The darkness of the massive warehouse contrasts with the bright summer light outside. The amount of equipment and creative scenery stored in the warehouse seems almost overwhelming. Star Wars scenes, the Hollywood sign, Santa sleighs, popcorn machines, and a large Statue of Liberty stand out, and these are just a few of the thousands of props used by Best of the Best (BTB) Promotions. Bob Traxel, the soft-spoken and mild-mannered president of the company, began his business 45 years ago. “God and I started this business,” Bob says with sincerity.

A Path to Promotions

Bob’s original vocational intent was not promotions, but ministry. He grew up in a Christian home and gave his life to Christ during a Vacation Bible School. Although he had to pay his own way through the University of Wisconsin, Bob had his sights set on the ministry. After discovering that he had to learn Greek and Latin, he was a bit wary about continuing that educational path. To pay the bills in the meantime, Bob became a waiter and a bartender. He ambitiously started a bartending business and people began to take notice of this intelligent, creative, and diligent worker.

After being asked to help plan and coordinate events, Bob built a “nobody does it better” reputation. The only concern he had when planning events was the poor quality of supplies being offered to him. He told rental companies that price was not the object—quality was. Realizing that he could do a better job, Bob began his promotional company. BTB Promotions takes care of 120 to 150 orders and events a month, both large and small. In December the company handles as many as 900 orders.

“If you can imagine it, we can build it” is one of Bob’s mottos. “No one in this industry does what we do,” Bob explains as he excitedly displays pictures of their previous promotions. In addition to working with large companies like Coca-cola®, Nike®, Disney®, and Nordstrom®, Bob has handled events for churches like Saddleback Valley Community Church.

A Servant Leader

As president of the company, Bob works from a unique leadership strategy. He thinks of himself as a servant to his employees. Always putting their interests first, Bob reminds his employees that they do not work for him, but with him. Bob talks about his employees like a proud father talks about his children. He is an encourager and does not hesitate to use biblical examples during meetings. Bob makes sure that his business remains Christ-centered and that his staff conduct themselves in ways that bring honor to God. Opportunities to share Christ abound as Bob treats his employees the way he believes God would want him to. He is proud of everyone, including his design team who continually and creatively design props that still amaze him. Bob’s goal is to foster accountability, imagination, and passion in his employees. Many of his employees have worked for him for years; he has watched their kids grow up.

One challenge Bob faced in the business began when he was a bartender. Dispensing alcohol can be a very profitable business, but Bob began to feel convicted about providing it to people. Bob has seen the destruction drugs and alcohol have had on those close to him. What makes BTB Promotions unique is their choice not to provide alcohol to their customers even though many consider it a foundation of promotions. Their profits come from quality and creativity instead. In addition to not providing alcohol, Bob’s company will not create anything having to do with fortune telling, witchcraft, or anything he considers inappropriate.

Bob runs his business with passion, integrity, and optimism. “A problem is nothing more than an opportunity,” is another one of his mottos. In addition to his work, Bob has a passion for Bible prophecy and has been to Israel a number of times. “Life is incredible,” he says, “but if you are in Christ it can really be rewarding.”

Bob does not take anything for granted and is still amazed each time he walks into his warehouse and sees what God has done. He believes that one has to have a servant’s heart to be successful. Bob Traxel is successful—in running his business and in sharing his faith. |L

BTB Promotions  (btb-events.com) is located in Fountain Valley, California. Bob has one married daughter, a married adopted son, and grandchildren.

Susanne Dacus graduated from Pacific Christian College with a degree in Christian Education. She and her husband Brad work with Pacific Justice Institute in Citrus Heights, California. Brad and Susanne reside in Sacramento, California with their two children.

OTHER COLUMNS:
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May 18, 2008 - Working by faith 24/7
April 20, 2008 - Motown, music, and ministry
March 23, 2008 - Be One Sportswear
February 24, 2008 - Fighting for the faith
January 27, 2008 - Healing for the Healer
December 30, 2007 - Parenting faithfully
December 2, 2007 - Building physical and spiritual strength
November 4, 2007 - Taking Christ into the classroom
October 7, 2007 - Changing lives through music
August 12, 2007 - Strategies for business and life
June 17, 2007 - Finding fulfilling work
May 20, 2007 - Faithful to his calling
April 22, 2007 - An unstoppable witness
March 25, 2007 - The perfect plan
February 25, 2007 - Teaching with faith
January 28, 2007 - Changing a community—one event at a time
December 24, 2006 - Business by the book
November 26, 2006 - Growing through life’s storms
October 1, 2006 - Work is important, but family comes first