Maggie Laughin
Owner
Maggie Laughlin was only 23 years old when she launched Laughlin Promotions, Inc. in October 2000. Before starting the company, Laughlin earned her bachelor's degree from the University of Missouri-Columbia in psychology, sociology and human and family studies. After graduation in 1999, she honed her sales skills working for a wine distributor and McLeodUSA telecommunications. But she yearned to follow in the footsteps of her father, Bob Laughlin, and grandfather, Oliver James Laughlin, both entrepreneurs. From age 11, Laughlin worked at the family business, O.J. Laughlin Plumbing of Valley Park, MO. Short of installing plumbing systems, she performed nearly every job available, including picking weeds and cleaning out mud-encrusted pipes to managing the front office. To start her own company, Laughlin bought several accounts from a promotional products salesman who was retiring, and she quickly began learning the industry. In five years, she expanded the company from 150 accounts to more than 500. Sales have grown each year as well. Laughlin Promotions carries promotional and logo products from thousands of manufacturers, including cups, pens, shirts, jackets, gold accessories, vases and more. Laughlin strives to differentiate the company in a crowded market by providing remarkable customer service, quality products and competitive prices. "With me, you have an owner who loves the business. I try to find the best quality at the lowest price," Laughlin said. In 2005, Laughlin Promotions was certified as a 100 percent woman-owned business by the Women's Business Enterprise National Council. Maggie Laughlin is a member of the National Association of Women's Business Owners, former chair of the Leading Ladies networking group, and winner of the St. Louis District Young Entrepreneur of the Year Award for 2006 from the U.S. Small Business Administration. Her charitable efforts are diverse. Laughlin and her company support St. Jude Hospital in Memphis, Multiple Sclerosis research, the Make-a-Wish Foundation, Sports for Kids, and scholarships for students at St. John Vianney and Nerinx Hall high schools. Laughlin serves on the committee board for the Humane Society Purses for Pooches event. Laughlin was one of the women business owners who conducted Dream Big entrepreneurship seminars for junior high- and high school-aged Girl Scouts. She also regularly speaks to high school students in the St. Louis area. In 2005, Laughlin launched her second business, The Initial Baby, www.theinitialbaby.com. The Internet company sells monogrammed blankets, shirts and other personalized baby and toddler items. She then turned around and sold it in September of 2008. Laughlin is married to Brett Honerkamp, and they have a daughter, Isabel and a son, Wyatt.
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