Lauri Konik Zessar

About Lauri Konik Zessar

LAURI KONIK ZESSAR is the founder and president of Bienali Promotions, LLC, a certified women’s- and minority-owned business, and a designer, importer, and supplier of merchandise and promotional items to the fashion and beauty industries, as well as Fortune companies, nonprofit organizations, and governmental agencies.Known for her creativity, integrity, and innovative flair, Lauri has grown her business into one the Internet’s most comprehensive catalogs of marketing and promotional products, business gifts, incentives, and rewards. Through her entrepreneurship, attention to customer service, and philanthropy, she has established herself as one of her community’s most notable and dynamic leaders.Blending her background in art and fashion design with business acumen, Lauri creates collaborative customer experiences and provides best-fit solutions that drive sales. She is a market visionary and fashion influencer who leverages her expertise in product development to help her clients gain a competitive edge. Always a step ahead of the curve, Lauri has directed her mission focus toward the original design of a line of bags for chain retailers and select corporate markets.

Experience

1. President

   Bienali Custom

   May 2012 — Present · Highland Park, IL, US

   SHOP THE WORLD FROM A SINGLE SOURCEBIENALI PROMOTIONS, LLC is the premiere North American import company and domestic supplier of customized consumer promotions and premiums. The Chicagoland area-based firm handles a wide range of client needs in the areas of product development, product management, sourcing, importing, and distribution across a broad spectrum of industries. Bienali is both a certified woman’s- and minority-owned business. Bienali also specializes in the design of fashion gift-with-purchase (GWP) items and trending merchandise that optimizes sales growth. Bienali™ bags and totes, distinguished by their beautiful design, exceptional quality, and meticulous attention to detail, are among the most sought-after items in their class. They are sold in leading national stores as well as by direct marketers. Fashion marketers look to Lauri and Bienali to come up with the next \"Tote to top the charts.\"Bienali is an established leader in the premium industry, known for its direct importing capabilities, as well as being a top advertising specialty distributor. The firm’s strength lies in its creativity, customer service, sourcing abilities, and competitive pricing. The firm partners with each client, consistently delivering and unforgettable, inspired, and cost-effective products. Additionally, through its use of sophisticated web-based technology, industry relationships, and state-of-the-art fulfillment house, Bienali excels in the development and execution of the most product-rich corporate identity programs in the marketplace.Lauri is responsible for the day-to-day operations of the firm and managing the Bienali brand. She leads a talented and resourceful design team that is on-trend and at the cutting edge of innovation in the consumer premium arena.

Education

• University of Michigan

  Economics with Minor in Marketing

Skills

• Brand Development
• Sales
• Event Management
• Strategic Partnerships
• Direct Mail
• Corporate Gifts
• Merchandising
• Brand Awareness
• Motivate Others
• Marketing Management
• Social Media
• Competitive Analysis
• Digital Marketing
• Brand Management
• Fundraising
• Marketing Strategy
• Online Advertising
• Online Marketing
• Retail
• B2b
• Direct Marketing
• Marketing
• Market Planning
• Integrated Marketing
• Public Relations
• Email Marketing
• Speak Spanish
• Initiate and Launch New Products
• Trade Shows
• Sem
• Multi-Channel Marketing
• Lead Generation
• Deal with Obstacles and Crises
• Attend to Visual Detail
• Campaigns
• Branding & Identity
• Social Media Marketing
• Design
• B2b Marketing
• Advertising