When I worked at Capital Ford in the early 2000s, Connie Lancaster was serving as one of our Commercial Fleet Managers. She brought such incredible joy and positive energy to every room she entered, making each work encounter such a blessing. After her time at Capital, Connie moved on to Percivall Advertising, American Heart Association and mindSHIFT before opening her own promotional and specialty advertising company, TNT Ad Specialties, but, since Connie always prioritizes relationships and the people with whom she encounters, we’ve continued to stay in touch, for which I’m so very grateful. Connie cares deeply about human beings as well as the community around us, understands the impact that can be made by one individual along with how that is multiplied when working as a team and wears the hats of mom, grandma and boss so successfully. Enjoy this peek inside the mind and heart of this absolute rock star!

About Connie Lancaster

Connie Lancaster is CEO of TNT Ad Specialties, a distributor of promotional corporate branding products, where she is responsible for collaborating with clients to achieve the most lucrative results from beginning to end. In providing "dynamite" promotional corporate branding products, TNT Ad Specialties works with clients to develop brand awareness for marketing campaigns, corporate events, trade shows and public relations programs.

With more years than she’d like to share of sales and marketing experience, Connie’s passion is to help clients deliver their brand with an explosion of quality and long-lasting impact through innovative ideas. She provides extensive knowledge and expertise to work with clients on branding their identity through promotional and specialty products.

TNT Ad Specialties is a full-service firm that provides corporate marketing solutions through branded products and apparel, program management and company stores. This team enables clients to power their unique brands through innovative products with a “wow” factor, creating memorable impressions and delivering “branding with boom” that carries long-lasting impact for target audiences. With a mission to provide creative ideas via products that capture the spirit of your brand and enable you to create long-lasting relationships with your customers, TNT supplies clients with every possible promotional product and apparel option from industry-leading suppliers so you attain your greatest success. From concept to final production, the TNT team delivers on time and within budget. Led by the amazing Connie Lancaster, they are passionate about their work, providing exceptional service to exceed your expectations.

As a mom of Brooks, amazing grandmother, loving daughter, partner to Bill, a dynamic individual who lights up any room she enters and a concerned citizen working to support those improving our world, Connie is a breath of fresh air and will truly inspire you.

First Friday Female Founder Feature:

Connie Lancaster

How would you describe the company you founded and its products?

TNT Ad Specialties brings brands to life.

We go beyond promotional products to create memorable branded experiences through custom merchandise, apparel, corporate gifts, online stores, creative packaging, kitting and fulfillment.

From concept to delivery, our experienced team handles every detail, bringing fresh ideas, exceptional service and the right products to make your brand stand out.

Your brand. Our creativity. One trusted partner.

Why did you start your company?

I started TNT Ad Specialties because I truly love this industry and have always believed branding is about so much more than simply putting a name on a product.

It’s about creating something meaningful that tells your story, builds a connection and keeps your brand remembered.

I wanted TNT to be a company that brings creativity, fresh ideas and personal service to every client. We don’t just sell products; we help brands make an impression.

What has been the most rewarding part of your journey in founding this company?

The relationships we’ve built along the way. Watching clients become longtime partners and friends. I’m proud of that we’ve created in a company based on creativity, trust and hard work which truly cares about all our partners.

About what are you most proud?

I’m proud of the talented team. I may have started TNT, but what it has become is because of the dedication, talent, heart and hard work of our entire team. I’m incredibly proud of the way we support one another, take care of our clients and genuinely care about what we do.

Are you naturally organized, was it a skill you learned or is it something with which you regularly struggle, and what tips or tools do you use to stay your most organized?

LOL—not at all! Being organized definitely did not come naturally to me. It’s something I’ve had to learn over the years, especially as TNT has grown. I’m definitely a work in progress, but I’ve learned that you don’t have to be naturally organized to be successful. You just have to find the tools (and the people) that help you be your best.

Who’s the one person who changed. your life and why?

I honestly can’t name just one person. I’ve been incredibly fortunate to have many people come into my life at just the right time… People who have guided me, challenged me, encouraged me and believed in me, sometimes even when I didn’t believe in myself.

Each one has played a part in shaping who I am, both personally and professionally. I truly believe people are placed in our lives for a reason, and I’m incredibly grateful for every person who has helped guide me along the way.

What words of wisdom would you have for someone who is overwhelmed with staying organized and / or productive?

Take it one thing at a time, give yourself some grace, and keep moving forward.

Do you use technology to help stay productive or organized? If so, what’s your favorite program, app or tech tool?

Yes, although I’ll give my operations team the credit for this one! They finally convinced me to start using a planner, and I have to admit that it definitely helps me stay on track.

How do you feel about work / life efficiency or integration in your life, including any tips or challenges for managing the personal and professional commitments in your life?

People talk about work/life balance, and I’m still not sure I know what that is! There are times when work needs more of me and times when my family and personal life need to come first.

What have you found to be the most effective way to relax after a long day or super long week?

I've recently moved, and, now, my commute is about 45 minutes. I've started listening to audio books, and it's wonderful!

What is your favorite inspirational quote?

“Keep going and don’t give up.”

What is your go-to accessory?

Perfume! Even on a day when I don’t have on a stitch of makeup, putting on a favorite fragrance instantly makes me feel better.

What are the fundamentals of your beauty routine?

Simple always! For me, it’s good skincare, a little makeup and always perfume.

What is your favorite food?

Anything sweet! I have a major sweet tooth. My idea of a great breakfast is a honey bun and chocolate milk. LOL! Probably not the breakfast of champions, but it makes me happy.

And, when it comes to a real meal, I love Italian food. Give me great pasta followed by something sweet, and I’m happy!

What movie could you watch on endless loop?

Honestly, I don’t have one but something that makes me laugh.

What is your favorite place that you have visited?

That’s a hard one. For me, traveling is about the memories you make, the people you’re with, and experiencing something different. Every trip leaves me with a story or a memory, and that’s what I love most about traveling.

What advice would you give your 21-year old self?

Education is the answer. Never stop learning. Travel more! Have fun! It goes by faster than you think.

If you could have lunch with anyone (living or deceased), who would it be and why?

How can you pick just one?!? People in my personal life just to hear their voice again, historical people to listen to their story, business leaders because I'd love to know "how did you do it" and more. It would be a very long lunch table.

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