Promo Insiders: Counselor’s 2026 Woman of Distinction on Mentorship, Meaning & Leading With Humanity
Jodie Schillinger, executive vice president at Maple Ridge Farms, joins Promo Insiders to discuss meaningful leadership and how creating a sense of belonging can be transformative.
Jodie Schillinger learned early on in her promo career that, for her, this industry isn’t truly built on the merch – it’s always been about the humans behind it. Even when it comes to the food gifts offered by Maple Ridge Farms (asi/68680), where Schillinger serves as executive vice president, the core of her philosophy around gifting revolves around connection.
“Food is just not a product, right? It’s a universal language,” Schillinger said. “It’s an invitation to come to the table. It’s an anchor for human connection, and food is the medium.”
A consistent, genuine desire to build connection through authenticity is just one of the reasons Schillinger was named Counselor’s 2026 Woman of Distinction. In this week’s episode of Promo Insiders, she joins Counselor’s Hannah Rosenberger to share some of the biggest lessons she’s learned about meaningful leadership, creating a culture of belonging and pushing toward goals even when she feels like she’s not ready yet.
Key Takeaways
• Maple Ridge Farms (asi/68680) Executive Vice President and Counselor’s 2026 Woman of Distinction Jodie Schillinger joins Promo Insiders to discuss the leadership philosophy that has shaped her career and community impact.
• Working in nearly every department at Maple Ridge Farms taught Schillinger that the promotional products business is ultimately about people, relationships and creating brands that others want to belong to.
• Creating a sense of belonging, not simply managing employees, is one of the most important responsibilities of a leader, both inside and outside the workplace, she says.
• Schillinger believes that workplace culture isn’t built through grand gestures but through small consistent actions that make people feel seen, valued and encouraged to grow.
• Listeners should embrace discomfort, Schillinger says. Growth happens through action, and waiting for the perfect moment often holds people back.
• She discusses how lessons from yoga, breathwork and mindfulness have strengthened her leadership style by helping her lead with greater awareness, presence and intention