Photo Credit: Courtesy of Jeffrey Brenner
Jeffrey Brenner, CPIM, director, special markets and military sales for Seiko Watch of America, began his term as 2024-2025 president of the Incentive Marketing Association's board of directors in August. Prior to his appointment, the 12-year IMA member held a number of leadership positions with Incentive Merchandise to Reward & Appreciate, a strategic industry group within the IMA. He spoke with Incentive about his plans for the organization in the next 12 months.
What are your goals for the organization?
We plan to continue the incredible work begun over the past several months on funding for research that will enable IMA to provide the industry with the data, emerging trends and industry insights they are looking for. This flows into our initiative on sharing knowledge: The IMA is the local, national and global industry voice advocating and promoting the use of incentives and recognition to improve business performance. We have many seasoned industry professionals from every discipline, and together they serve as a tremendous resource to incentive and recognition program managers.
Where do you see the most potential for growth?
Our focus is supporting the industry's incredible global growth. The IMA is conducting a groundbreaking new research study that will cover the vertical industries and the regional markets of our members. The insights will help them understand the similarities and differences in the incentive marketplace across cultures and economies around the world. It will provide a picture of where the industry is growing and identify opportunities for future growth.
What would you like your industry legacy to be?
Legacy is a not something I actually think about. I would hope that in some small measure I have impacted the industry by bringing more people into the association and providing them with the opportunity to grow, not only their business but on a personal level. The IMA is a tremendous vehicle for networking and educating each other on cultures outside of their own: how other countries see incentives, how they use them, and how each finds a way to personalize their offering and expertise. I have always believed in keeping an open mind and taking advantage of what others can teach you; in the end, that makes each of us a better person, ultimately making the global community a better place.
What do you like most about the incentive industry?
We make people happy, it is quite simple. It may be through merchandise, gift cards, travel, technology or recognition, but the desired result each and every time is how each of those verticals allow individuals to feel good about their accomplishments and, most importantly, themselves.