DJ Heckes, owner and CEO of EXHIB-IT! Tradeshow Marketing Experts was honored today as one of the Top 28 business leaders at the New Mexico Business Weekly inaugural “Top-Performing CEOs” event held on Sept. 29.
“Small business is about people. That’s the lifeblood of EXHIB-IT! and New Mexico,” Heckes said. “We live and breathe the success of every customer at EXHIB-IT! Our core business involves relating to the person and their total business marketing and tradeshow needs.”
Heckes founded EXHIB-IT! in 2000. Since that time her role as CEO has been synonymous with that of small business leader. At a time when the economy hit most businesses hard, Heckes saw this as an opportunity to complete her book “Full BRAIN Marketing,” a tool she hopes will offer insight on for starting and leading small businesses. Her book is due out in early 2010.
The recession also inspired Heckes to diversify her business and focus on company team spirit and grew the company the second half of 2008 and ended up the year much better than forecasted. Heckes attributes her success to surrounding herself with people who believe they can make a difference.
Heckes advised Valerie Pelan in the national Women Business Council Mentor 2008 program. According to her, “DJ is a real professional and a strategic thinker, and she focuses on skill and business improvement in areas that made me more marketable and focused on my core business strengths.”
Heckes has diversified her business through opening Studio E Design and Production, a division of EXHIB-IT! and has structured these businesses to work in collaboration to fully service her customers. In addition to heading a team of ten employees, Heckes handles a busy speaking schedule and continues to sell for her company.
“Like every small business owner I wear lots of hats,” Heckes added.
