Person of the Year 2020: Jo-an Lantz, Geiger

Sometimes, you find your fit.

Jo-an Lantz’s first job out of college was an entry-level accounts payable position at Top 40 distributor Geiger (asi/202900). Initially, the Purdue University graduate didn’t plan to remain at the Lewiston, ME-headquartered firm.

Decades later, Lantz is still at Geiger. Last year she was named CEO and president – the first person outside the Geiger family to hold those titles at the more than 140-year-old family-run company. She’s built a career that’s earned her the admiration of being one of the industry’s most respected, powerful and influential leaders.

But her ascension to the highest ranks isn’t just based on longevity. In recent years, she helped propel Geiger to consistent growth (a 27% overall increase in revenue from 2017-2019) and aggressive international expansion while maintaining the company’s reputation as a leader on a number of fronts, from technology to sustainability.

For all that, Lantz is Counselor’s 2020 Person of the Year – an honor even leading competitors believe is warranted.

“Jo-an exemplifies the hallmarks of great leadership: She’s passionate, articulate, clear-minded and empathetic,” says Marc Simon, CEO of Sterling, IL-based Top 40 distributor HALO Branded Solutions (asi/356000) and Counselor’s 2019 Person of the Year. “She’s the perfect leader to carry on and build the Geiger tradition.”

Lantz is thankful for both the honor and, more importantly to her, the lasting impression that both Geiger and the promotional products industry have made on her. “I’m proudest of being affiliated with such a fine company for my entire career,” she says. “As with so many, I found the industry through great luck. Because of the wonderful opportunities I’ve had with Geiger, I’ve traveled the world and met amazing people, all of whom have touched my life and made me a better person.”