Corp America March 2017

50 CORP AMERICA / MARCH 2017 , Paul Gordon, senior vice president of RymaxMarketing Services, talks in-depth about the industry and how the firmhas carved out a name for itself. Loyalty is Key Rymax Marketing Services, Inc. has created and executed award winning loyalty and incentive programs for more than 20 years. As a full-service loyalty marketing institution, Rymax provides customized solutions to drive employee motivation, engagement and retention through demographically and geographically targeted rewards. As the largest direct, brand manufacturers’ representative in the country, Rymax’s 12,000+ reward options deliver the power of choice via sought after, top name brands, including Alor, Michael Kors, Klipsch, Nautilus, and many more. Through partnering with Fortune 100 and 500 organizations from the Telecommunications, Airline, Financial, Automotive, Casino and Professional Sports industries, Rymax has established some of the most well-known and longstanding consumer and employee loyalty programs in the industry and continues to build and maintain winning relationships, laying the foundation for loyalty success. Unlike other providers, Rymax is regarded in a unique, industry leading position by which they do not use any third party vendors. This enables its clients to save, not only on overall cost, but to also truly gain a turnkey solution to program support, development and management. Senior vice president of sales, Paul Gordon, tells us more about the firm and what sets aside from competitors in the industry. “All aspects of the programs that Rymax administers are managed in house, from customer service to marketing to fulfilment,” he begins. “Rymax’s proprietary, customizable rewards platform, MaxSite™, is the foundation of their online rewards programs, functioning as the e-commerce site where customers can browse through 12,000+ reward options and place their order online. Additionally, MaxSite serves as the engine to deliver cutting edge reporting and analytic capabilities, allowing customers to view and track program budgets and usage. Rymax prides itself on understanding customer needs, and as such, has been recognized, multiple times, by the industry for its world class services.” Rymax’s customers are the firm’s number one priority. As such, providing an exceptional customer experience, with the highest level of quality control, customer service and fulfilment are of the utmost importance. “Utilizing a state-of-the-art inventory management system, product offerings are updated in real time, allowing consumers and employees live and direct access to the most sought after rewards available in the marketplace,” adds Paul. “Rymax’s fully-owned and operated U.S. based call center provides customers with real time status updates and ensures all receive stellar service from the moment they place an order until it arrives at their doorstep.” As senior vice president, Paul’s responsibilities include managing and directing the three distinct sales’ divisions and supervising all responsibilities for developing innovative loyalty programs, merchandise rewards and events on a national and global level that initiate consumer trial, create retention and attain higher returns. “Overseeing the growth of key accounts, developing new client relationships and strategically aligning Rymax’s exclusive and national brand partners with an assortment of incentive programs is where I place a lot attention. I’ve created the highly successful R-SITE [Rymax Strategic Interactive Themed Events] program and deployed it in business verticals as distinct as telecommunications, automotive, finance, pharmaceutical, casinos among others. “In my 30 years in the industry, I have worked for a variety of global Fortune 500 companies, including those in the consumer products and telecommunications industry. I’m an active member of NIGA, The Incentive Marketing Association, The Incentive Manufacturers & Representatives Alliance Strategic Industry Group and Loyalty 360, the Loyalty Marketer’s Association and have been featured on Fox Business News, Bloomberg Television and USA Today. In 2014 I was named one of the 25 People to Watch in the Gaming Industry by Global Gaming Business Magazine and in 2016 was named one of the 25 Most Influential People in the Incentive Industry by Incentive Magazine. I am also a regular speaker at trade shows, conventions, roundtables, and universities around the country.” When it comes to his staff, Paul does not believe in micro- managing and thinks every individual should be empowered to take ownership of their role within the organisation - a refreshing approach in today’s cut-throat corporate industry. “We are in an age where communication tools and platforms change at warp speed and it’s imperative to be open to new ideas to drive business. I go out of my way to give an entry level person the same voice and respect in bringing forward ideas as the most seasoned executive. And in the boardroom all ideas are vetted and debated and challenged to bring forth the best solution to drive our business and our clients business.” Rymax is partnered with more than 350 premium and diversified brands that provide it with a unique position in the marketplace. This, along with other factors, ensures that its products and services are innovative and are the best option for clients in the market, as Paul elaborates. “With up to five generations working side-by-side in the workforce, offering rewards from brands such as Coravin, 360FLY, KEF, MCM, Juliska, Ferragamo and more, targets the needs and wants of each generation. It also boosts engagement, increases employee retention and makes great business in the long run. We are always staying on top of trends and make sure our structured loyalty programs provide what it is everyone is craving. Everything today can be found online and when researching and reading the news outlets on the latest fashion, technology and innovations, it’s easy for us to target what individuals 1702CA50