NE Division Bio Book 2020

BRAND CONCIERGES

[ NORTHEAST DIVISION BRAND CONCIERGES ] “The team at Just Got 2 Have It is awesome... we love their energy, enthusiasm and collaboration!

The showroom is always hopping, with new fresh lines, great displays and lots of events and incentives to draw customers in. The result has been increased sales from both the road and shows, year after year.”

Jessica P. Barile Vice President, Specialty Sales Paddywax, Olivina & Designworks Ink

Nicole Certo

[ Sales Manager, Northeast ] nik@justgot2haveit.com About me: I have worked in sales and sales management for over 25 years and I love it. It all started as a young person when I studied Interior Design as my career of choice. I quickly realized that I had entered into a sales field--I could create an amazing project but would ultimately have to ‘sell’ it to the home or business owner. My career in sales continued, ultimately gaining experience in retail, B2B, corporate sales training, talent acquisition, and sales leadership.

Motivated by: Knowing that I am helping to bring success to others.

Secret passion: I love to be creative and exercise my artistic side.

One thing you should know: You don’t want to talk to me before my coffee in the morning.

[ NORTHEAST DIVISION ] Shari Berman

[ Long Island / Brooklyn / Queens / Staten Island ] shari@justgot2haveit.com About me: My first retail experience was at the age of 16. This job as a retail sales associate ignited a passion for sales and merchandising that I further developed by receiving a degree in Merchandising from college. This foundation has enabled me to pursue my interest in a career that integrates sales, a thorough understanding of the demographics of my customers’ retail establishments and merchandising.

Motivated By: Achieving beyond what I think I can do. Getting a 2nd chance in life to be happy, and knowing I have done everything I could to attain my dreams.

Secret Passion: Sweet's especially chocolate!

One thing you should know: I love my job and put a lot of time and effort into it, but my Family, Husband and children is what makes me smile every day. I had a 2nd chance in life for Happiness and I’m very thankful for it.

Sarah DeFelice

[ Vermont & Western New Hampshire ] sdefelice@justgot2haveit.com About me: A native Vermonter, I live in the Green Mountains with my wife Emily, son Miles and fur baby Griffin John. I graduated from The University of Vermont with a degree in economics and opened a women’s clothing store in 2014. I am president of the Montpelier Business Association and love working with small business owners to grow their business. My favorite thing about retail is merchandising and creating the perfect selection of curated goods to fit each individual space.

Motivated by: The perfect planner, fun pens and a large chai latte.

Secret passion: I love to design and create retail window displays!

One thing you should know: I love to organize.

[ NORTHEAST DIVISION ] Lisa Fenlon

[ Northern New Jersey ] lisa@justgot2haveit.com About me: Anyone who knows me understands that I don’t do anything small, so when I decided to move out of the city and in with my boyfriend (now husband of 21 years), and change careers, no one was surprised. A dear friend, Tom McGrail, put me in touch with Margaret Lippman who had a start-up showroom, Style, Ltd. at 225 Fifth Ave, NYC and needed a NJ rep and I jumped in feet first! I quickly acclimated and found pleasure in selling product that didn’t talk back. Here I am 24 years later and after taking a break to raise my children, found myself back in the industry I love almost 4 years ago.

Motivated By: The human aspect of our business, learning how my customers found themselves in retail, being a part of a business filled with free-spirited entrepreneurs and risk takers. I learn so much from our customers and vendors and my Kris & Company possess!

Secret Passion: I have my BFA in Photography and through my lens I like to find beauty in unusual things.

One thing you should know: I am a film geek. I love independent films because they usually have such profound statements about the world we live in. I would rather watch a small film than a huge blockbuster filled with special effects any day. Fuels intense conversation.

Julie Higgins

[ Southern New Jersey ] julie@justgot2haveit.com About me: I have over 20 years of experience in the Gift and Tabletop Industry. I began in 1993 representing French Crystal, China and Luxury Goods to high end jewelers, table top stores and Department stores. I have been in the gift industry since 2005 and with Kris & Co. since 2007 representing brands from every area of the gift industry.

Motivated by: Successes of my customers. Recognizing an opportunity for a brand to be a great fit and then seeing the customer reap the rewards of the trust that they placed in me due to the great relationships I build.

Secret passion: To own a country cottage back in England.

One thing you should know: I am British and very proud of my heritage. I am also proud of myself for coming to USA and building a wonderful life and a beautiful family despite missing my family across the Atlantic.

[ NORTHEAST DIVISION ] Maria Macneil

[ Western & Central Massachusetts ] maria@justgot2haveit.com

About me: I am a very lucky person! I have accumulated more than 20 years of experience in a field I truly love - sales!! I have worked in pharmaceutical sales, book distributor sales, greeting card sales, golf sales, and gift industry sales, just to name a few. I feel fortunate to be part of such a well-respected, professional team as Kris and Co/Just Got to Have it! My job is too much fun to be considered a "job"! I have met and made friends with so many customers - gaining their trust and truly becoming a valuable resource to them.

Motivated By: I am motivated by trying to help others. Many times, my customers will call me and ask my opinion on adding new categories to their stores, or changing their back walls, window displays, or asking if I would like to participate in holiday open houses, etc. I always have my customers best interest at heart and they know this! I am also motivated by constantly trying to learn new things and better myself a little bit each and every day!

Secret Passion: I am a "game fanatic". I actually carry around a badminton set when I go to barbecues and have badminton set up at my home and vacation home - where neighbors will stop by at random because they know I am always willing to play!

One thing you should know: That I truly care about people, especially my customers and their businesses. I gain pleasure from helping them to succeed. There is no greater feeling than to come back to an account where I have sold products and see that the display needs restocking because it sold so well!!

Ana Vicuna

[ South Shore / Cape Cod / Rhode Island ] ana@justgot2haveit.com About me: I joined Kris & Co. in 2008. Prior to that I owned my own flower show and gift boutique for 6 years. I enjoy spending time with my husband Mark and my growing family Motivated by: Helping my customers grow and succeed in their business.

Secret passion: Running, skiing.

One thing you should know: I love my job!

[ NORTHEAST DIVISION ] Kara Salvadore

[ Maine / Central & Eastern New Hampshire ] kara@justgot2haveit.com

About me: I started my career in retail as a sales associate at the Gap when I was in college. When I graduated, I moved to San Francisco and was fortunate enough to get a job at the Gap coprorate office doing merchandising, planning and distribution for the International Division. I worked for Gap Inc. on and off for 15 of my 20+ years in the retail industry. I also have experience in other types of retail including big box, off price, catalog and with other specialty retailers. With all of these different jobs, I have also lived quite a few places across the country and love that my job now as a road rep allows me to see all the beautiful places throughout my territory of Maine and New Hampshire.

Motivated By: Having good working relatoinships with my vendors AND customers.

Secret Passion: It's a secret but my not so secret addiction is swedish fish and milk duds.

One thing you should know: I am passionate about what I do for work and like to focus on making my customers happy.

Laura Sjoberg

[ Eastern Massachusetts ] laura@justgot2haveit.com About me: I have over 20 years in the industry. I grew up in the retail world working with my family in the card & gift industry. When my dad retired, I jumped from buyer to seller, and haven't looked back.

Motivated by: Building a consultative relationship with my customers. I want to be a partner, and work to grow our businesses.

Secret passion: It's not really a secret...I love to work out! Running, Soul Cycle, and group fitness!

One thing you should know: Life balance is super important to me. I work hard, and smart, so I can enjoy my family and friends.

[ NORTHEAST DIVISION ] Peggy Tabor

[ CT / Westchester Counties & Bronx NY ] peggy@justgot2haveit.com

About me: Started with Kris & Co in 2000 in VT- my first Rep position. Quite a change from my background in banking and bookkeeping. Love my lines, my customers and my job. My husband Bernie and I sold our restaurant Ventilation design business in 1993 and moved to VT. Skied, grew flowers and herbs, boated on Lake Champlain.

A business opportunity moved us back to CT in 2001. We live in Mid-state Connecticut with our dog Kobe.

Motivated By: I am motivated by the work itself and by bringing exciting new products to my customers.

Secret Passion: Cooking without a recipe and creating really good, healthy dishes.

One thing you should know: For 20 years I was part of a 10-person Canoe relay race in upstate NY.

Mary Twichell

[ Upstate New York ] mtwichell@justgot2haveit.com

About me: I started working in retail at 16, and never left. I guess you can say it's in my blood. I have three amazing children and blessed with wonderful friends. Started out with opening my own Gift & Garden store and then ventured into manufacturing for the apparel industry. I have been a sales rep since 2013, and I honestly can say I love my job!!

Motivated by: Strength; Trust and Discipline.

Secret passion: I love to cook and when I’m really stressed the love of cooking calms my soul.

One thing you should know: I start my day with 6 shots of espresso over the largest glass filled with ice!

[ NORTHEAST DIVISION ] Susan Wahl

[ Manhattan ] susan@justgot2haveit.com

About me: I started 15 years ago in the industry selling for GANZ Brothers...then I went to work for TY, selling Beanie Babies, life was crazy at TY, Beanie Babies were hot...I learned a lot but decided I wanted to become a multi-line rep. and face the challenges that it presents, I was plenty nervous, but have enjoyed every minute of it!!

Every day seems to bring on new challenges...

Motivated By: I am energized and motivated by tasks and challenges that will lead to feelings of accomplishment.

Secret Passion: Food, Sports, Working Out! One thing you should know: I have suffered 2 tremendous losses in the past couple of years, my dad and my sister. Instead of letting it bring me down....which is does, from time to time, I work hard every single day to honor their memory and make them proud!

The Premier Brand Agency