Today we’d like to introduce you to Hilary Gallagher.
Hilary , can you briefly walk us through your story – how you started and how you got to where you are today.
I started in the branded merchandise industry when I moved to California after college. There was an opportunity to work for a company that was just starting to branch out into the logo’ed merchandise area. I jumped at the chance and learned a tremendous amount from being very hands-on in unchartered territory.
A few years later I moved back to Boston to be closer to family and transitioned into sales in the same industry, this time for a large public company. After growing in sales I was recruited to start a Boston branch for a San Francisco based company. At that point I realized I had the desire, and the ability, to start my own business. It was quite a leap, but I’ve never looked back!
We’re always bombarded by how great it is to pursue your passion, etc – but we’ve spoken with enough people to know that it’s not always easy. Overall, would you say things have been easy for you?
I feel extremely lucky to have had a fairly smooth road. There have certainly been struggles – the biggest of which was losing a long term employee and confidant to cancer at a young age. In a small business everyone means so much – it was heart wrenching.
Spry made it through the recession when a lot of marketing budgets were cut and competition was fierce. If you have strong relationships and do something well, people will stick with you and support you when they can.
We’d love to hear more about your business.
Spry International is a branded merchandise company. We put client logos on savvy products for all the world to see. And use. And wear. And remember. Merchandising is an integral part of any brand. It’s what the recipient remembers and interacts with long after a campaign, event, meeting, trade show or trip has passed. Spry strives to understand our clients’ brands, their demographic and their desired results so we are making product suggestions that will assist in reaching marketing goals.
I travel to local and national product expos regularly to keep on top of new product trends and to expand our vendor network. Spry’s client base ranges widely from national retail brands to Private Equity, Tech & Bio firms, Universities and start-ups. This diversity demands that we are current with our ideas and product suggestions.
One of my greatest compliments came as the result of an error. An order delivered incorrectly for a large client. After presenting some solutions I asked my contact what their team wanted to do. He told me they all agreed that if this problem was going to happen then at least it was with Spry. They had full confidence that I would fix the issue, no questions asked. It was a proud moment in the midst of a challenge. I did fix it and they remain a top client of Spry today.
Spry is proudly 100% woman owned and state certified which sets us apart. We are also very hands on with every project and passionate about what we do. I think that passion shows in our service and our partnerships.
Another thing that sets Spry apart? I love what I do! And always have. This creative, demanding, fun and unique industry is like no other and I get up every day feeling lucky to be a part of it – through a business I created. I am so fortunate and appreciative to work with an amazing network of people – from co-workers to clients and vendors.
What were you like growing up?
Growing up I was a risk taker – which may translate to trouble maker if you are my parents. I was an outgoing child, always chatting with people and making friends. We spent summers on the Cape where life was carefree – lots of biking, swimming, spending time with family. Summer jobs helped shape my work ethic. I call myself the well-adjusted middle child. Growing up with a younger brother and an older sister makes you flexible. I have an amazing family – they have helped and supported me in my journey from day 1!
Contact Info:
- Address: Spry International, Inc.
200 Portland Street
5th Floor
Boston, MA 02114 - Website: www.spryinternational.com
- Phone: 617.367.SPRY (7779)
- Email: info@spryinternational.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/spry_gifts/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/SpryInternational/
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