Mary Dobsch, MAS, Named PPAI 2016 Woman of Achievement
Mary Dobsch, MAS, owner and president of Washington, Missouri-based promotional products supplier The Chest, Inc., has been selected as the 2016 PPAI Woman of Achievement. The presentation of the PPAI Woman of Achievement award will take place during the 2016 Women’s Leadership Conference welcome dinner and award presentation, June 27 in Atlanta, Georgia.
The 2016 PPAI Woman of Achievement award recognizes an individual who has led the way in the advancement of woman in the industry, exhibited outstanding leadership and made significant contributions to the industry and her community.
A 39-year veteran of the promotional products industry, Dobsch previously served on the PPAI Board of Directors from 2008 to 2012 and was tapped to fill a vacated seat in September 2013, serving until January 2014. She has served on numerous PPAI Committees and is currently serving on the PPAI Leadership Advisory Committee through 2018.
One of Dobsch’s nominators remarks, “Her ability to gain the customer's trust even when there was bad news, is remarkable. I believe on reflection that Mary’s greatest gift is to be able to show empathy, fairness and kindness to everyone, no matter if they are friends, family, customers or colleagues. If you take a look at her accomplishments in both the industry and in her personal life, you find a person who is willing give back to the community with her time, money and skills. Mary sets the bar very high and is an example of living life with honor and dignity.”
Dobsch worked as sales coordinator for Magnet, Inc. and prior to that in customer service at Hazel, Inc. Her career took her to The Chest as the vice president of sales and marketing. In 2005, she purchased the company, and in 2012 the Woodco line was acquired and added to the product offering.
In addition, Dobsch is an active member of her community. She is a past president of the Washington Chamber of Commerce and the Washington Rotary Club, and has served on committees with Washington United Way, the Washington Area YMCA and Emmaus Homes.