A Season of Change--The Beginning

If you’re a demonstrator, you might be aware that today we announced a new Stampin’ Up! president—Rich Jutkins, our former vice president of logistics. We made this announcement on our demonstrator website earlier today.

Of course, the reason we need a new president is because we’re losing Dale Fillmore, our president for the past four years. He announced his retirement today. From the beginning of Dale’s time with us, I knew he wouldn’t be with us for a long time—he came out of retirement to join our family—so this day isn’t a surprise. But it’s still bittersweet; I will miss working with him so much!

On the other hand, I’m very excited about working with Rich even more closely than we have in the past. He is a talented, passionate man who is completely dedicated to Stampin’ Up!, and I can sense his enthusiasm for our future! (An enthusiasm I share, by the way. . . )

This change, along with a few structural changes we announced today, are the beginning of what I alluded to at our annual convention last month—it’s a season of change at Stampin’ Up! Changes that are designed to surprise and delight our demonstrators and our customers—and everyone involved in the Stampin’ Up! family.

Most of the changes that are taking place in the next few days and weeks will be internal, designed to help us operate more quickly and efficiently. As we move forward, I anticipate making changes that are more visible to our demonstrators and customers, changes that will make it even more fun and rewarding to be involved with us! So stay tuned. . .

Comments

[Stella MacKay]

I am absolutely THRILLED with Rich as our new president. I could write a string of a hundred enthusiastic adjectives to describe him. I am more excited about being associated with Stampin' Up! today than I even was yesterday (and that would have been hard for me to imagine yesterday). Well, well done Shelli and thank you!!!!

[sharon]

Sounds like exciting times ahead. It is so encouraging to see the way you take on change with this company - I know change is difficult, but everything worthwhile is isn't it?. When I see the changes (and live through them LOL) that you have made for the four years I have been a part of SU! I feel the success will stay with us.....without change it is impossible to move ahead.......well done Shelli for the forward thinking you lead us with!! Know that we appreciate you..........

[Milia Z.]

Shelli,

You seem like the dearest person! What a treat it is to read the lovely, positive things you share here. In this day and age of rapidly declining morals, I highly respect your devotion to your religion, family, and business. I'm sad to say that it's not everyday a person gets to be so uplifted by the positive and creative ideas and remarks you say here. I also really admire the fact that you're not afraid to share your religion with us. How I wish more people were like you (-: ! I was so disappointed when my demonstrator friend told me that only demonstrators could go to the convention. I really wanted to meet you! You're a terrific role model, and I have been a fan of yours since I became involved in SU! four years ago. I fell head-over-heels in love w/stamping, or maybe I should say w/Stampin' Up (-: ! The den my husband designed for me in our new home was done so w/all of my SU products in mind (-: . You should be so proud, and I can tell how grateful to God you are for this terrific blessing.

Good luck and prayers to you for your continued success and blessings! You are truly an inspiration to young women especially today!

[Sue Scheets]

I had the pleasure of talking at length to Rich during the Recruit Crew breakfast, and he and his wife were seated near me at the special seating during the general session after the breakfast. He is a wonderful man and I am excited that he will be the new president of StampinUp. I appreciate the thought that goes in to the decisions that you and your staff make at SU and am looking forward to the changes that are occuring. Keep up the good work.
Sushi

[Maxine Conrad]

When I think of Rich - I think of Roller Coasters and Disneyworld ! TEE HEE! I know Rich will do an awesome job.
I am very excited and am happy to be so involved with Stampin' Up! :) x

[SHH]

Good luck as everyone goes forward w/ these new changes. I know you always put a lot of faith and thought into every decision.

[Created By You]

I saw the announcement on the demo site, and look forward to positive impact changes as well. Of course I wish those leaving SU the best.. and welcome the incoming position holders. Hugs! Sharon Field

[Janet wakeland]

I think it says a lot about Stampin' UP! that we the demonstrators know and care about changes at the corporate level. So many in traditional "corporate" america don't know the VP's, CEO's, Presidents - don't know and truly don't care and sadly don't feel a part of the big picture of their company.


Knowing and caring about who stays and who goes at SU is a prime example of what sets Stampin' UP! apart from other companies. It's a company that has allowed us into a relationship with them because every single member of the company from the pick line to the president care about us the demonstrators.

While I am sad to see Brent and Dale leave I am proud to be a part of a company that has created an environment where every demonstrator knows and can approach every member of the corporate team and has created an enviroment where we do feel sad they are leaving. That's the heart of Stampin' UP! - the people and our relationships!

Best wishes to Brent and Dale and Congratulations Rich on your promotion. I am excited that you know where we've been so that we can focus on where we are going!

[Karine942]

Hello,

As a new change, why wouldn't you open a new Stampin'up branch in switzerland?
I'm sure that you could have a lot of customers and demonstrators. And you already have the catalog (french and german)!! And I will be your first swiss demo!!

See you soon!
Karine

[Laura Fernsler]

I just LOVE Rich! He "hangs" with his peeps, as it were. Often times, and yes, even sometimes with Stampin' Up! big shots (as wonderful, warm and real as they are) it's easy to be a little aloof (not sure how else to describe it). I know I'm not expressing well what I'm trying to say, darn it. He takes the time to make one feel as though they were his pal, he listens, laughs and is so down-to-earth and real. I'm looking forward to our new President! And let's get an update on that darling little girl he shared with us a few conventions ago!!!! (L. Fernsler)