Distributor Woman of Distinction: Laura Forbes, Zebra Marketing
By Joan Chaykin

Being a woman in this industry hasn’t been an issue for Laura Forbes. “Competition is competition no matter who you are,” she says. “You deal with it. You can’t fall back on gender. If you have integrity, if you are professional and trustworthy, if you do business the right way, you are ahead of the competition.”

Forbes’ company, Zebra Marketing (asi/365683), was created in 2000 with the merger of her former company, Ad Impressions (which she co-founded in 1981), and the Joe Padawer Company of Memphis. At that time there were 15 salespeople in the offices in Memphis and Jackson, MS. With growth in the sales team and the additional merger in 2007 with the House of Specialties in Mobile, AL, there are now three offices, a support staff of 12 and a sales force of 32.

“Over the years my role with the company has evolved, and I’m 98% on the management side of the business now,” Forbes says. “I get to do what I enjoy and have talented business partners to work with.”

The current economy has dealt the business some challenges, Forbes says, but the company had an excellent first quarter, “better than we anticipated, and we are taking steps to insure the company stays on sound financial ground.”

Two of the key factors in Forbes’ success are her determination and commitment to the industry. She’s also quick to point out the basis for her achievements. “Years ago I learned to surround myself with people who know more than I do,” she says. “The people I work with, along with my industry friends and mentors, are the reasons for any success I enjoy in this business. Our sales group and our support staff are hardworking, dedicated and loyal to the company. I value each of them and recognize the significant role they play.” – JC