Avowed Philadelphia fan Mike Porter with Harper, who takes his name from the Phillies’ right fielder.
Stepping up from his Member Relations post to support three Regions
By Andy Kriege, YSN
For the past three years Mike Porter has been the man behind the scenes, sporting a headset and supporting BrandSource members as a Member Relations Specialist.
Now he is sporting a new hat, that of a Region Manager, after being picked to help administer the group’s Tri-State, North Atlantic and Mid-America Regions. Porter’s background and experience make him uniquely qualified for the promotion, and he is ready and willing to take on any and all challenges that may come with his new post.
As a former Member Relations Specialist, Porter knows BrandSource’s member programs and benefits like the back of his hand. Now that he is stepping out of his behind-the-scenes role, he believes his background will give him a leg up as he takes on leadership responsibilities for the three Regions.
“As a member relations manager you have to know at least a little bit about everything that goes on at BrandSource,” Porter said. “After three years in an MR position, I have a strong knowledge base of both appliances and furniture programs and what can help benefit members and prospects alike.”
Porter is by nature gregarious, outgoing and likeable — traits that will serve him well while working with current and potential members in his new role. He notes that the added duty of recruitment should be a natural transition for him, given his expertise in BrandSource’s benefits and resources, and his ability to connect with people.
About Mike . . .
Porter and his wife Corey in live in Highland Park, N.J., which is about an hour outside Philly. Not surprisingly, he is a huge fan of all Philadelphia sports teams, which explains why he named his 2-year-old rescue dog Harper, after Phillies’ right fielder Bryce Harper.
When not watching his favorite Philly teams, the Porters love to travel. They are particularly fond of exploring new places and partaking in the local food and drink, and it should also come as no surprise that a guy named Porter loves to sample locally brewed beers.
Although Scotland tops his bucket list of destinations, for now he is content to make regular trips to Las Vegas. “I love how you can do Vegas on a tight budget or go a little more on the higher end if you choose,” he shared. “I’ve also been known to make a wager or two, so no doubt it is my favorite place to visit.”
Prior to joining BrandSource, Porter taught high school phys ed for 12 years and coached football and lacrosse. “Teaching is such an important and complex occupation, and I don’t think most people understand how difficult of a job it is,” he said. “The skills I learned as a teacher and coach transcend perfectly into what I do now, working with the members and teaching them how to be more profitable.”
BrandSource VP Jarred Roy, who heads up the Region Managers team, concurred. “Mike’s background as a teacher, counselor and coach have given him tremendous skillsets to employ in his new role,” he noted. “Plus, Mike’s desire for excellence and his own natural competitiveness will make him successful.”
Looking ahead to his new role, Porter said he’s most excited about “the chance to help these three regions grow and become stronger, not just by adding more members but by also strengthening those that are already here.” And given his love of travel, he is also relishing the opportunity to meet new people and visit new places, which his new position affords. “I am really looking forward to getting out to Region meetings and Town Hall meetings and seeing the members face to face,” he said.
Although he will miss his former Member Relations colleagues, Porter is looking forward to meeting the challenges of his new position. BrandSource General Manager Kevin Werner, who heads up the Member Relations team, knows that Porter will be up to the task. “Mike did an exceptional job building relationships with his region members,” Werner said. “He is very knowledgeable about BrandSource programs, services and benefits. We are going to miss having him on this team, but we know he is going to do great job for the members in his Regions.”
We couldn’t agree more. Congratulations Mike and continued success in your new role!
BrandSource, a unit of YSN publisher AVB Inc., is a nationwide buying group for independent appliance, furniture, mattress, and CE dealers.
