Truth be told, Kayla Goudy didn’t even know what the promotional products industry was until she landed a front desk job at San Antonio-based You Name It Specialties (YNIS, asi/365123).

But Goudy is sure glad she discovered the industry and, even more, a lively, diverse culture at YNIS that encourages people to bring their authentic selves to the workplace – including her piercings and loud personality.

“Once you’re here, you’re family, and you feel that from the leadership and your co-workers,” says Goudy, who was recently promoted from production manager and customer service rep to sales assistant.

An all-for-one, one-for-all mentality defines YNIS, which was founded in 1990 and claims a dozen-person support staff headquartered in San Antonio as well as sales team members scattered across offices in Shreveport, LA, Oklahoma City, Houston and Portland, OR. CEO Josh King says YNIS stands as one and succeeds as one, adding that a people-first focus rooted in respect, collective action and a servant mentality defines the company’s culture.

“We understand that infallibility is a myth. We are all human, each of us on a different path with different struggles,” King says. “No matter how weak I am today, I can always be strong for my family and in return they are strong for me.”

A decade-long YNIS sales rep before purchasing the operation in 2016 alongside two business partners, King has worked to cultivate a dynamic, fun workplace. YNIS hosts quarterly happy hours, hula hoop contests and Nerf gun wars and embraces quirkiness to keep things lighthearted. On the Meet the Team section of its website, for instance, staff profiles include snazzy titles like “Swag Maestro” and “Promo Ninja” and feature favorite quotes from popular movies, comedians and singers.

“The truth of the matter is we all spend most of our waking hours at work,” King says. “If someone doesn’t enjoy where they’re working and who they’re working with, they’re probably looking for other opportunities.”

King admits building a strong company culture has been – and remains – an endeavor demanding constant attention. About three years ago, an employee informed King she was not feeling appreciated. The comment pierced King’s soul. “When that individual called me out, I took it to heart,” King says.

King looked for ways to create public acknowledgment programs and ensure staff their efforts were valued. The MVP of the Week program, for instance, grants someone in the office a half-day off and a gift card to do something fun. Leadership also arranged a four-day trip to Cancun for support staff.

And last year, King and his leadership team took another step to ensure they were delivering relevant programs for employees by issuing an anonymous survey asking staff to share their true feelings with management. “If you’re going to lead people, then you need to listen,” King says. “We can think something is super cool in the c-suite, but it needs to resonate with employees to be effective.”

The result of YNIS’s determined focus on creating a vibrant workplace speaks for itself. Over the last two years, King counts only one staff departure.

“If someone doesn’t enjoy where they’re working and who they’re working with, they’re probably looking for other opportunities.” Josh King, YNIS (asi/365123)

“That’s encouraging because it means we’re creating an environment where people feel valued and appreciated,” he says. “We want to acknowledge all contributions and make sure everyone knows they play an integral role in our success.”

A custom art piece hanging at YNIS headquarters illustrates that point. When YNIS moved into the building in 2022, King purchased an oversized canvas and art supplies and invited all staff to contribute to the original work’s creation. “We all put our touch on it because everyone here matters and is contributing to the greater good,” King says. “Treating people like a family is the mantra for most employers. We want to make sure we’re not all talk here.”