Guest: Karie Cowden, Founder of Connect the Dots Promotions

Host: Jamie Seeker

In this episode of What It Takes, Jamie Seeker sits down with Karie Cowden, the founder of Connect the Dots Promotions, a company that merges creativity with social impact through promotional products. Karie shares her inspiring journey from a surprising start in the industry to nearly three decades of running her business, working with major brands like Walmart and Boeing. She talks about the importance of social responsibility, sustainability, and giving back to the community, touching on her involvement in PromoCares and her innovative work with UMOM, a local homeless shelter, where she helped set a Guinness World Record.

1. Karie's Entrepreneurial Journey: How Karie transitioned from an unexpected job in promotional marketing to building her own business.
2. Social Responsibility in Business: The role of sustainability and mindful product choices in promotional marketing.
3. Community Involvement: Karie’s work with PromoCares and local charities, including her unique Guinness World Record event for UMOM.
4. Balancing Growth and Purpose: Insights into how Karie navigates challenges in maintaining profitability while staying committed to social good.
5. Pivoting and Future Goals: Karie discusses recent shifts in her business structure and her new role with Campus Stop, a company in the collegiate space.

• "We need to leave the world better than we found it." – Karie Cowden on the importance of sustainability in promotional products.
• "Sometimes your competitors are your best allies when it comes to making a real difference." – Karie on working with PromoCares.
• "You're allowed to change your mind, and when you find your purpose, that's where the magic happens." – Karie reflecting on her business pivots.

• Website: ctdpromotions.com
• Instagram: @ctdpromotions
• Facebook: Connect the Dots Promotions
• LinkedIn: Karie Cowden