“ As we ate one evening , I broke the news of starting a sales representation group and asked if anyone had a suggestion for a name ,” Terry said . “ My son Jim said , ‘ Dad , you are a very noble person in my book and I would suggest you name the company Noble Marketing .’” And a 22-year enterprise was born .
Publishers , Noble Marketing employees and booksellers that Terry served throughout his career all shared words of tribute upon learning of his pending retirement .
“ Ted Terry is one of a kind . He ’ s devoted his life to making sure that everyone involved in Christian books , from authors , to publishers , to reps , to stores , to readers
Three Christian booksellers added their voices in tribute , as well .
Dan Elenbaas of Cornerstone Christian Bookstore in Helena , Montana , added , “ While we have had some great sales reps over the years , none have had the longevity in our store as Ted Terry . All reps will sell to your store , but Ted Terry invested in our store ’ s success . His commitment to us , whether by his convenient and safe ordering plans that expanded our offers , or in his nearly pastoral concern for our family made him someone we didn ’ t want to disappoint . He made us feel valued .”
When Ted calls and says he ’ s coming , we all get very excited as he makes it a celebration for us
is treated with respect and care ,” Justin Paul Lawerence , divisional vice president of marketing and sales at IVP and a client of the Noble Marketing Group , said . “ In the eight years I ’ ve been able to spend time with him , I ’ ve consistently seen him care for everyone , from CEOs to busboys . He ’ s truly an example of someone who bears Christ to others , even in challenging circumstance . I wish him and Marietta well as they begin a new chapter .”
Alan Read , a long-term member of the Noble sales team who covers accounts in the western and midwestern states , spoke of Terry ’ s faith and his practice of listening .
“ Ted Terry always spoke last in a business meeting . He would listen attentively to what was said and then offer his opinion , while always being thoughtful of how he might differ from what was said earlier ,” Read said . “ He always had your back in public , in private he would address reality . Ted ’ s faith is unshakable , as demonstrated when they lost their son Teddy to cancer . Love is stronger than death and it certainly is for Ted .”
“ When Ted calls and says he ’ s coming , we all get very excited as he makes it a celebration for us ,” Kathi Broughton , book buyer at Sower Bible Bookstore in Coeur d ’ Alene , Idaho , said . “ Ted ’ s knowledge of the Christian market has been a great help to us , and he is willing to answer our barrage of questions . Both Ted and Marietta are also prayer warriors and have been ones we count on many times . We ’ ve been immensely blessed to have him as our rep , and we will continue to call him for advice and prayer .”
Mark Phelps of Evangel Bookstore in Medford , Oregon , echoed the other booksellers in saying , “ Thank you , Ted , for your amazing service to this great industry ! Evangel has been so blessed to have you as our sales rep for over 40 years . More importantly , thank you for being an amazing friend to the Phelps family .” CRA
48 CRA today / www . christianretailassociation . org