'Our company has been named as one of the fastest growing companies in beauty in the U.S. and Europe'
Q: Describe your company.
A: Paris Presents Inc. is a leading global marketer of breakthrough cosmetic and bath accessories with an innovative, growth-focused team.
Q: Do you plan to hire any additional staff or make any significant capital investments in your company in the next year?
A: Yes, we are constantly looking for talent that will help us grow even faster. We expect to expand to capture growth opportunities both domestically and globally.
Q: What will your company's main challenges be in the next year?
A: One of our main challenges that we also see as an opportunity is to continue to delight our users with new and exciting products that exceed their expectations. We are always looking for innovative ways to help our consumers look and feel more beautiful. We put a strong emphasis on education. We know that women are always looking for information about how to use make up brushes, and we show them how via online tutorials on our websites and YouTube. We are constantly striving to listen, learn and be curious. As we say, "Beauty starts with a Brush" (and hopefully it's one of ours!).
Q: What's the hottest trend in your industry?
A: There is an overall trend toward a more natural look and techniques such as contouring, highlighting, strobing and draping allow you to bring out your best features and also to embrace the look of the season, such as flushed cheeks or a summer glow. To get these looks you need the right makeup and the right tools.
Q: If you had one tip to give to a rookie CEO, what would it be?
A: Get the best team - no compromises!
Q: Do you have a business mantra?
A: "We are just getting started."
Q: From a business outlook, who do you look up to?
A: We gain insights from the largest beauty players such as L'Oreal and Revlon, plus online platforms such as YouTube and Google.
Q: What is one interesting fact about you or your company that most people may not know?
A: Our company has been named as one of the fastest growing companies in beauty in the U.S. and Europe.
Q: What do you like to do in your free time?
A: When I have free time I like to hike, laugh and see family and friends.
Q: What book is on your nightstand?
A: The book I have on my nightstand right now is - "Yes, And: How Improvisation Reverses 'No, But' Thinking and Improves Creativity ..." by Kelly Leonard and Tom Yorton.
Q: What keeps you up at night?
A: The need for talent to capture growth.
Q: What was your first paying job?
A: My first job was being a paperboy for the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel.
Q: Who is your mentor and why.
A: My father is my mentor, primarily for his practicality, belief in always moving forward and the way he emphasized the "how" and the "what" of things.
Q: If you could put your company name on a sports venue, which one would you choose?
A: Lambeau Field.
Q: What is one funny thing that has happened to you in your career?
A: I met my wife at the SC Johnson salad bar over the garbanzo beans.
Q: Two people to follow on Twitter and why.
A: I suggest following Sam and Nic Chapman. It is just amazing how they educate and help women learn about beauty all over the world. And, I also recommend Pope Francis for inspiration!
- Kim Mikus
Patrick O'Brien
<b>Chief Executive Officer </b>Paris Presents Inc.
3800 Swanson Court, Gurnee , Illinois
Industry: Consumer Products
Annual sales: $200 million +
Number of employees: 100+
Website: www.parispresents.com
Age: 57
Family information: Married to Betsie for 31 years, 3 children (Casey, Kelsey and Michael)