Matt Anderson is the sales manager at Lincoln, NE-based Tag Ink and Thread (asi/341414). He earned his BASI in August, 2016.

Who in the business world do you admire most or strive to emulate?
My first boss, Paul Larson. He was the manager at the Radio Shack in Westroads shopping mall in Omaha. He was the first person in the business world I met who had integrity and honesty. I was a manager trainee and because of what I learned from him I became Radio Shack’s youngest corporate manager at age 19.

If they made a movie about your life, what would it be about and what actor would play you?
The movie would be about the trials and tribulations of life and how having faith in God helps you to overcoming it. From having my first child born with a handicap and overcoming stereotypes, to coping and moving on after losing my wife to ovarian cancer, and how these trials forged the person I am today. I’d have Tom Hanks play me.

What’s the best advice you’ve ever received?
From my dad: “You have two ears and one mouth, so use them accordingly.” Also, “Find a job that you enjoy getting up for each morning. Work hard and the money will follow.”

What’s one thing you’d do to improve the ad specialty industry?
Filter out the non-performers. We typically only get one shot to make a good impression and if your supplier doesn’t deliver, you might not get a chance for redemption. People are quick to judge and have a long memory.

What’s on your business and personal bucket list?
On my business bucket list: to grow a business in which I can hire handicapped and retired military people, exclusively. On my personal bucket list: I want to be a great-grandfather, go to Australia, skydive, see the Seven Wonders of the World, and be a mentor.

What’s one sentence you’d like to hear from your boss?
“You’ve worked hard and proven yourself. Congratulations, you’re the president.”

If you could choose an age to remain forever, which age would you choose? Why?
I turned 55 on October 9, 2016. I’d like to stay at this age. Old enough to know better, but still young enough to do some of the things I want to do – and smart enough to know the difference.

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The free ASI Certification Program offers two certification levels for our members: BASI (Bachelor of Advertising Specialty Information) and MASI (Master of Advertising Specialty Information). To learn more and start working toward your own certification, visit www.asicentral.com/education.