Brian has nearly two decades of experience utilizing a consultative, solutions-focused sales approach, along with effective leadership, principled by coaching teams for success, and a reputation for helping customers to achieve their sales goals using a combined ability to understand business vision and strategically execute on those objectives.

Bob Bellew is Vice President and Group Publisher of the Hort and Retail Groups at Great American Media Services. His ad agency, consumer products marketing and extensive B2B media experience has given Bob a unique background to help clients develop their marketing plans.

Sarah Schwartz is founding editor and editor-in-chief of Stationery Trends. She has been covering the stationery market since 1997 and is a frequent industry speaker and consultant who is occasionally quoted in the media. Aside from family, what makes her happiest is working with makers, boutique owners and stationery lovers — and becoming part of their stories

As a member of our editorial team for Gift Shop Plus, Stationery Trends and three specialty publications: The Guide, Holiday Shop and Celebrations & Occasions, Debbie enjoys interviewing retailers and sharing their stories, as so many of them have really made an impact, not only in the retail world, but in their own local communities. Discovering the ideas, passion and creativity behind the products, and sharing that information with readers is an important component to her writing. She encourages and welcomes feedback on topics that Gift Shop Plus highlights in each issue, as well as information on other pertinent topics readers would like covered.

Julie McCallum is the retail group editorial director and co-owner of Great American Media Services. She has been covering the specialty retail industry for more than 20 years. As a graduate of Michigan State University’s School of Journalism, Julie is passionate about reporting and telling the stories of the creative minds that make up the gift and stationery industries. She aims to make a difference in the lives of her readers by sharing content that will inspire, inform and help them succeed in their businesses.

Amanda has over six years of combined experience in the publishing and print industry as a multimedia/graphic designer and an additional 6 years as a freelance designer. Her passion for communicating with the team and through design — to produce creative, appealing, informative and useful content from multiple mediums — is what motivates her to continue to grow in her profession.

Kristina has 11 years of experience in art direction, graphic design and brand development. Her love for building and shaping brands has landed her seven national advertising awards. She thrives on connecting people and brands through design, technology and data.

Jess brings a creative writing degree and over a decade of professional writing experience to the team. As a career marketer with a background in the design world, she works with clients to make their brand stories stand out. Her specialties are thought leadership, compelling descriptive language, technical details and marketing strategy.

Becky is an audience insight expert, having working in audience development for more than 13 years. She has a vast amount of experience with the various audiences across print and digital platforms. Becky and her team dig into our entire data platform and, based on the client’s needs, provide them with a target audience for the best performance possible.

Stephanie has more than 15 years of experience in marketing and events with a demonstrated history of success in the trade show and publishing industries. With her diverse skills in event management, digital and email marketing, audience development, social media and branding, she is an essential part of our team.

Kim has 20 years of experience in journalism and marketing. With degrees in journalism and anthropology and a master's degree in integrated marketing communications, she believes in the power of storytelling and information to create connections and bring people together. Her specialty is in combining data and heart to build a compelling brand story, and she loves working with clients to set a unique marketing strategy to drive their businesses forward.