Today we’d like to introduce you to Jenell Harris.
Alright, so thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, can you tell us a bit about how you got started?
I grew up in the suburbs of Chicago and started my career in sales for a software reseller after college. That role gave me the opportunity to learn about various business functions and how they come together to drive success. I worked in Chicago and handled accounts in Canada, which I thoroughly enjoyed. I later transitioned into the dental sales industry, a move that pushed me out of my comfort zone and helped me develop my skills further. Over the next 10 years, I held various roles selling dental equipment, learning how to sell on value rather than price. It was an exciting time as I traveled across the U.S. and internationally, helping to introduce new products to the market.
Personally, life took a turn in 2017 when I went through a divorce with two young children. Around the same time, I reconnected with Scott, whom I had known since middle school. He had been running his company, PYRA Promotions, in South Florida since 2001. As our personal lives aligned, I moved to Florida to give our relationship a chance, and my company allowed me to transition to a South Florida-based role.
At the same time, Scott’s business was expanding, especially in the school apparel market. We created Eleven30Apparel, a division focused on school spirit wear and uniforms, and started discussing ways to enhance customer service and implement new technology. After many conversations, I made the leap to leave my dental sales career and join Scott in building PYRA Promotions and Eleven30Apparel. Together, we’ve worked side by side to take these businesses to new heights, and it’s been one of the most rewarding experiences of my life.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
Transitioning from a traditional job to becoming a business owner alongside my spouse was quite an adjustment. There are so many aspects to juggle—managing employees, customers, cash flow, keeping up with trends, staying ahead of industry changes, differentiating ourselves, and handling the growth we’ve experienced. It’s a lot to manage, but thankfully, Scott and I are a great team both in life and business. I know it could be challenging for many, but we share the same vision and love brainstorming ways to keep evolving. We balance each other out—Scott is always thinking 10 steps ahead, while I help keep us focused on finishing what’s in front of us before moving on to the next idea. At the same time, Scott’s ability to always find solutions keeps me grounded, knowing that whatever challenge we face, we can figure it out together.
When COVID hit and everything shut down, it was a huge moment of uncertainty for us. With schools closed, no events or fundraisers happening, we wondered how we’d keep things running. Instead of panicking, we used that time to reevaluate our systems and processes, making the necessary changes to prepare for the future.
One thing we’re committed to is learning from our mistakes. We’ve tried new ventures and initiatives that haven’t always worked out, but each setback has taught us valuable lessons that have made us stronger moving forward. I appreciate that we can continually grow and adapt, taking every challenge as an opportunity to learn and improve.
Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
At our core, we are marketers who help our clients showcase their logos and brands in meaningful and memorable ways. For PYRA Promotions, that means working with corporate customers to ensure their brand stays on point—following their brand guidelines, colors, sizing, and formatting meticulously. For clients like hospitals and pharmaceutical companies, we understand that their brand is everything, so we make thoughtful recommendations to showcase their logo in the best possible way. We’re not just a vendor who takes orders; we focus on delivering items that truly serve their purpose. Our accessibility and personal relationships with clients have been key to our longevity and the trust we’ve built with them over time.
With Eleven30Apparel, schools trust us to recommend products that parents and students will love. Our talented graphic designers take basic ideas and turn them into something extraordinary. We’ve even personally delivered uniforms or spiritwear to make sure they arrive on time for important events. That level of reliability and care is why schools know they can count on us to deliver, every time.
What I’m most proud of is the level of service, trust, and integrity we bring to every aspect of our business. Across all of our brands, our clients choose us because we treat them like friends and family. That personal connection is what sets us apart.
Networking and finding a mentor can have such a positive impact on one’s life and career. Any advice?
I’ve found that it’s important to gravitate towards people who have achieved success and possess qualities that I respect and admire. What’s interesting is how much I’ve learned from people outside my own industry, simply because they embody traits like forward-thinking, charisma, and the ability to see the bigger picture. I’m always drawn to those who challenge the norm and offer unique perspectives. They inspire me and push me to think differently.
When it comes to networking, I believe listening is key. Whenever I attend a Chamber of Commerce meeting or an event, I focus on listening to others to understand how I can help them or introduce them to someone within my network who might align with their needs. Building strong, mutually beneficial relationships often involves going beyond just your own interests and looking for ways to connect others for the greater good. Networking is most effective when it’s about creating genuine, reciprocal connections, rather than just pushing your own agenda.
Pricing: No.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.pyrapromotions.com / www.nonprofitnest.com / www.eleven30apparel.com
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@501cTV
Image Credits
Khanna House Studios – headshot photo
