The PPAI Rising Stars award celebrates the exceptional talent and leadership shaping the future of the promotional products industry. This recognition honors individuals who have demonstrated not only professional accomplishments but also a commitment to innovation, leadership, and client success.
BAMKO is thrilled to announce that our very own Natalie O’Leary has been selected as a 2024 winner of the Rising Star award. With everything she does, Natalie embodies the qualities that define these Rising Stars, consistently exploring new solutions, overcoming new challenges, and going above and beyond for her clients.
We had the opportunity to sit down with Natalie and learn more about her journey, her success, and her passion for making a difference.
Q: Tell us about your professional journey, how you ended up at BAMKO, and what your career has looked like since you joined?
A: I began my career in the promotional products industry in 2012 with a family-owned distributor in the Houston area. I was immediately drawn to the creative aspects of the job, as well as the chance to build meaningful relationships with clients.
In the summer of 2022, I took a brief hiatus to focus on my growing family. Then, a serendipitous LinkedIn message from Tori Feeney led me to BAMKO, and I haven’t looked back since. Joining BAMKO has been a career game-changer. The incredible people, the vibrant culture, and the vast resources rekindled my passion and energy. I’m truly excited about everything BAMKO represents!
While starting at BAMKO meant rebuilding my client base from the ground up, I leveraged my social media expertise, industry knowledge, and a bit of personality to my advantage. As my online presence grew, so did my opportunities. I’ve been invited to speak at industry events, joined the board of the Houston Promotional Products Association, and even hosted a BAMKO webinar on personal branding!
Q: How have you managed to stand out within the promotional products industry?
A: For me, self-promotion has always been about authenticity and a genuine desire to make a positive impact. I’ve focused on contributing value to both my organization and the industry as a whole, letting my passion and dedication shine through in everything I do.
I’ve also found that building a strong personal brand on social media can be a powerful tool. By sharing my insights, experiences, and even a bit of my personality online, I’ve been able to connect with others in the industry on a deeper level. It’s about fostering genuine relationships and creating a space where we can all learn, grow, and celebrate the exciting world of promotional products.
This approach has been incredibly rewarding, both personally and professionally. It has helped me build a strong network of clients who trust me and appreciate my enthusiasm for what we do. It’s also opened doors to exciting opportunities, like speaking engagements, industry leadership roles, and valuable partnerships with suppliers. I’ve found that when you focus on giving back and sharing your knowledge, the rewards naturally follow.
Q: What is your approach to working with clients on promotional projects?
A: I believe that true success in promotional marketing comes from a collaborative partnership, where I act as an extension of my client’s team. I strive to go beyond being just a vendor, becoming a trusted advisor they can rely on throughout the entire process. Open and honest communication is the foundation of this relationship, and I foster an environment where clients feel comfortable reaching out to me anytime, with any question or concern.
I proactively share my expertise and industry knowledge, bringing fresh ideas to the table and guiding them towards solutions that align with their brand vision and objectives. It’s incredibly rewarding when clients tell me they appreciate my transparency, responsiveness, and the confidence I instill in them that they’ll receive exceptional quality and service every time.
For me, it’s not just about fulfilling an order; it’s about working hand-in-hand to bring their ideas to life, exceeding their expectations, and creating a truly enjoyable and collaborative experience that delivers real results. I believe that when you have a partner who understands your brand and truly cares about your success, it unlocks a whole new level of creativity and possibilities.
Q: How do you balance creativity and practicality when facing real-world challenges?
A: Balancing creativity and practicality is essential, and it’s where my industry expertise and deep experience truly shine. I understand that a promotional product needs to be more than just visually appealing; it needs to function seamlessly within a client’s overall marketing strategy and deliver tangible results.
I start by immersing myself in the client’s brand, target audience, and objectives. This allows me to tap into my creative side, generating ideas that not only capture attention but also align with their specific needs and budget. I leverage my extensive network of supplier partners to source unique and innovative products that will make a lasting impression.
Open collaboration is key, so I present mockups and gather feedback throughout the design process, ensuring the final product is both visually stunning and practical for its intended use. Ultimately, my goal is to provide a promotional product that not only excites the client but also resonates deeply with their audience, driving engagement and delivering a measurable return on investment. It’s about finding that perfect balance between inspired design and real-world functionality, leveraging my expertise to turn creative visions into tangible successes.
Q: The Rising Stars award recognizes those who go above and beyond. What specific contributions or initiatives are you most proud of that may have caught the attention of PPAI?
A: Receiving the PPAI Rising Stars award is an incredible honor, and it’s made even more special knowing it comes directly from the recognition of my peers. It’s a testament to the value of building genuine connections and fostering a sense of community within our industry.
Throughout my career, I’ve always tried to prioritize meaningful relationships with fellow distributors, suppliers, and clients. I believe that by supporting and uplifting each other, we all rise together. Whether it’s through sharing knowledge on social media, collaborating on exciting projects, or simply being there to lend an ear, I’ve always strived to contribute positively to the industry I love.
I’m truly grateful that my efforts have been recognized in this way. This award motivates me to continue learning, growing, and giving back to the promotional products community that has given me so much.
Q: Looking ahead, what are your aspirations for your career in the promotional products industry?
A: 
Looking ahead, I’m genuinely excited about the boundless potential of our industry. My aspiration is to be at the forefront of its evolution, actively shaping its future. I’m passionate about innovation and constantly seeking new ideas and strategies that can elevate the power of branded merchandise. I envision myself as a thought leader in this space, sharing valuable insights and inspiring others to push the boundaries of creativity and effectiveness.
But it’s not just about personal recognition; it’s about making a lasting impact. I want to contribute to the overall growth and success of the entire industry, helping it navigate the ever-changing marketplace and adapt to emerging trends. I believe that by fostering a collaborative spirit and sharing knowledge, we can collectively achieve great things.
Ultimately, I want my career to be a testament to my unwavering commitment to excellence, my relentless drive for innovation, and my sincere desire to see others succeed. It’s about leaving a positive mark on the promotional products world and helping it reach its full potential.
The Future of Promo: Building Connections and Driving Innovation
Natalie O’Leary’s passion, dedication, and innovative spirit truly exemplify what it means to be a rising star in the promotional products industry. Her commitment to building strong relationships, fostering collaboration, and delivering exceptional results has clearly resonated with her peers and clients alike.
As Natalie continues to make her mark on the industry, we’re excited to see how she’ll continue to push boundaries, inspire others, and shape the future of branded merchandise. We’re proud to have her as part of the BAMKO team, and we extend our heartfelt congratulations on this well-deserved recognition.
Cheers to Natalie and all the other 2024 PPAI Rising Stars!
