Debi Surmanek Honored for her Determination

When you gain extensive knowledge in a subject matter, you would think that starting a business in that field would be a no-brainer.

Except for Debi Surmanek, it wasn’t an easy decision.

The idea to step away from her father’s longtime company and alter the family business was one fought with hesitation. Although she proved to be a jack of all trades at her father’s advertising business for almost 27 years, she knew it was the right time to branch out on her own.

“I realized the industry was changing drastically with the advancements in technology and the way we communicate. I wanted to take that leap of faith and utilize more of that technology with my own business,” said Surmanek.

“Plus, my dad and mom were getting older. It got to a point where I knew the only way for him to retire and enjoy life with my mom and be home to take it easy, was for me to leave,” she said.

Even if her heart was in the right place, the New Dorp resident still struggled with this decision.

“I had a lot of mixed emotions. I relied heavily on my family for their input,” she said. “In the end, I took my chances.”

That chance was finally creating her own identity and starting Ivy Branding & Marketing Group in Eltingville with partner Christine Fiorenza.

“I worked in the business for 27 years, but now this was my chance to show people what I can bring to the table,” said Surmanek.

“You have to constantly prove that you know what you’re saying and that you’re up on the latest trends and can deliver,” said the Fashion Institute of Technology graduate.

Surmanek has also been delivering for the community during several big events benefitting seniors and veterans.

She is currently prepping for the annual Senior Wealth & Wellness Seminar on April 4 at the Old Bermuda Inn which provides services for seniors regarding their wellness and finances. This free event features guest speakers, giveaways, and lunch.

In addition, Ivy Branding & Marketing Group has coordinated the "Salute to Veterans" event. The event, which is an information seminar/breakfast around Veteran’s Day that enlists vendors to distribute giveaways for nearly 500 veterans and guests, just celebrated its fifth year. The business puts together every piece of the event from creating the informational materials for distribution as well as formulating the day’s schedule and arranging vendor tables.

Surmanek knows the year-long prepartion is worth the effort when she talks to the veterans. For example, she pleaded with two veterans she encounters during her morning walks to come to this year’s event. After some doubt, the vets ultimately decided to attend.

“These people were so overwhelmed. They said they wanted to cry,” she said.

For her accomplishments, Surmanek is being honored with a Louis R. Miller Leadership Award, which she will receive in the Established Businessperson category. The awards -- sponsored by M&T Bank and presented by the Staten Island Chamber of Commerce and the Staten Island Advance -- honor the memory of Louis R. Miller, a businessman and West Brighton resident who was also a community leader.

John J. Amodio, chairman of SCORE Staten Island, nominated Surmanek for the Louis Miller award for her determination to create her own path.

“After you work with someone for so long, and in this case, it was her father, people don’t realize what you have to give because you’ve always been in the background. Now that you’re on your own, it’s a little harder to break through,” said Amodio. “It’s a transition that she’s been able to manage well.”

Receiving the Lou Miller Award has special meaning for Surmanek since her father Tony Garcia, who owned Garcia Advertising in Stapleton before renaming the business Marketology after relocating to Dongan Hills, was a recipient of the honor in 1997.

She also shares a personal connection with the award since Lou Miller and his wife, Jean, were family friends. Surmanek recalls all the great advice that Miller would instill to the business community.

“They were both such wonderful human beings. I wish there were somebody like Mr. Miller around now that could stop over, or you could pick up the phone and call and say let’s do breakfast, lunch, or have a cup of coffee,” she said. “You were able to bounce concerns, ideas, or anything off him. His wisdom was insane.”

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Recipients of the Louis R. Miller Awards are recognized as effective business leaders, and for their outstanding contributions to the local community. Awards are given out in four categories: Emerging, Established, Master, and Not-For-Profit. The honorees will be recognized during the annual Louis R. Miller Business Leadership Awards Breakfast on Wednesday, Feb. 13 at the Hilton Garden Inn. For tickets, visit www.sichamber.com or call the Chamber at 718-727-1900.

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Below, Surmanek shares more about her goals, job, and life:

Current occupation and title: Owner/Partner of Ivy Branding & Marketing Group

Hometown: New Dorp

Past occupations and titles: Graphic Designer/Creative Director at Garcia Advertising and Marketology.

Community involvement: Staten Island Rotary Anns. Staten Island Chamber of Commerce. Business Guild III. Staten Island Region of the American Cancer Society. Proxima Academy Charter School. Staten Island Youth Soccer League.

Some of my life goals include: To continue working because it’s my passion. Help my grandchildren whenever I can.

The best part of my job: Being creative.

The most difficult part of my job: Knowing what is best for my clients, but they don’t take my advice.

My life philosophy: If it is so easy to do, everyone would be able to do it.

I am most proud of: My three sons, Dennis Jr., Derek, and Drew.

Something that no one knows about me: I am afraid of the dark.

The quality I like best about myself: I’m always thinking of others.

Personal interests and hobbies: Painting. Crafts. Decorating. Cooking.

I am really good at: Multitasking.

I admire: People who can let things roll off their backs.

Some important things I would like you to know about me: I personally knew Jean and Lou Miller. Lou Miller came to my dad’s agency every week to counsel. Jean was with me at every Rotary Ann meeting. My husband and I spent a weekend with Jean and Lou at their upstate house. I was four months pregnant and my husband fixed things around the house all weekend. Lou made breakfast every morning and it was delicious. It was awesome knowing them. I adored them to the fullest.