MEET THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS

PROVIDING LEADERSHIP AND VISION FOR A MORE PROSPEROUS INDUSTRY.

Glenn Miotke – President
Unfolding Communications (Distributor)
Term ending 12/31/23

FUN FACTS

1. Photographically challenged – I am smiling. Ask me to pose and this is what happens.
2. Passionate reader and writer – I’m presently better at turning pages than filling them.
3. Accidental but dedicated distance runner - Decided to run a marathon on a lark. Five marathons ago.
4. This is my first job out of college - It seems to be working out.

Tony Shereda MAS MASI – President Elect
QMI Group, Inc. (Distributor)
Term ending 12/31/24

“I really wanted to become more involved in the industry and MiPPA was a great way to network with some of the most caring and sharing people in the world. After all that this industry had given to me and my family I really wanted to find a way to give back and MiPPA gave me that venue.”

1. Unlike everyone else on the board it seems, I am not a runner. I did play football in college and two years of semi-pro ball as an offensive lineman though!
2. My daughter Alli was a nationally ranked spring board diver on both the one and three meter boards. She finished 24th in the nation on 1 meter in 2017 and 38th in the NCAA division 1 finals in 2018.
3. I have been in this industry since I was 16 and have loved it ever since! I have been with the same company the entire 36 years.
4. Besides the MiPPA board I also sit on the board for Kids on the Go, a non-profit organization that helps children on the spectrum with a free summer camp so that they can continue their therapies while not in school.

David Szidik – Treasurer
Proforma Infinite Marketing Solutions
Image Builders Unlimited Powered by Proforma (Distributor)
Term ending 12/31/24

"I wanted to become more involved in the industry and MiPPA was a great way to network with the industry professionals. I wanted to find a way to give back to the industry and MiPPA provides this opportunity."

FUN FACTS

1. Enjoy golfing in scrambles twice a year in June and August!
2. My first job was a cashier in BI-LO and had to memorize pricing on all products to enter in the manual cash register as customers checked out.
3. Proud of both my sons who are in the fields of service. One is a Benedictine Monk at Saint Meinrad Archabbey and will be ordained a priest in July 2022. My other son is a Deputy in Isabella County protecting the community.
4. 4. My favorite ice cream flavor is chocolate.

Carly Jaeger – Secretary
Koozie Group (Supplier)
Term Ending 12/31/23

"Since my start in the promotional products industry, I have felt that we are one big family, and in my family everyone gives back and does their part to contribute.  When I took on the MI territory in late 2018 I was first introduced to MIPPA at the Roar show, and I was blown away by the strong relationships, the dedication, the respect and once again the family feel.  I am honored to be asked to serve with MIPPA and I vow to do my part to keep our family strong!"

FUN FACTS

1. I was on the rowing team for the University of Iowa, GO HAWKS!
2. I have raced in 5ks, 10ks, half marathons, one full marathon, sprint triathlons, Olympic distance triathlons, and one half Ironman...I am slow and steady! 
3. I dip my pizza in ranch...yep, I'm one of those
4. I love growing herbs and tomatoes, and last year I harvested over 250 tomatoes and canned sauce to keep us going all winter long. 

Parker Melvin – Director, Events
Goldstar Pens (Supplier)
Term ending 12/31/23

"What do I love about MiPPA? Honestly, everything. Especially the people. I have been so impressed with MiPPA as a professional organization since I moved to the supplier side of our industry in 2017. It is one of the absolute finest regional trade associations in the entire country. Having worked as both distributor and supplier, I feel that I have much to offer in advancing MiPPA’s mission. I am very passionate about the future of our industry and wish to contribute to its success in every way that I can. What better way to do that than to serve on the board of this top notch organization?!”

1. Former classical musician
2. Self-taught bluegrass banjo player
3. Custom make fedoras as a hobby
4. Can recite the best lines from pretty much any Bill Murray movie

Mike Freestone – Director, Marketing / Ideas in Bloom Show
The Promo Agency (Distributor)
Term ending 12/31/23

"I wanted to join the board because sometimes I feel like a small fish in a big sea. There is a lot to learn and a lot of exposure being a part of the board. It is always a goal of mine to continue to learn and grow in the industry I love. I also take a lot of pride being able to be a part of something like this and to be able to represent myself and what I believe in. I look forward to being a part of such a great organization."

1. I have finished 6 marathons and 4 triathlons
2. I live 6 blocks from where I went to kindergarten
3. I bartend once a week
4. I'm thankful for my supportive wife and great kids...and now two grandkids.

Scott Wakefield – Director, Corporate Social Responsibility AlphaBroder / PrimeLine (Supplier)
Term Ending 12/31/24

"I wanted to give back to those who have helped me get to where I am today.  MIPPA, not only introduced me to some outstanding people but also helped me create new friends over the past 5 years."

1. I used to own a hair salon and no I don’t know how to cut hair or do nails… LOL
2. I played Baseball at Madonna University
3. I have two girls, who beat me in Golf.

Sandra Kelley, MAS – Director, Professional Development

Prestige Promotions LLC (Distributor)

Term Ending 12/31/24

"I really do LOVE MIPPA.  I have been a member at large for the last several years and was honored to be asked to serve on the Board Member for 2019-2020 .  I accepted because I truly believe it is our duty to serve in some aspect of our industry.  Each of us is responsible to help make the industry just a little bit better, utilizing our own unique gifts and talents (I'm still in search of mine)!  I was always so impressed at how organized the MIPPA events were and how they were done with high quality and don't let me start on the value that each member receive from their membership.  Being a member of MIPPA was a no-brainer!."

1. I am really an actress trapped in a Promotional Products Distributor's body ( I've done several commercials and small film projects in Michigan).  BTW, the Hollywood Stars are a lot shorter in person!
2. I have run/walked the CRIM 10 mile Road Race for the last ten years in a row. I train all summer and eat all winter, that's what I call a balance lifestyle. I love it!
3. I can sing, (but I'd prefer acting)!
4. My husband and I LOVE Aruba, we have been for the last 6 six in a row and this year will make 7.  YIPPEE!

Ashly Grenell – Director, Corporate Social Responsibility

Augusta Sportswear (Supplier)
Term Ending 12/31/24

"I can’t remember who decided to adopt me into this MiPPA family, but I am forever grateful and I owe a thanks to them! Haha! I love being involved and helping in this industry. I wanted to join the board to give back and help in whatever way I can, while also educating about who we are. I am proud to be a part of the MiPPA family and serve in this community. The long-lasting friendships and the wealth of knowledge that makes up this board speak volumes to who MiPPA is."

1. I live in a village of 103 people (Eagle, MI) I am raising 4 of those people (yes, my boyfriend included) his 3 beautiful children, 2 dogs, 1 cat & 4 chickens. It’s our little funny farm.
2. I love sports & being competitive. Volleyball & NASCAR are my favorite.
3. I love antiquing & salvaging items. We made our kitchen table from old barnwood, chicken coop out of pallet wood & have finished our basement ourselves. Many projects. It’s very rewarding to creatively challenge yourself.
4. Although I am musically challenged, I picked up the tongue drum. The youngest plays piano, so we love to have jam sessions while listening to the record player.

Paul A. Kiewiet MAS+  – Executive Director
MiPPA | paul@mippa.org | 269-806-4489

"I believe this can be the golden age of promotional products for professionals who wish to grow, to learn how to create value and how to be more relevant to the needs of their customers. I like the way that MiPPA provides the tools for people to do that successfully."

1. I've visited six of the seven continents (Antarctica remains on my bucket list)
2. I've completed 20 - marathons - all 26.2 miles of each of them
3. I've summited Mt Kilimanjaro, the highest peak in Africa at 19,300' above sea level
4. My first job was feeding and catching chickens

BOARD OF DIRECTORS NOMINATION

Service on the board of directors of MiPPA provides you with high profile leadership opportunities as well as the ability to shape the future of this organization.  

Service is a two year commitment beginning on January 1 and ending on December 31.  The board and newly elected members meet in November for a full day strategic planning meeting.  Board meetings take place about nine or ten months of the year, usually in a metro Detroit location.  When there are major association events, the meetings are scheduled to coincide with them.  Some meetings may take place via conference call or web conference.

Directors may run for a consecutive two year term. The President serves one additional year as Immediate Past President. 

By serving on the board, you will make life long friendships, meet the leaders and visionaries in the industry and get a much higher level perspective on the industry.  You will also be exposed to opportunities to interact and engage on the national level through our affiliation with PPAI and the Regional Association Council (RAC).

The people and skills that we are looking for are visionary, strategic, big-picture thinkers. Directors will also be needed to serve as officers including Treasurer, Secretary, President-Elect and President.

Elections are held in September as voted by the general membership. We seek to have a good balance of supplier, multiline rep and distributors serving on the board although each director is charged to serve the best interests of the entire industry and membership.

If you would like to serve, please download and complete the nomination form.