President
Joan Bowser is the Founder and President of aBlaze and has been actively involved in the service industry for over 29 years. She is highly respected as an industry authority with an expert eye for detail and efficient project management. She is knowledgeable in all aspects of field service operations and profitability improvement in the printing and sampling industry. Joan thrives on creativity and is known as a trailblazer by her customers and colleagues. She is continuously looking for novel approaches and cutting-edge technology solutions to deliver a superior product to her clients. Her entrepreneurship spirit inspired her to create her own business in 2004 and she recently expanded her operations by adding an Event Planning division, aBlaze Event Creation and Management.

Prior to starting her own business, Joan established a distinguished career through 25 years of Printing and Sampling project management with a leading national printing and marketing company based in N.E. Ohio. She began as a customer service representative, was promoted to national sales executive, expanded her talents as a marketing director, and was later appointed as the first woman sales manager in the company. Her printing and sampling projects have earned numerous awards and accolades. Joan understands all aspects of the industry and credits the source of her inspiration to her many established relationships with valued customers and service vendors.

Vice President
Amy Montgomery is the Vice President for aBlaze and her extensive experience in the printing and sampling industry spans over 18 years. Her current responsibilities encompass the management of all operational areas for the company including scheduling, travel and logistics, shipping and receiving, client communication and client support. In addition, she manages the company’s business alliance relationships and is instrumental in launching new and expanding products and services. She recently spearheaded the successful launch of our associate company, aBlaze Event Management and Creation.

Prior to joining aBlaze, Amy provided exemplary customer service for a well-established Northeastern Ohio printing company for nine years and has maintained close relationships with clients and vendors. She is well versed in day-to-day print procurement ethics and has an outstanding ability to manage a large variety of projects through to completion. Her attention to detail, creative flair and organizational skills bring passion and finesse to aBlaze, Inc.’s vision for defining the details. Amy continues to expand her talents by pursuing her certification as an International Event and Wedding Planning Professional at the highly acclaimed QC School of Event Planning.

Director of Sales
George Gortz, National Sales Director for aBlaze, with his genuine enthusiasm and wealth of experience make him a welcome addition to our staff.  George brings over twenty five years of experience in advertising, professional sales, and consulting with a proven track record of successful client partnerships. A skilled presenter, negotiator, and problem solver, he provides seamless solutions for clients to enhance their product marketing needs. George is responsible for developing and expanding national sales markets through strategic relationships with clients and vendors. His expertise in the industry is the foundation of his success and the essential component of success he brings to our valued clients. He received exemplary training in professional salesmanship at McGraw Hill and went on to develop and maintain excellent customer relations in a nine-state Mid-west region. His impeccable service to customers, strong negotiating skills, and creative production options make him an asset to aBlaze’s commitment to excellence and growth.

Prior to his position at aBlaze, George was District Manager for McGraw Hill Publications in Cleveland, Ohio where he consistently met or exceeded revenue goals and expanded national markets.  He went on to become District Manager for Chemical Engineering Magazine and effectively led a national sales team while developing and maintaining excellent customer relations.  His accomplishments inspired him to incorporate as an independent national company where he continued to excel at cultivating client partnerships and customizing client programs for maximum results.  Among his prestigious accolades, George attended John Carroll University where he earned his B.A. in Psychology, is a member of Media Professionals Worldwide and National Association Publisher’s Representatives, and served as a Commissioned Officer in the U.S. Marine Corps. His business acumen, esteemed military career, education, and entrepreneurship make George a first-class representative for aBlaze. He is an officer, a gentleman, and an excellent partner for our clients’ success.

Communications Consultant
Marcia McCreary is the Communications Consultant for aBlaze and has over 25 years of industry experience in advertising, marketing and print communications. She has a proven track record in strategy, delivery, relationships and presentation. She is responsible for developing and implementing our company’s external communications and helps to ensure message discipline and quality products for clients and vendors. Marcia coordinates with other aBlaze staff to ensure production of high-quality, consistent and compelling marketing materials. Her ability to communicate effectively with a wide variety of people and her experience and skill in managing multiple projects simultaneously make her an asset to our team. Her creativity and professional level skills in writing and editing bring diversity and expertise to our company vision.

Prior to consulting for aBlaze, Marcia was a journalist, account executive, advertising agency director, sales representative, and marketing director in the communications industry. Her love for creative writing and literary studies inspired her to pursue her teaching credentials and she currently teaches English, Poetry, and Creative Writing to high school and college students. Her formal education includes a B.A in Humanities and Fine Arts and a M.A. in English. She is a member of The Alpha Honor Society, Phi Kappa Phi and Creative Writer’s Workshop. In addition, her professional affiliations include former board member and Marketing Chairperson for The Youngstown Symphony Society and member of the Cleveland Ad Club.

 

 

Contact us at: 234.244.4211 or inquiries@ablaze-inc.com