Get to Know: Lisa Blair

Work Experience

Started with NMG in August 2019. I’ve owned six businesses over the last 26 years, I was a police officer, and I loved selling used cars.

Education

Red Rocks Community College – Associate of Science in Criminal Justice with an emphasis in Sociology

Professional Organizations

Kiwanis, AWRSAY

Total years of experience with the independent channel/retail

1 year with Nationwide; 26 years owning a liquor store

What motivates you to get up and go to work for the Independent retailer every day?

My passion is to help our independent retailers remain successful. How can I help them with their day to day struggles? What can I do to make it easier?

Tell us about your role at NMG.

My job is to help my Members be successful every single day and with NMG’s expertise constantly bringing new ideas and strategies to help build up business, create more profit and less stress to my Members.

Why did you want to come work at NMG?

I was a furniture and bedding business owner and NMG was my buying group. I truly felt they cared about me as an independent retailer even though I was small they were there for whatever I needed guidance and support with. They cared and they proved it over and over again.

Why do you think NMG is the best buying group for Independent retailers in today’s climate?

The knowledge, experience and sheer determination to help our Members succeed as independent retailers is what NMG staff holds dear to their hearts and that is a special kind of service to offer to our Members. I love having the opportunity to get to meet in person with our Members on a consistent basis.

What is the most important project you are working on right now, and why?

Getting our Members through this pandemic. Us all bonding together to help in any way possible to not lose anyone. The ideas and creativity have been surpassed by sheer excellence.

What is your favorite memory from your time at NMG?

I love our bonding together moments, laughing, joking and building relationships. We are spread out and I love when we come together as a whole team. I especially loved our staff scavenger hunt in Houston ahead of PrimeTime.

What do you like most about your job?

Getting to meet in person with my Members, seeing their stores and gaining long lasting relationships with them and watching their businesses grow. I also like to travel.

What else do you want people to know about you and NMG?

I live at the base of the foothills in Colorado, have two grown children, LOVE the sun, boating, surfing, hanging at the beach, socializing, trying new restaurants, traveling, movies, the outdoors and hanging out with friends.