When I started in business over 50 years ago, I had a vision of what I wanted from being in my own business. While it was not perfectly formed then and has been slightly modified over the years, it has been remarkably consistent to this day.

Basically, it was to have two marketers come together for their mutual benefit, sharing costs and reaching markets efficiently. Initially, my business was placing ads on the paper bags distributed by supermarket and drug store chains. This evolved to placing ads in the bags and subsequently elsewhere…anywhere that was mutually beneficial as time passed.

My vision then included a way of life that placed family above profit but not so far above as to not make a profit. When my wife Thelma and I started to hire staff, many of those who worked for us as time passed brought their families into our growing company: sisters, in-laws, children and friends. Ultimately, our children came into our business having had successful careers in the “real” world.

As our staff grew with the increasing media services that we offer, we found that mentoring became paramount. Staff members were always encouraged to bring their children in, and we provided an ad hoc day care center with my lap being a place of last resort for many of these children. Many of our staff have moved on and they are a credit to themselves and to their time working at Leon Henry Inc. where a family atmosphere was and is practiced.

My vision grew more definitive as we approached my 50^th year in business in 2006. At our Golden Anniversary, I realized that there are very few list broker/manager businesses that have achieved this milestone. My vision remains the same but is broader as I realize that we, as a company, have the depth of staff and experience necessary to provide two separate marketers the opportunity to partner to their mutual benefit. Not only can they use insert media, mailing lists, card decks and all the other marketing channels, but also we can provide the expertise to assist them with new online media.

As our second generation assumes leadership in our company, our vision for the future of partnership marketing is to expand our reach and depth in an increasingly competitive marketplace.