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HERstory-Linda-Milano-HS

Linda Milano

Owner/President
CFB Promotional Products LLC

What inspired you to join/start your business?

In 2014, after spending 20 years in the promo product and custom packaging industry, I watched as my father’s battle with cancer was coming to an end. One of the last things he told me was, “Linda, you’re very good at what you do. Stop making money for other people and start your own business!”

To remind me to always pour my entire heart and soul into every project I work on, I named CFB Promotional Products after my Pomeranians - Creamy, Fudgy, and Bon Bon. Toffee came along too late to make the company name but remains a very active mascot for our family business and is featured each Thursday on LinkedIn with Toffee Pick Thursday.

What challenges have you faced as a woman entrepreneur and how did you overcome them?

One of the biggest challenges I've faced is having confidence when speaking to decision makers especially a primarily male audience. This is an internal daily challenge but aligning myself with supportive networking partners and celebrating many successful projects helps me to have confidence that my knowledge and experience makes me a legitimate professional.

What was your most satisfying moment in your career?

There are actually two very different but humbling moments of my career. One of the largest events held in our area was the World Meeting of Families event with Pope Francis' visit to Philadelphia. This event attracted people from all over the globe. My company produced the backpacks used for the WMOF pilgrim kits. Because the backpack was beautiful as well as creative and the project executed flawlessly, it led to the opportunity to be one of three companies in the world to submit ideas for Pope Francis' personal gift. Although my idea was not their final selection, this experience was very humbling.

The second moment came months later when I was contacted by the grandmother of a 10-year old autistic boy whose prized souvenir was damaged. I sent my last backpack sample as a replacement. The family was so moved by this small act of kindness, they contacted the Courier Post who ran a story featuring the boy, his backpack and my small business. Read more here>>

How do you define success?

CFB Promotional Products LLC's mission is to provide PERSONALIZED & ATTENTIVE service and MEMORABLE products so that our clients create long-lasting relationships through the effectiveness of promotional products. Our success is measured by our client's success.

What’s the best piece of career advice you’ve ever received?

Take care of myself physically, mentally and spiritually so that I am able to be the best version of myself each day.

What women inspire you and why?

My mom. Through her example, she taught me to be hardworking, honest, dedicated, sacrificial, resilient and loving. It is through life's most difficult challenges that we are able to grow and improve ourselves.

What advice would you give to other women entrepreneurs?

Be kind to yourself and believe in yourself.

Describe yourself in three words.

Sincere, Kind, and Tenacious.

Fill in the Blank:

  • When I face a challenge, I... look for opportunities.

 

  • If I could go back in time, I would tell myself… life is a journey that sometimes has curves and detours but with patience and determination you get back on the right path.

 

  • The one thing I couldn’t live without is… God, my husband and dogs.

 

  • By this time next year, I will be… helping clients with creative giveaways for in person events.

 

  • The best thing that happened to me last week was… I built a snowman.

 

  • To get my creative juices flowing, I… take a walk in nature. 
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