Stackable Sensations LLC    Parsippany, NJ

Always be prepared to pivot. Resilience and adaptability in the face of adversity are vital to ongoing success.

From Baby Cakes to Global Promotional Solutions

When she was tasked with making centerpieces for a friend’s baby shower, Shari Verrone had no idea it would lead to her establishment of what would become a multimillion-dollar business. Stackable Sensations was born from the enthusiasm of baby shower-goers impressed with Shari’s three-tiered “baby cakes” made of beautiful burp cloths, diapers and other unique baby items. Today, this 14-employee, WBENC-certified business has matured into a global promotional solutions provider specializing in creative logo-branded giveaways for events, trade shows, corporate gift-giving, and recognition events.

“Early on, we became known for our three-tiered cakes featuring variously themed cycle-of-life gifts for everyone from babies and children to graduating students, brides and mothers-to-be,” Shari says. “Then, when a client asked us to do 800 themed backpacks for nurses, I didn’t hesitate. I suggested the theme ‘Shifts Happen,’ which the client loved. I realized in that moment that we could diversify our creative solutions to support a wide range of events and client needs, supplying items in much larger quantities than a single cake at a time.”

Pandemic Pivot Comforts Clients

When the COVID-19 pandemic struck in March 2020, Stackable’s phones and email went quiet. “With the majority of our business focused on events and trade shows, which had been canceled, I knew we needed to pivot immediately to support our clients as well as our own viability,” recounts Shari.

Thinking strategically, Shari and her team reached out to trusted hand sanitizer suppliers to see if they could produce gallons instead of the small promotional-sized bottles they typically provided for trade shows. They called clothing suppliers to see if they could create reusable masks. From thermometers and touchless hand sanitizer dispensers to other PPE items, her team worked around-the-clock to source products their customers desperately needed. Her quick action enabled Stackable Sensations to become an approved vendor for many larger corporations and led to a 55% increase in year-over-year sales.

Shari also sent care packages with blankets, apparel, hand sanitizer, face masks and other items to support clients during this difficult time. They were not only appreciative but also eager to send similar packages to their own employees and customers. Stackable’s $6,200 investment led to $68,000 in initial orders.

“With so many unknowns and anxiety all around, we put our agility to the test,” says Shari. "Now we can provide clients with timely, practical solutions such as PPE in addition to our unique promotional ideas and products. We’re committed to helping them continue to achieve marketing success no matter what the circumstances.”

PNC’s pandemic outreach included supporting Shari’s continued success. “Our PNC banker has a way of making things happen,” she says. “During this very stressful time, he guided us through the Paycheck Protection Program so we could help our employees continue to provide for their families. PNC’s support has helped enable us to remain strong.”

Business Awards

  • 20 Most Influential Businesswomen to Follow in 2020, Insights Success Magazine
  • Best Boss Award, Promotional Products Association International (PPAI), 2019
  • Women of Achievement Award, Boy Scouts of America, 2019
  • Humanitarian of the Year Award, Specialty Advertising Association of Greater New York (SAAGNY), 2018
  • National Pyramid Award for Excellence in Promotional Marketing Campaigns, PPAI, 2018
  • Enterprising Women of the Year, Leading Women Entreprenuers LLC, 2018
  • Greatest Companies to Work For, PPB Magazine, PPAI, 2016
  • Best Places to Work, Counselor Magazine, Advertising Specialty Institute, 2016

Community Involvement

  • Shari contributes her time, talent and resources to a variety of nonprofit organizations, including the Make-A-Wish Foundation and the American Diabetes Association.

Find them on the Web: https://www.stackablesensations.com/


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