Stephanie Bierbaum-Howard died unexpectedly on June 20 in Roswell, GA. She was 49. Born in Red Oak, IA, Bierbaum-Howard worked for more than 13 years at Counselor Top 40 distributor Summit Group (asi/339116), where she was known for her professionalism and strong work ethic, but also for her ability to uplift those around her.

Bierbaum-Howard started her career in the promotional products industry at American Identity, which was later acquired by Counselor Top 40 distributor Staples Promotional Products (asi/120601). She moved onto Summit Group, where she was most recently the director of business transformation and optimization. Colleagues admired her leadership and vibrant presence, and many became lifelong friends.

“Steph was an amazing person and a huge resource to the entire Summit team,” said Michael Harper, CEO of Summit Group. “She was everyone’s go-to person. We will greatly miss Steph and are better, both as a company and as people, because she was with us.”

Known for her radiant personality and magnetic presence, Bierbaum-Howard lived by her favorite motto: “Go big, or go home.” Friends said she was the life of every gathering – cheering for the Iowa Hawkeyes, donning signature designer shoes, playing cards with friends or relaxing by the water with a cocktail in hand.

Bierbaum-Howard is survived by her husband, Rob; her mother and stepfather, Karen and Ron; her brothers Dustin and Nate; and many aunts, uncles, cousins and in-laws.

Family and friends held a celebration of life on June 24. The family asks that in lieu of flowers, memorial donations be made to the National Kidney Foundation.