Paul Keidan, President/Owner
Added Incentives, Inc.
Briefly describe your company. We are a full service promotional products company which specializes in company stores, and most of all, creativity. We feel that we are a marketing company that happens to fall in the promotional products space.
How long have you been with your company? 35 years
How long have you been in the promotional industry? 35 years
How did you get into the industry? My mom knew someone in the industry, and discussed joining her company. She explained it to me and it fit my skill set at the time. We decided at that time that with my creative, and sales background, that it would be a good fit.
What is your favorite thing about the industry? I love the creativity that this industry offers, and the fact that no two days are ever the same. The challenges are endless, and I get to control how hard I want to work and how much I want to make.
Why did you become a member of PPAChicago and how do you feel it benefits you? One of the first things we did when we entered the industry was join PPAC. Since we did not know anything about the industry, we felt it was important to join and get involved in everything. The knowledge that we gained from the other members of PPAC helped us grow the business. We were very fortunate that the fellow members were willing to share their experiences with us so we could learn. I won a scholarship many years ago through PPAC which enabled me to go to the Presidents Forum, and that event alone, changed our business, because of some of the key people I met there.
What is your favorite memory or experience brought to you by PPAChicago? I think the end user show is the best thing that PPAC brings to the table. My customers love it, and I gain a lot of business because of it. The show gives me the opportunity to get a pulse of what my customers like, and what they gravitate too. I feel that especially these last few “covid years” when we have not been able to meet in person as much with our customers, that it has helped keep us engaged with them.
More about Paul...
What are you passionate about?
I love coaching travel baseball. I have done it for more than 35 years. I like watching the boys grow individually and as a team for a common goal. I like watching the growth of these individuals both on and off the field. knowing that I am responsible for teaching them some great life lessons. I find there are similarities to running a Promotional Products business as well, especially when it comes to goal setting and teamwork
Name three traits that define you.
Hardworking, Ethical, and family man!
Where is the best place you have traveled to and why?
My favorite trip was Africa. Being outdoors observing mother nature at its’ finest. I went on many safari’s with my family, and it is a trip that I will never forget. Watching and observing the survival of these animals and how they cope with their habitat was so unique.
What are some of your pet peeves?
In the Industry, I have two pet peeves. I get frustrated by companies that represent themselves as companies located in the US but they have little or no presence in the US other than a shell of an office and an answering service. My other one is people not being honest and telling the truth. I wish people would honor what they say they will do.
What is your favorite indoor/outdoor activity?
I like being on vacation, near water, in warm weather, playing golf, going to the beach and enjoying my family and friends. I like the combination of an active vacation, with some downtime by the pool, with a nice cold drink in my hand.
What is the best concert you attended and why?
Bruce Springsteen is the best concert and entertainer that I have ever seen. He gives 110% at every concert, and is always trying to entertain the crowd. I like his music, but I love his energy, work ethic, and that it is not always about him, but his entire band.
What was the last experience that made you a stronger person?
Coming out of college I was looking for a sales job, and I was not getting hired by anyone. My cousin went to his boss who did not hire me, and said, I will hit his quota and my quota each month. She took him up on it and hired me. We had about 100 salespeople in the local branch of this fortune 500 company. My cousin was the number 1 rep in the region. After 9 months of learning the industry, my cousin and I were number 1 and number 2 each month. The inability to get hired and trying to prove to my boss that she made a mistake, made be a much stronger person.
What would you do (for a career) if you weren’t doing this?
I probably would be a business broker or a turn-around specialist. I like seeing what the challenge is and then trying to navigate it and make it a success.
What would the title be to your autobiography?
The Key to Success
(How to get rich through Integrity, hard work and honesty!)