Ben Perez never had plans to get into direct marketing. Journalism? Maybe. Politics? Possibly.
But after spending the last 25 years working in the, Ben Perez, president of Millard Group Inc, was recognized last night with one of the most prestigious awards bestowed upon a list professional: List Leader of the Year.
Perez, surrounded by friends, colleagues and family at the dinner in his honor, said that he was proud of his 25 years in the direct marketing business. He acknowledged that while this is one of the toughest years the industry has seen, it is the third economic slowdown he has faced and worked through as a direct marketing professional. "I’ve always been up for a good fight," he said.
His success at Peterborough, NH-based Millard Group over the last 17 years culminated when he purchased the company, with partner and executive vice president Linda McAleer, from founder Steve Millard in 1999. He fondly referred to Millard as a mentor and father figure.
Brian Kurtz, a long-time friend and colleague, was one of a number of speakers who touted Perez’s dedication to his community, profession and family. He summed up the night by saying, "It’s about time." Kurtz, executive vice president of marketing at Boardroom Inc., Greenwich, CT, was named List Leader last year.
The award, given by the Direct Marketing Association’s List & Database Council, recognizes an outstanding individual’s contributions to the list industry that has a minimum of 10 years experience in the list business.
