Today we’d like to introduce you to Paula Moon.
Hi Paula, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
Innovations Plus LLC was established back in 2009. I started the company because I need flexibility due to my elderly parents needing assistance. I had a Marketing background and spent most of my adult life in that field, so I assumed the transition would be easy…. far from the truth. I originally started working with other vendors that did silk screening and embroidery, and then I realized most of the clients that I was getting didn’t want to order tons of stuff. That’s when I started doing all the orders myself – minus embroidery. I originally started in my basement with a small heat press that I purchased, as I started growing, my basement became consumed with apparel and promotional items. I wanted to make an impact in our community so I joined a few chambers in the area.
East Bethel Chamber of Commerce was my first. After attending meeting for the first year, I ran to be a board member. Ironically, I won and proceeded to be an essential part of the board for 6 years. (I handled their website, newsletter, and advertising through social media) During that time I also joined the Ham Lake Chamber of Commerce. Was part of that for a year, and ran for the Chamber board there also. I served 4 years. Needless to say, I’ve made many contacts and friends along the way, so the basement wasn’t going to work anymore. My daughter joined me in 2019 after she was laid off from her current employer. and in August of 2020 … during a pandemic we decided to take the plunge and proceeded to get a building. We built a 14 x 60 outdoor building which now houses all our items. We serves approximately 125 different customers including 25 online stores. We love our jobs and love being an intrical part of the community.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
Far from a smooth road. It was very slow in the beginning, as with any business, it’s all about building relationships, and that’s what we’ve accomplished. We have so many people that we support, it’s like having a large family.
We’ve been impressed with Innovations Plus LLC, but for folks who might not be as familiar, what can you share with them about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
What do we do? Our business handles decorated apparel, promotional items, custom items. What do we specialize in? We are known for our online stores.
What sets us apart from others? We provide top-notch customer satisfaction/service, we are always trying to improve with our customers, whether it’s offering new products or helping with issues. We want all our customers to have a good buying experience with us.
What were you like growing up?
I was a regular kid that grew up in the ’70s and ’80s. Dad worked; mom stayed home. I have 2 siblings, a brother whom is 8 years older than me and a sister that is 7 years older than me. I come from a large family, with 36 aunts and uncles and too many cousins to mention. I liked school, participated in sports gymnastics, volleyball, basketball. I got a little above average grades and still stay in touch with my friends since kindergarten. Personality-wise, I was very outgoing, and always wanted to include everyone… I didn’t want anyone to feel left out. (Still don’t) Spent a lot of time at our parents’ cabin when I was younger, have many fond memories of fishing, swimming, and being outside.
Contact Info:
- Email: innovationsplus.llc@gmail.com
- Website: www.innovationsplusllc.com
- Facebook: www.facebook.com/innovationsplusllc
