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Long involved in selling and distributing Harley-Davidson promotional
products, Herwick already built one multimillion-dollar business with a partner.
When they decided to separate in 1999, though, the learning curve was steep. "I
thought we could divide the business yet keep the same sales force we'd trained
and worked with for several years," she says. "The truth is, their loyalty was
with him, and my product lines weren't getting the attention they needed. I had
to start over."
Herwick worked hard to build the $18 million international business she has
today, with major distribution centers in Canada and Germany and plans for
expansion to the Pacific Rim. Her business philosophy comes from the heart:
"Never underestimate the importance of relationships in business. No matter how
good your product is, you must have a loyal sales force and good relationships
with your employees and your customers."
Herwick is just as dedicated to another aspect of her business: training and
creating jobs for people who've suffered traumatic brain injuries. Of her
current 115 full-time employees, three have survived head injuries. Her interest
was stimulated in 2000, when her then-fiancé was injured in a motorcycle
accident. Doctors told her that he couldn't "come back," but she was determined
to see that he did. She began interviewing doctors, visiting treatment
facilities and reading as much as she could. "It took a long time to realize
that Doug could come back and live independently, as he does now," says Herwick.
"But he would be a new Doug, not the same person I knew."
Herwick's research and involvement with the St. Louis-based Center for Head
Injury Services made her realize she could help patients' recoveries by
providing a work environment that would be both stimulating and supportive.
"Once the head-injured individual recovers some physical and mental ability,
they have to learn a whole new set of skills," says Herwick. "I came upon the
idea of job-carving: combining the less-skilled tasks of employees into jobs for
the disabled. This frees up regular employees to do more complex work and
provides stimulation and job skills for the disabled."
Global Products has helped about 200 disabled workers placed by the Center
for Head Injury Services. Some of those trained stay with Global Products;
others move on to positions in other companies. "Either way, they've been helped
to become more independent," Herwick says.
The Missouri Governor's Council on Disability recognized Herwick's work and
named her the 2005 Employer of the Year. She says it's her greatest achievement.
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