Eric Pehrson, MASI – President
Cutter & Buck (Supplier)
Term ending 12/31/23

"I have known and been involved with MiPPA since the day I started in promotional products. Former MiPPA President Paul Zafarana first gave me a chance in this industry and one of the first things I did was attend Promotional Products 101. A couple of years after that I started my own distributorship and the very first thing I did was join MiPPA. I would attend Promotions that Roar, volunteer at the Bloom Show, went go to all the Luncheon with the Stars I could. At each event I met more and more amazing people and loved the networking opportunities. I wanted to run for the board to give back to an organization that has given me so much. To be included with such a great group of passionate people who truly cares about this industry is such an honor. MiPPA has helped me to grow professionally and as an added bonus I’ve made some amazing friends along the way."

FUN FACTS

1. I founded and run a small organization called Songs 4 Soldiers that sends care packages to men and women overseas. To date over 200 packages have been sent.
2. After college I moved to Vegas and spent 10 years working in spa management in various resorts on “the strip”.
3. I’m a homebrewer.
4. I’m obsessed with “The Office” and can watch on repeat day in and day out.

Glenn Miotke – Director, President Elect
Unfolding Communications (Distributor)
Term ending 12/31/24

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 – Treasurer
QMI Group, Inc. (Distributor)
Term ending 12/31/22

“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.”

FUN FACTS

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 – Director, Secretary
Proforma Infinite Marketing Solutions
Image Builders Unlimited Powered by Proforma (Distributor)
Term ending 12/31/22

"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. My favorite ice cream flavor is chocolate.

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?!”

FUN FACTS

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

Maureen Dwyer – Director, Membership / Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, Belonging (DEIB) Champion
MK Marketing (Multiline Rep)
Term Ending 12/31/22

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."

FUN FACTS:

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 the expected first grandchild too!

Dean Sorensen – Director, Membership
Staples Promotional Products (Distributor)
Term ending 12/31/23

"I have always enjoyed meeting and networking with new people at our local MiPPA shows, when the opportunity presented itself, I thought it was a good time to give back to our industry.” 

FUN FACTS

1. I worked in sales at the Oakland Mall “Merry Go Round” in 1984-85, selling brands like Guess, Jordache, Buggle Boy, Ton Sur Ton
2. I was an usher at Cobo Hall and Joe Louis Arena during the Jacque Demers years and personally met Peter Klima the year he defected from the Czeck republic.
3. I drove Limos for a company owned by Detroit Lion players Larry Lee and Mark Nichols, my most notable clients were Aretha Franklin and Chuck Long
4. I worked on a film crew and traveled to South Africa to shoot GMC Yukon commercials for two weeks back in 2003

Carly Jaeger – Director
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.