Sheldon Baker09.24.10
Angela Kelly is senior director of west coast sales and marketing for AHD International. Founded in 1998, and based in Atlanta, GA, AHD International is the distribution leader for the most innovative new-to-market nutritional products. One of AHD’s exclusive ingredients, Luralean, has numerous applications with over 60 clinical trials and 14 safety studies that have been completed.
I recently sat down with Angela at an industry event to discuss business and shoes.
Health E- Insights: What is the biggest challenge facing management leaders today?
Ms. Kelly: In general, I think finding people who are as passionate about their company as they are. I think that management is distinguished by the employees who work under them. When you have a team of people working together that all share the same vision and dedication it has a synergistic effect that allows success to flourish.
Health E- Insights: In your job, what motivates you?
Ms. Kelly: I love learning and helping people. These aspects in unison make me love my job. It doesn’t seem like a job to me because I feel like I’m fulfilling the needs of my clients by listening to their obstacles and delivering solutions. I wake up every morning ready to meet with customers, see what new things the day will bring and how I can exceed my client’s expectations. It gives me a thrill and a reason to smile every day. I assist clients by finding unique ingredients for their formulation needs. When I walk into a store and see my customer’s products it is nice knowing that my quality ingredients are in them. It is very rewarding and motivating to me.
Health E- Insights: What one thing do you want to accomplish by the end of 2010?
Ms. Kelly: I am looking forward to launching our three new-to-market ingredients. AHD is a distribution leader for the most innovative nutritional products. Our customers rely on us to keep them on the cutting edge of new technologies that make their products unique from the competition. Many times we have products before they are well known by the consumer or media, but it is our job to help market and educate and find commercial outlets for these ingredients.
Health E- Insights: What was the best day of your life?
Ms. Kelly: The best day of my life was when I moved to California. It was spontaneous and unplanned. I had just visited California and never lived outside my small town in Idaho when I decided to move here. California was a whole new world of exploration and opportunity. I had no idea how my life would change when I made the decision to start a life and career here. It has been the most wonderful adventure and is the best decision I’ve ever made. Being outdoors is a necessity for me. I grew up spending weekends in the Idaho wilderness, camping, boating and snow skiing. I often get together with friends on the weekends to explore new areas in Southern California. Since I moved to California I have enjoyed rollerblading, paddle boarding, kayaking and surfing. I think that anytime you can be in the sunshine that is the best place to be.
Health E- Insights: What brings you greater pleasure—buying designer perfume or shoes?
Ms. Kelly: Designer shoes. The right pair of shoes can subtly show off an attitude and give you an extra boost of confidence when you walk into a room. Plus, I’m short, so I need the extra height of a great pair of heels.
For more information and interview consideration, contact Sheldon Baker at sbaker@bakerdillon.com or visit his website at www.bakerdillon.com.
