropriate agencies provide us. At this point, that means we are all focused on enforcing our Social Distancing protocols as well as identifying supply chain disruptions along with our counter measures.

Social Distance:
In order to minimize transmission from person to person, BSC’s Emergency Plan includes social distancing provisions, some of which are currently in effect and will be augmented per CDC, WHO, along with Local & Federal Government mandates. Social distancing is designed to limit the spread of a disease by reducing the opportunities for close contact between people. We are accomplishing this through the strategic implementation of one or more of the following protocol/s:

• reducing face-to-face exposure by using conference calls and video conferencing;
• avoiding unnecessary domestic & international travel;
• canceling meetings, workshops, training sessions and scheduled events;
• employees to work from home and/or establishing flexible work hours to reduce exposure in the workplace;
• installing protective barriers between work stations or increasing space between workers;
• reinforcing hand washing and requiring the use of protective equipment such as hand sanitizers, positioned throughout BSC and masks (if deemed effective);
• scheduling employees in shifts;
• providing laptops to any essential staff that doesn’t have at home connectivity;
• increasing the frequency of our office cleaning staff with particular attention to common surface area sterilization;
• controlling access to buildings; and
• requiring asymptomatic individuals traveling to affected countries/areas not to return to work until one incubation period has passed after returning home.

Supply Chain Distance:
As a number of our products are sourced from China, we wanted to alleviate any concerns of the potential risk of catching the virus from products imported from China. According to the CDC, coronaviruses are generally thought to be spread most often by respiratory droplets. There is poor survivability of these coronaviruses on surfaces; according to the CDC, there is “likely very low risk of spread from products or packaging that are shipped over a period of days or weeks at ambient temperatures”. Furthermore, the CDC notes that “currently there is no evidence to support transmission of COVID-19 associated with imported goods and there have not been any cases of COVID-19 in the United States associated with imported good”. It is unlikely that any health care expert will declare that it is “impossible” to get the virus from products imported from China. However, it is believed that this type of virus only last a few hours at ambient temperatures. Therefore, consistent with previous guidance from the CDC, the transmission risk is described as “extremely low” –especially given the extended transit time for most products from China.

Barker Specialty has long maintained a diverse supply chain management strategy with products sourced from China, USA, India, Pakistan, Vietnam, Indonesia, Mexico, and many other countries. While there are some products that are produced exclusively in China, we are confident that we will be able to meet our product commitments to our customers by utilizing an alternative avenue within our supply chain. Of importance, prior to the current coronavirus outbreak, BSC had transitioned towards a more sustainable purchasing model with emphasis on products made in the U.S.A. We have found that sourcing domestically, affords ourselves and our customers the assurance that our collective promotional dollars are recycling through our economy and creating more jobs for Americans. At the present time, we estimate approximately 35% from USA, 30% from China, and 35% from other countries.

Fields and Fishman Earn Top Industry Professional Certifications

March 03, 2020

Amy Fields and Chelsea Fishman, of Barker Specialty, earned the certification of CAS administered by Promotional Products Association International (PPAI; ppai.org), the largest international not-for-profit association for more than 15,000 members of the $21-plus billion promotional products industry.

The Certified Advertising Specialist (CAS), are the promotional products industry's premier professional designations. Individuals with a PPAI Certification are industry leaders—those who have attained a higher standard of professional competence, knowledge and experience. PPAI industry certification is acquired through a combination of: required certification classes, demonstrated years of employment in the industry, education, industry contributions and a successful demonstration of expertise. Certification is maintained through continuing education to ensure current knowledge and leading-edge professional skills.

The Certified Advertising Specialist (CAS) Certification requires 75 hours from a structured industry approved curriculum, a minimum three years of experience in the promotional products industry and a passing score on the CAS Certification exam. The rigorous curriculum required includes an overview of the promotional products industry, promotional programs, best practices/ supplier-distributor relations, advertising and marketing overview, product safety basics and business ethics. Upon completion of the core curriculum, individuals then can structure their own course schedules to deliver the greatest relevance and value for their careers.

“I am very proud of all of the accomplishments of our terrific marketing team of Amy Fields and Chelsea Fishman…. receiving their CAS certification is another example of their dedication,” noted Gerry Barker, President of Barker Specialty.

“We were eager to expand our knowledge so we can help position Barker Specialty as a leader in promotional marketing. Earning this certification is a proud moment for us,” said Amy Fields.

“Achieving our certification has empowered us to challenge ourselves and further our dedication to our careers in this industry. We’re excited to continue pursuing all opportunities this industry has to offer,” said Chelsea Fishman.

Steve Kliamenakis Achieves MVP Status With CFHLA

March 02, 2020

In March 2020, Steve Kliamenakis of Barker Specialty achieved MVP status with CFHLA. Over the past several years Steve has been an active and valued member of the foundation.

Annually, the CFHLA Foundation, a 501(c)(3) charity, conducts fundraising to support Hospitality Scholarships and Grants for Central Florida area students and schools.

Each year CFHLA awards approximately $200,000 in scholarships and grants. Individuals, like Steve, are asked to secured over $1,500 in auction items or monetary contributions for the 2020 CFHLA Gives Program.

Barker Specialty is proud of Steve and his continued involvement and support of CFHLA!

2020 Under 40: Chelsea Fishman, Barker Specialty

February 20, 2020

By Elise Hacking Carr, Print + Promo

CHELSEA FISMAN, 31
Account Executive and Senior Marketing Manager
Barker Specialty, Cheshire, Conn.

In just three short years, Chelsea Fishman has already accomplished one of the most difficult goals in the promo business: exceeding $1 million in annual sales. At the same time, this popular team member has been instrumental in co-handling internal and external marketing initiatives for promotional products distributor Barker Specialty Company. But the promo world almost missed out on this person, who her nominator describes as “indefatigable.” Right out of college, Fishman worked in the nonprofit sector, providing marketing and advertising expertise to a performing arts theater. But she craved something more to put her talents into. At the suggestion of her mother-in-law, she turned to promotional products. “I learned what the industry was about, and fell in love with the fast-paced environment and ever-changing clientele,” Fishman said of her employment with a small distributorship. Barker later hired her as an account manager, and she has since earned a few promotions. Today, Fishman deals with a variety of clients ranging from local, small businesses to national accounts, collaborating on new product ideas, creating mock-ups and sending spec samples to help in the buying process. On the marketing side, she updates the company web pages, supports internal recognition initiatives, grows the business’ social media presence, facilitates new client and referral programs, and more.

Why she loves her job: My favorite part of my job is getting to know my clients and feeling like a true part of their team. I greatly value being depended on and love nothing more than when a product truly resonates with the client and they are thrilled with the end results. My other favorite part is the creative aspect of brainstorming unique ways to achieve a client’s desired goals. When a client comes to me and says, “Tell me what you got in this price range, for this type of an event,” my head starts spinning with ideas!

Age roadblocks and advantages: The biggest challenge with my age is that while I am well versed in this industry, I service a lot of clients who are older and see me as a “young kid.” Once I explain logistics of concepts and ideas, I tend to earn my credibility by showing how I can save them time and money. The biggest advantage of my age is that I still have a lot of time to continue to perfect my skills, grow accounts and pursue further certifications in the industry.

Her biggest career influence: Our president Gerry Barker has been an invaluable mentor and supporter from day one. He takes the time to work through complex projects, encourages education and growth and is open and receptive to new ideas on how to continue to position Barker Specialty as a leader in the industry.

Her most meaningful business accomplishment: I focus on the order itself, making sure the product is of good quality, and [the] branding is accurate and [the] details of the order stay on track, from start to finish. Taking a step back to see the overall picture at the end of the year and realizing how much I’ve done is really astonishing.

Her differentiating factor: I take a more in-depth approach to working with my clients beyond a transactional partnership. For example, once a client told me they’d be out of the office for their upcoming wedding. Upon learning this, I sent them a branded cake serving set as a wedding gift. They were so surprised and appreciative of the thoughtful gesture. I also make sure to consistently send “thinking of you” virtuals to clients. I’ve also been known to send spec samples to clients without notice. I’ll include a short note explaining why they are getting the item and how it could be used for future needs. Each of these touch points keeps me top of mind and their go-to when promotional product needs arise.

What she hopes to accomplish in the next year: This year, I plan to earn my MAS certification with PPAI. I plan to continue growing my education in the industry so I can better educate myself and my clients, and share valuable information within my company. I am currently our custom packaging specialist at Barker Specialty and I strive to be the best resource I can for my colleagues. Additionally, I am focused on furthering our marketing initiatives and getting our best practices in sync.

Why she believes the future is bright: There is no doubt in my mind the print and promo industry will thrive in the next five years (and for many years to follow). People love to receive promotional products. A [recent] study from PPAI said 99 percent of people go out of their way to get a promotional product. There are many more facts that further prove the power of promotional products is just as strong as ever. Print continues to evolve as well. The abilities to use unique printing techniques and materials, print variable data and use geo mapping keeps print modern and trendy. After all, who can resist that soft touch paper on a flyer or business card?

How the industry can better recruit young talent: I don’t think enough people know this industry exists. I didn’t! When I was just out of college applying for jobs, I don’t recall any listings in the promotional products industry. I think that our industry needs to approach colleges and engage with students majoring in relevant career fields. These are the future leaders that will help propel this industry forward.

What she does for fun: In my spare time, I enjoy spending time with my husband and our 17-year-old Shih Tzu and 1-year-old Labradoodle. We are working on training our Labradoodle in advanced commands and tricks. One day it would be our dream to be able to train him to be a therapy dog visiting nursing homes and spreading cheer to those who need it.

Barker Specialty Receives Highly Distinguished Industry Award

February 17, 2020

On February 5, 2020, Barker Specialty won the PPAI Pyramid Award which honors creative excellence in the promotional products industry. The PPAI Pyramid for Technology recognizes members who develop creative and effective websites, mobile apps, video content, social media campaigns and blogs. Each winning entry demonstrates the effective use of images, content relevance to the intended audience, ease of use and creative delivery.

“Barker Specialty is very excited to be recognized as the Distributor Technology leader in the promotional products field. This is a testament to our incredible and industrious IT staff,” commented Gerry Barker.

“In our inaugural year in the Marketing Department, our first goal was to overhaul our company website. We were in need of a dynamic and engaging functional website and our partnership with our IT Department brought this to life! Our IT Department is truly an immeasurable asset to Barker Specialty,” said Amy Fields, Director of Marketing at Barker Specialty.

Barker Specialty Receives Industry Accolades at Annual SAAGNY Awards Dinner

December 12, 2019

Barker Specialty Company (BSC) is excited to be the recipient of two awards at the Annual SAAGNY Awards Dinner on December 11th. Barker Specialty was chosen as the Distributor of the Year and our own Alex D. Bowen, Account Manager at BSC, was given the Rising Star award. SAAGNY is a regional association for professionals in the promotional products industry covering Greater New York.

Alex D. Bowen was selected not only for his continued growth in sales, but his commitment to BSC and his philanthropy work. Bowen has responsibility of coordinating BSC’s nationally recognized end-user show. Bowen is also head of our B.E.A.T program – Barker Employee Appreciation Team, where he coordinates and plans monthly events to assure that all employees are engaged and valued. Outside of BSC, he is active in the Hartford’s Gay Men’s Choir and a number of organizations concerned with protecting the rights and health of those in the LGBTQ community.

“It is an honor for Barker Specialty and Alex Bowen to be recognized at SAAGNY’s Award Dinner. We are very proud of Alex for his award and are grateful to all of our customers and employees at BSC who play integral roles in making us the Distributor of the Year,” said Gerry Barker, President of BSC.

Barker Specialty Ending the Year Strong with Five New Hires

October 2, 2019

Barker Specialty Company (BSC) is excited to announce that Judi Mariano has joined the Barker team as the Director of Strategic Initiatives. BSC is also expanding their Production Team with the recent hiring of four additional Production Team Specialists.

Judi Mariano, Director of Strategic Initiatives, bring overs twenty years of promotional marketing experience to BSC. She has managed many programs for high profile brands and will use her vast skill set to expand our customer merchandising programs.

Patricia Mich and Christina Kopcza have joined BSC as Production Team Specialists. Both Patricia and Christina came from customer service backgrounds at Edible Arrangements.

Kimberly Chandler, Production Team Specialist, is a graduate of UCONN and has experience in marketing and event planning.

Amanda Cruz, Production Team Specialist, has previously worked in the insurance and banking industry, as well as customer service and order entry.

“As our sales continue to grow, we are thrilled with the addition of five dynamic employees. As more people understand the power of promotional marketing, Barker Specialty is well positioned for increased growth”, said Gerry Barker, President of Barker Specialty Company.

PPB Magazine Rising Star – Amy Fields

Sept 01, 2019

Amy Fields from Barker Specialty was named one of the fourteen most watchable young leaders profiled in the Promotional Products Business magazine. Named as a Rising Star, Amy was selected from among 81 individuals who were nominated by their supervisors, co-workers, clients, peers and vendors from across the promotional products industry. Among the qualities that propelled Amy into the spotlight were her accomplishments on and off the job, coupled with demonstrated leadership potential through involvement in the industry and in her communities.

When asked why Amy is a Rising Star, President Gerry Barker said “Fields joined the company three years ago as an account executive; this year her sales will exceed $1 million. She took on the additional marketing role last year and transformed the company’s marketing both internally and externally. She also redesigned the website, implemented a referral program and initiated an internal employee recognition campaign. She represents the company as a principal in the Premier Group and is involved in the local Chamber of Commerce and in the group Abilities Without Boundaries.”.

Barker Specialty Gives to The Cheshire Community Food Pantry

July 29, 2019

As a family business rooted in Cheshire, CT, Barker Specialty was inspired by the opportunity to help support The Cheshire Community Food Pantry when they announced the great need for non-perishable foods. During summer months children are home from school, placing a larger weight on families to supply meals, in turn nearly depleting the pantry’s stock. Barker Specialty not only understands the importance of supporting local businesses, but doing what we can to help our neighbors and friends whenever we can.

In the spirit of friendly competition, we split into four groups, assigned by birth month to combine people from different departments who may not interact with one another on a daily basis. The four groups were challenged to see which team could collect the most amount of non-perishable goods for the pantry. Over the course of two weeks the teams brought in food and put them in their designated boxes. The boxes were located in our main showroom, so staff and visitors alike would see the efforts made to collect non-perishables, with the goal to continue to inspire more people to dontate. It was a great way to start the day by seeing the growing piles of peanut butter, pastas, canned vegetables, fruit cups and so much more.

Within two weeks we tallied the amount of items and counted 1,200! The pantry was thrilled to be able to collect these items and refill their shelves with an abundance of food varieties for families to enjoy.

It was truly rewarding to see what we can do as a company when we all pulled together for a meaningful purpose!

NEPPA MVP Spotlight: Gerry Barker, Barker Specialty Company

June 25, 2019

The Beacon / New England Promotional Products Association / June 2019 Newsletter

What is your title/role at Barker Specialty? My title is "President". My role is helping others succeed.

What do you like best about your company? I really enjoy our diverse group of employees and respect their commitment to customer satisfaction.

What is new & upcoming with your company? At Barker Specialty Company we are continuously reinventing ourselves - in addition to onboarding of new employees and our growth of business, we are pushing the print side of the business in response to the large number of print vendors who have ventured into the promotional industry.

Tell us something about you that most people may not know? Before business school, I taught high school for a year in a village in the Samoan Islands. Some villagers had never seen a red headed white man before - some were quite awed and some were quite scared!

If you could choose any profession other than your current one, what would it be? To be a rock star like Dave Andrews!

What is your favorite quote (movie/literary/personal)? "I wish I had all the money in the world, so I could give it all away" - a quote from my mother, Gloria Barker.

What is your passion? My family (Debbi, Alivia, Max, and Harrison) - I cherish every moment we are together!

What drives you? I have a sense of responsibility to a number of people - this includes family, employees, community, clients, and suppliers - I don't want to let anyone down!

Barker Specialty Company Outing to Hartford Yard Goats Game

June 4, 2019

Barker Specialty Announces New Hires & New Roles Coming Into 2019

December 14, 2018

Barker Specialty Company (BSC) is pleased to announce the following new hires and new role responsibilities to the following employees:

Amy Fields, a graduate of Central Connecticut State University, will assume the role of Director of Marketing.

Chelsea Fishman, a graduate of the University of Hartford, has been named the Senior Marketing Manager.

Maxwell Barker has been named Account Manager. Maxwell is a graduate of Syracuse University and was previously an Account Executive at Justworks, selling modern HR, payroll and benefits solutions.

Olivia Monroe and Jessica Defilpo were named Production Team Specialists. Monroe, a graduate of Cazenovia College, comes to BSC with experience in customer service. Defilpo, a graduate of South New Hampshire University comes to BSC with a great deal of customer service experience and is fluent in Spanish.

Debra Diana has been hired for the BSC Fulfillment Team. Diana has experience at both private and public companies, as well as the not for profit industry.

“We are thrilled to be hiring and promoting so many employees as we reach the new year. The growth we are experiencing at BSC will help us best serve our loyal customers", said Gerry Barker, President of Barker Specialty Company.

2018 Women in Print and Promo: Ewa Karolina Wlaz, Barker Specialty Company

May 16, 2018

By Elise Hacking Carr, Print + Promo

Ewa Karolina Wlaz
Sales Executive
Barker Specialty Company
Years of Experience: 16

How she got her start: I love visual and performing arts and was a double major in graphic design and theater at Regis College in the Boston area. Upon graduation, I was looking for a career in the graphic design field and dropped off my résumé at Barker Specialty Company. [Company president] Gerry Barker met with me and asked me to give him three months to try out being an admin for him. He promised I would still be able to use my design skills, but that I would see a very different side of business. I developed a new appreciation and love of the industry, and, very soon after, I moved into sales.

Her proudest career achievements: One of the key career achievements I am proud of is having a Fortune 100 client provide us with an evergreen agreement. This agreement means we are the client’s preferred vendor forever as long as we always fulfill their ethical and safety standards, which we, of course, certainly plan on doing. I am also very proud of finishing my MBA along with my husband while working full time and raising two young children.

On working in a traditionally male-dominated industry: Sales roles have predominantly been male dominant, which makes it tough to prove oneself being a woman. Generally speaking, women often have to work harder to be recognized or rewarded, but this paradigm is evolving. It has taken some time, but I do feel perceptions are shifting and people see me not only as a woman, but as a professional salesperson and, more importantly, an equal colleague among many male counterparts whom I greatly respect.

Her job advice to women: Don’t be afraid! Just go for it, be confident, acquire the necessary skills, learn as much as you can from everyone and develop your own unique style. It is always important to have a mentor or someone you can really learn from. This is a fun, energetic and creative business that many women would be thrilled to be a part of.

Her industry mentors: From the beginning of my career I have always looked up to Gerry Barker. I’ve appreciated his advice and his creative solutions to some of the most challenging tasks. He has been an integral part in making me the salesperson I am today. I also always rely on the advice and support of my husband Krys Wlaz, director of IT of PW Power Systems. Krys has always had great advice and a slightly different perspective coming from a drastically different industry.

Her biggest lesson learned: This is a great question as I feel like there is always something to learn every day and with every situation. However, at the end of the day, I think the most important is to always have a positive and caring attitude—with clients, colleagues and suppliers. [Doing so] only brings out the best in people and, in turn, makes you a success.

How she maintains a work/life balance: Having flexibility in the workplace is crucial in maintaining a healthy work/life balance. I am able to care for and spend time with my family, while being connected and aware of what goes on in the office and with my clients at all times. Having great support, both in the office with wonderful sales staff and at home from family, is key.