Get to know Digital Operations Manager Deborah Nicholas.
As the digital operations manager for the International Sleep Products Association, Deborah Nicholas wears many hats. She maintains, tests and upgrades ISPA’s content management database; designs and maintains event websites; manages online and on-site registration for ISPA EXPO, the ISPA Industry Conference and the ISPA Sustainability Conference; and assists the marketing team in designing online and print materials.
Based in Alaska, Nicholas spends most of her time outside of work exploring the outdoors by hiking, biking, riding four-wheelers, cross-country skiing and snowmobiling. She says people often ask her if she stays indoors in the winter and her answer is emphatic: “Absolutely not. No matter how cold it is, I bundle up and enjoy the crisp air.” Nicholas has been married to her husband, Mike, for 25 years. Together, they love traveling and exploring.
BedTimes: What drew you to ISPA?
Deborah Nicholas: I would love to say that I started working in the bedding industry because I found it interesting, but if I’m being honest, back in 2006 when I started, I simply needed a job. For me, it wasn’t until I worked my first ISPA EXPO back in 2008 that things changed for me. As I walked the show floor for the first time, I was amazed by the size of the exhibits, and the variety of bedding machinery and components blew me away. From that point on, I knew I was part of something special.
BT: What’s something about ISPA that people might not know?
DN: Unlike other bedding industry associations, ISPA provides support for both manufacturers and suppliers within the bedding industry. As a long-established organization with over 100 years of experience, ISPA benefits from our exceptional leadership, dedicated staff and members who drive its success.
BT: What is one of the most exciting things you’ve accomplished since working for ISPA?
DN: I’ve been employed with ISPA for almost 20 years and I’ve accomplished many things during that time. One of my earliest achievements was designing, implementing and sending out the first HTML-based newsletter. (At the time, our newsletters were created as a PDF and sent as an email attachment.) This helped to kick off the modernization of ISPA. Of all my years at ISPA, I would have to say my most difficult achievement was when we migrated to a new CRM (customer relationship management) database. I was tasked with coordinating, managing and executing the entire database migration process, from planning to deployment. It was a huge undertaking and something I’m extremely proud of.
BT: What is a book, podcast or show you recommend?
DN: I’m not much of a reader and I prefer to be outside exploring, but if I am inside, a show I enjoy watching is “American Ninja Warrior.” What draws me to this show is the sheer determination of those who compete and the camaraderie between the competitors. Some work full-time jobs, then spend hours at the gym enhancing their skills. Others are parents, students or someone just trying to find themselves. Some have disabilities or have experienced heartache and loss, while others do it just because they can. It’s not a show about competition but about supporting each other, taking chances, overcoming personal obstacles, and it is proof that no matter how difficult things may get, if you put your heart and soul into it, you can accomplish anything. In a world of chaos and negativity, this show offers family fun, inspiration and a sense of community.
