Jessica Gibbons-Rauch
With 15 years of experience in the industry at several top promotional products distributors, Jessica brings a bizarre love of product and curiosity for WHY. Looking for a creative outlet after taking a bet on her own sanity she founded the strategic marketing agency, Trend on Brand to focus on supporting distributors, suppliers and buying groups with their need for both marketing content and process and strategy development.
When not emerged in the Promo-verse I teach Introduction to Digital Marketing at Northern Illinois University where I am also a board member and double alumni. I am definitely still writing my story.
Favorite promotional product: I don’t think I could pick just one or even one category. But I probably have a strong opinion on most of them!
Year started in the industry: 2005
Profession before promo: As a sales major in college everyone did pharma or equipment sales. I spent a year selling office equipment to a geographic territory. Which is actually pretty long for that kind of roll.
First promo ever sold: Lanyard from Snugz
Where you live: Chicago (Technically the far western suburbs)
Hobbies: Old school creativity like knitting and crochet, running, boxing, playing music and spending time with my family
Fave alternative word for promo: I am totally okay with SWAG.
Favorite quote: “A flower does not think of competing with the flower next to it. It just blooms.” Iris Murdoch
Most overused word: “To be honest” drives me crazy. Like you aren’t being honest the rest of the time.
What you like most about being in PromoKitchen: I felt very lost when my career took a rather dramatic shift. The members of PromoKitchen were so incredibly supportive and not only encouraged me but helped me and gave me a sense of belonging and purpose.