The Legacy of Leadership Continues

Leadership transition | JDA PromoWhen Junior Davis launched this business out of the trunk of his car in 1979, he dreamed of a future for his kids.  For years, he’d successfully helped other people grow their businesses, but he realized that he wanted more than just a business. He wanted a legacy that he could pass on to his children one day. For a while, Junior ran two small businesses: a tackle shop (because he’s an avid outdoors man) and a promotional products company (which he started with a single catalog and a big dream.) His daughter, Kelly Vandiver, President of JDA Promotional Solutions, describes her dad as a risk taker. “All entrepreneurs are,” she said, “and if you read, most of them failed at least once before they succeeded.” With the dawn of big box stores, Junior said goodbye to JR’s Tackle Shop and decided to go all in with the promotional products business.  With the support of his wife, Brenda, he began to lay the foundation for what would become a multi-million dollar company. He recruited a sales team, hired strong administrative support and used his charismatic personality to attract new business.

Leadership transition | JDA Promo

Even now, Junior never meets a stranger!

“When he walked into a room, he took charge of it,” Kelly said. “He [ultimately] found a business that could really highlight his gifts, talents and abilities. He’s very relational and endearing to people.” Over the years, Junior seized every opportunity to share his passion for the business with his kids. From the time they were old enough to fold tee shirts in the warehouse, he instilled a vision in their hearts that’s emblazoned on the walls of our office today.

“If you work hard every day, good things will happen.”  – Junior Davis

Junior’s mantra proved true, and good things things are still happening over 35 years later as the business thrives under a new generation of leadership.  Kelly came on board as the Operations Manager in 1997, with an MBA and a degree in Accounting.  She went on to become the Chief Financial Officer and helped the company navigate the challenges of a recession that forced many competitors to close their doors.

Leadership transition | JDA Promo

Gena (left) and Kelly (right) have fully embraced their new leadership roles at JDA.

When Junior retired in 2013, he appointed Kelly as the new President of the company. His daughter, Gena Mueller, who then served as part of the outside Sales Team, stepped in as Vice President of Sales. Son-in-law Nate Mueller continues in the role of Production Manager. Gena describes her sister as tenacious, talented and organized. “She has incredible drive to accomplish the goals that my dad set out years ago. She heard his vision so much, and she bought into that vision,” Gena said.  “She has the drive and capability to see that vision fulfilled in the future. She has a deep love for the company and the people that work here.” She also has a background in strategic planning, which proved instrumental last fall as Kelly led the management team through the development of a five year strategic plan.

“If you’re not moving forward in business, you’re moving backward. It’s that simple.” – Kelly Vandiver

Kelly, Gena and Nate went through an intensive process that clarified our vision, confirmed confidence in our customer-centric business model, and laid out a game plan for how to take the business to the next level. You may have noticed we’re sporting a new look and a new website, which we rolled out as part of phase one in our strategic plan. We’ve got a new DBA as well, which we think captures the core of what we offer:  JDA Promotional Solutions. We’ve also added enhanced training for new account executives and created more opportunities for our Sales Team to connect, share ideas and spot new concepts for our clients. (Check out our recent trip to ERB Safety!)

Leadership transition | JDA Promo

Our team has grown over the years, but our commitment to customer service matters more than ever!

What hasn’t changed is our commitment to our customers and to the team who makes the business happen day in and day out. Ask any of the 13  support staff and 14 Account Executives what it’s like to work at JDA, and you’ll hear the same answer over and over.

“They are like family,” said Todd Etheredge, who has been with JDA as an Account Executive for 16 years. “I have stayed with JDA because in the beginning they believed in me. The future is bright because there is new energy and a new direction. We have learned from the past and have a firm foundation to build on.”

Leadership transition | JDA Promo

Johnny with customer at Product Showcase

Junior’s longtime friend, Johnny Horton joined the company over nine years ago after retiring from Alabama Power Company, and he too noted the “family atmosphere” which makes work fun.

“[We] are committed to providing a good honest business relationship with customers and strive to provide excellent customer service.  JDA goes the extra mile in making sure customer service and reliability are not sacrificed just to make a sale. The management and sales staff put the customer and relationships first.” – Johnny Horton, Account Executive

Johnny pretty much summed it up, because relationships are the heartbeat of our business! Looking for a company that you can trust to take care of your business for the long haul? Contact us today. We’d love to work with you!

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