Beyond the Brand: Meet Kristina Henderson, Owner & CEO of Henderson Promos

FEATURED PHOTO: Kristina Henderson, Owner & CEO of Henderson Promos

In 2017, Kristina Henderson took the helm at a promotional products company, tripled sales in one year, and rebranded the company known today as Henderson Promos. Her ownership and efforts resulted in the company’s recognition as both a certified Women’s Business Enterprise and SBA Woman Owned Small Business. Kristina grew up in Colts Neck and credits her versatile background in preparing her for the many roles involved in managing a business. Perhaps most striking is Kristina’s ability to engage with people. She was awarded the titles of Miss Congeniality and Most Photogenic as a finalist in the Miss Massachusetts USA Pageant in 2016, and the Best Interview Award in the 2012 Miss New Jersey USA Pageant. She has a sense of adventure, sparked by her stint as a flight attendant at age 19, and an appreciation of service from her time in the restaurant industry. She studied journalism while living in Hawaii, finished her degree at Boston University, worked as a news producer in New Hampshire, fund-raised for the Human Rights Campaign in DC, and volunteered as a “discharge buddy” at Boston Children’s Hospital.

Kristina enjoys working with her husband Barton, co-founder and CBDO of Henderson Promos. He is an attorney admitted in New Jersey and New York and handles sales and community relations for the company. As she describes it, she “wakes up every morning and is blessed to have a job she absolutely loves.”

CM: What type of services/products does Henderson Promos offer?

Kristina Henderson (KH): We offer our experience in focusing on industry-specific on-trend promotional items and promotional apparel needs. Whether a customer is looking for a specific item like mugs, pens, t-shirts, tote bags, awards or just browsing our website for ideas, one of our 700,000 products is sure to boost any marketing plan.

CM: What tasks do you undertake in the business and which do you enjoy most?

KH: As the owner, my primary role is overseeing operations, from client intake to order fulfillment. I enjoy helping customers grow their business through branded item campaigns, gifting, and giveaways. When I see someone in the street or on social media wearing a t-shirt we made from an event it brings a smile on my face knowing we’re helping our clients amplify their message.

CM: Is there a particular promotional order that stands out?

KH: We always take a unique, clever, and impactful approach with our branding. While some clients know exactly what they’re looking for, other clients give us artistic liberty to broadcast their message. For instance, if a company in healthcare comes to us for ideas, rather than just suggest mugs or t-shirts, we give them tailored products like customized band aid and tissue packages. I love being a part of every order and making sure it’s exactly what my customer is looking for, from the logo design to the quality.

CM: What do you enjoy doing when you are not working?

KH: I enjoy spending time with my husband, Barton, and my two dogs, Gatsby (a Paptese) and Kona (a miniature Australian Sheperd). If it’s summertime, you can find me on my boat on the Jersey shore; if it’s the winter, I will be traveling somewhere warm. We love spending time in Hawaii, where we take a break from our busy lives and focus on gratitude and living with the aloha spirit.

CM: Do you have a favorite quote or philosophy?

KH: “Make Your Dreams of Today Become Your Opportunities of Tomorrow.” I know it sounds cliche but that quote was on a poster above my bed growing up and every day I would say to myself that I would make my dreams come true. With that said, I am living the life now that I have always dreamt about and I believe that is through the law of attraction, hard work, and never giving up.