Interline’s strength comes from solving an array of problems for a variety of clients—far beyond what typical agencies do. Yes, we can publicize new products with print and electronic support, create ad campaigns, and design websites. But we also provide backup for overwhelmed sales forces, analyze market channels, develop sales leads, and tackle anything else clients need.
A company that seeks to get value to the customer faster requires more capacity, especially because all companies now compete on time. Fast response necessitates efficient precision and more than excellent service: It requires experimentation, innovation and new approaches.
Interline was formed by being able to do what our clients need quickly, neatly, and efficiently. We are here to position all of our clients as market leaders.
Jim Nowakowski
Jim Nowakowski has been involved in marketing and marketing communications for over 20 years. Prior to working at Interline, he served in a variety of positions in ad/PR agencies, including Creative Director, Account Supervisor and Copywriter. He also worked as a reporter for newspapers and taught English for a number of years before entering the advertising profession.
His current work for both advertisers and publishers in advertising focuses on understanding communications and purchasing patterns in business-to-business. Besides industrial publications, he has worked for publishers in building construction, automotive and healthcare markets, including developing marketing communications programs, conducting in-depth market research and building customer inquiry database systems.
Jim has an M.A. from DePaul University, Chicago, Illinois and a B.A. from Lewis University, Lockport, Illinois.
Barb brings a depth of manufacturing and supply-chain management experience in healthcare, industrial and defense-related products to Interline. She has experience laying out manufacturing facilities, implementing lean manufacturing and ISO 9000 systems, analyzing complex processes and operations management. Barb has worked with union and non-union workers, as well as workers with mental and physical disabilities (sheltered workshop), with the purpose of making work meaningful, efficient and cost effective. Barb obtained her B.S. degree in mathematics and M.S. degree in Industrial Engineering from Purdue University.
On Work: “Everyone wants their efforts to have purpose. Listening and making a thorough analysis go hand-in-hand in meeting personal needs, as well as those of the customer.
Prior to managing Interline’s fulfillment operation, Spiff/incentive programs, and production, Bernie worked in the fields of customer service, management and telemarketing for more than 15 years. She has held a number of supervisory positions in these areas, including overseeing an account development pilot program for a national environmental services company. Bernie has also coordinated corporate sales and accounting functions for company branch managers and representatives, as well as the inventory and mailing of various promotional materials to customers.
On Incentive Programs: “A Spiff and/or loyalty programs can influence purchases when little else separates a manufacturer from its competitors.”
Jim has more than 15 years’ experience in warehousing and filling customer orders. He previously served as a fulfillment/warehouse coordinator overseeing customer store fulfillment programs for eight internet stores, as well as a production manager responsible for supervising and managing distribution, productivity and training for six associates. Jim’s excellent organizational skills and strong work ethic make him a natural team player at Interline, where he finds it easy to develop good working relationships with clients and co-workers alike.
On Fulfillment: “Shipping and receiving is an intricate part of the company’s day-to-day operations, due to the high expectations of our clients. Meeting client deadlines and exceeding their demands is my top priority.”
Judy began her career as a legal secretary for two attorneys, where she handled all customer service, document preparation, accounting and office tasks, as well as completing real estate transactions. She also served as an administrative assistant for the owner of a national company, preparing documents and monthly sales reports, planning meetings and traveling to regional offices to train employees. Her varied background and extensive experience makes Judy a valuable resource at Interline. Since being employed at Interline her expertise has been expanded to include publication auditing for clients in order to compare product information with competitors and data-basing the information for reporting to clients. Also she works with a large Spiff program to enter all information to facilitate payments to the participants.
On Office Protocol: “Everyone is an integral part of a well-oiled machine and that machine can only continue to run when all parts work together.”
Maria is an electrical engineer with diverse experience in publishing, as well as inside sales/customer service of electronics and aerospace equipment. Her background includes technical advisory and budget distribution. She provides technical insight into the business. Maria is a LEED AP and has a BSEE from Illinois Institute of Technology, Chicago.
On Technological Advancements: “This environment, where new technology is constantly being introduced and strong global market pressure exists, is an exciting industry to be part of. The rapid pace of technological advancement means there is a continuous interest and need for new technologies, which can give our clients a substantial business advantage. The key is to communicate this information in an easy-to-understand format and ensure that any decisions are based on the full understanding of this dynamic environment.”
Mike’s extensive prepress and print production experience spans nearly 30 years. His previous work includes typesetting a variety of advertising materials including print ads, catalogs, annual reports and client logos. Mike has also been responsible for managing production personnel in ad work, as well as coordinating and supervising production work and providing customer contact for two national retail firms.
On Print Production: “Being able to effectively deliver a client’s message to its target audience, while meeting the precise mechanical or electronic requirements of a medium and operating under a tight deadline is the key to quality print production.”
In addition to undergraduate and advanced degrees in marketing from Southern Illinois University and Loyola, Patty has more than 20 years’ experience in market research, corporate due diligence, product management and development, and direct mail. She has designed and managed focus groups, telemarketing research, and a variety of competitive, customer satisfaction, new product and market share studies. Her analytical experience includes cross tabulation, correlation and market trending. She also has developed and directed market research and financial underwriting procedures for securitization of several mixed-use real estate portfolios from $50 million to $900 million.
On Market Research: “Success in market research can only be achieved by insuring that the data and information obtained can ultimately be used to make more sound business decisions.”
With her 20 years of manufacturing cost accounting experience in various industries, Patty brings a fresh eye to Interline. She is well versed in Excel, database management, data analysis, corporate reporting and the design and implementation of internal controls. She is a certified QS9000 auditor with a highly developed sense of organization, precision and detail. She graduated Phi Beta Kappa from Northwestern University, where she received a liberal arts degree. This, coupled with her background and generally curious nature, makes her ideally suited to market research.
On the Information Age: “In this age of instant information, the key will be to learn how to harness its power. Anyone can collect data, but the way to stay afloat in the sea is to learn how to manage and understand it.”
Ray brings technical knowledge and industrial and technical sales experience—both direct and through sales representative companies—to Interline. His industrial writing experience includes electronics, sales training, technical writing, manuals, newsletters, publicity, promotional and editorial. Ray’s design work includes industrial trade shows, sales meeting planning and organization, P.O.P., posters, working displays and multi-media presentations. Ray is an alumnus of Wayne State University, University of Oklahoma, University of Toledo, Henry Ford College, Crosby Quality College and has had military mechanical training.
On Communications: “Achieving business communication objectives can best be handled with research (knowing the market, competition and positioning), planning (setting long- and short-term strategies – knowing the customer’s sales history, product and requirements) and setting goals (and measuring the outcome).”
Sam joins Interline with a background in systems development, market research, graphics and web design. He holds communication degrees and certifications from Morehead State University, KY, and Madras Christian College in India. His experience includes creation of multimedia presentations for research data, researching business process reengineering methodologies for customers and survey tabulation. Sam has also been responsible for media analysis, proposal preparation and installation and configuration of various operating systems, databases and applications.
On Wisdom: “The most valuable asset for an individual or company is wisdom. Making wise decisions based on thorough research and proven strategies can help our clients meet their objectives and attain the most critical goals for their business.”
Prior to joining Interline, Susan gained extensive customer service, purchasing, operations, accounting and administrative experience in the network consulting, computer and travel industries. Her solid business knowledge, database management skills and exceptional organizational abilities make her an invaluable asset to the company.
On Organization: “Proper organization is a critical element in providing exceptional customer service. Establishing an orderly, professional work environment makes it easy to respond quickly and efficiently to client needs.”
Terry has worked for over 40 years in various segments of communication arts including design firms, art studios and advertising/marketing agencies. He is responsible for many aspects of the industry such as concept, design, art direction and management of production schedules and resources. On Meeting Deadlines: “I eat pressure.”
Tom brings to Interline more than 30 years of sales and marketing expertise in the commercial, industrial, institutional and high-end residential manufacturing businesses. His extensive product knowledge and understanding of how systems of sales management, distribution, promotion and service affect the dynamics of the construction industry have broadened his perspective and have enhanced what we offer to our clients,
On Value: “There is no substitute for working with quality products and companies that uphold quality standards. Quality will always stand out to the discerning customer. Quality combined in all processes creates substance, value, and satisfaction through all parts of the business relationship.”
Tony has worked in graphic design for 30 years. He started as a designer of national consumer magazines in Des Moines, Ia., then moved to Chicago to work at Michigan Ave. and suburban advertising agencies as art director in the print and broadcast mediums. Tony has worked on a wide variety of accounts, including packaged goods, food and foodservice, technology, recreational equipment and pet products.
On Work Flow: “I take input from our writers, mold their words with good design and together we create clear and concise business communications.”
Vlatko is a web developer with extensive experience in web standards, internationalization and web-based application development. He is proficient in the design of programming solutions that focus on HTML, PHP, MySQL and relational database design. Vlatko is a dedicated technical professional with a rare combination of creative and technical skills. His ability to quickly learn new programming languages and concepts, along with his excellent troubleshooting skills, greatly enhance Interline’s web offering to clients.
On Web Development: “Developing a dynamic data-driven website requires a mixture of creativity, technical expertise and the ability to efficiently manage the project from concept to full implementation, while always keeping our clients’ best interest in mind.”
Jim Nowakowski has been involved in marketing and marketing communications for over 20 years. Prior to working at Interline, he served in a variety of positions in ad/PR agencies, including Creative Director, Account Supervisor and Copywriter. He also worked as a reporter for newspapers and taught English for a number of years before entering the advertising profession.
