Have you ever tried looking for that one promotional item to showcase your logo -  that unique marketing piece that is going to get your company name and brand in front of the customer?  If you need help in picking out the right item, then you might want to touch base with a leader in the industry – Idea Source Marketing Group in Mesa.

Debby Raposa is the owner of the company which opened in 1988.

“My husband had his own incentive marketing company with a promotional products division when we lived in Denver,” said Raposa. “We moved to  Arizona so my daughter could be closer to my family.”  Raposa’s husband had been hired by an incentive corporation  when they moved and Debby decided to open her own company so they could continue to service their major incentive clients, Lever Brothers and Ragu Foods. Today, the company has grown to include services such as warehousing and shipping, electronic catalog programs, sales promotions and even office furniture. For Raposa, the lure of being her own boss is simple.

“I like the freedom of being able to produce my own outcomes and the flexibility to work my day as I see fit,” stated Raposa.

Being a successful entrepreneur has helped Raposa gain insights into owning and operating a business. 

“I would advise a person considering entrepreneurship to work for a major player in his/her industry before starting a company,” said Raposa.  “There is so much more to a business than selling a product.  Learn the systems and techniques of successful companies in your industry”,  advises Raposa.

“After starting a company, I advise budding entrepreneurs to network and take active leadership roles in various associations and organizations  to increase business and exposure,” says Raposa.

Of course, owning and operating your own business does not come without its challenges.

“The biggest challenge is getting the customer to understand the amount of work that it takes to produce a finished order.  I consider myself a consultant rather than an order taker,” says Raposa.  “Repeat customers understand the amount of time it  takes to make sure an order is produced correctly and on time using a quality product with  the best imprinting method and layout possible.”

Idea Source Marketing Group is located at 131 West First Street in Mesa. Their number is 480-461-0100. They have two websites: www.ideakickers.com and www.arizonagolfpromotions.com