Crystal D Celebrates Retirement & New Hires

Crystal D, a supplier of corporate awards and gifts, celebrates the retirement of its longtime Blanks and Samples Manager TeriKay Thein, and announces two new hires.

Thein retired on July 28 after 18 years of dedicated service at Crystal D. Thein has been a four-time “Value Champion,” winning three respect awards in 2006, 2007, and 2008 and one integrity award in 2013. She was also the recipient of the step up award in 2011, as well as the grand value champion in 2010 and the leadership award in 2015.

Thein started her career as the voice of Crystal D as its receptionist before also taking on the role of blanks and samples manager. As the company grew, she moved fully into the role of blanks and samples manager, where she has thrived since 2015.

“We would like to wish TeriKay all the best in the next exciting chapter of her life,” remarks Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer Mike Irvine. “We are very appreciative of all the dedication and hard work she has contributed over the past 18 years. She will be dearly missed.”

Taking over the role of blanks and samples manager is Michelle Leach. Leach has been with Crystal D for two years as an order manager. Her knowledge of the brand, awards, and processes will ensure a seamless transition for customers.

New hires

In addition, Crystal D has hired two new territory managers:

Kristin Altenburg has been hired as the Midwest territory manager. Her responsibilities include building relationships with new and existing customers and growing sales within the territory. Altenburg has had previous experience in the promotional products industry on the supplier side.

Erika McCullough has been hired as the Northeast territory manager. Her responsibilities include building relationships with new and existing customers and growing sales within the territory. McCullough has worked on the distributor side of the industry, bringing her experience to Crystal D.

With the hiring of McCullough in the Northeast, Denise Davis is moving from the role of the Northeast territory manager after growing the territory over the past two years to the Southern territory manager to help develop strong relationships in this territory.

“We are excited for Kristin and Erika to join the team and for Denise to transition to a new territory,” says Executive Vice President of Sales Stephanie Maday. “Kristin’s extensive background in building sustainable relationships and her unique way of creating a personalized buying experience will be valuable in continuing to meet the needs of our customers in the Midwest.”

Mayday continues, “Erika’s experience on the distributor side of the industry gives her a unique insight into the needs of our customers. This knowledge and experience will help her to expand our customers’ current recognition and award programs.”