Core Values:
When we say “your image is our business,” we stand by that statement. Image Outfitters is founded on four core principles that serve as our service based guideposts:
INTEGRITY is at the heart of all we do. We communicate accurately, say what we believe, stand by what we say and follow through on our commitments. Yes, we do walk the walk.
INSIGHT is integral to our success. It enables us to anticipate, identify and enhance value through an understanding of how change impacts business sectors. Crystal ball you say? Maybe…
RIGOR is required to meet the standards of excellence, professionalism and quality we set for ourselves every day. We always seek to maintain these standards through thoroughness in all endeavors. No stone is left unturned and we have been known to run a marathon now and again- keeps us on our toes.
RELIABILITY is central to the development of our relationships. We understand the importance of consistency and predictability that our customers expect of us. We know we need to perform at the highest levels every single day and that, if we do, our customers can count on us 24/7. P.s. we do have red capes tucked in our desk drawers- just in case.
Our Team:
Esbert Cardenas – a native of Miami, Fl (now an endangered species) started Image Outfitters in 1998 after spending 13 years in the seafood industry. Together with his wife Kirsten, they grew the business gradually for 10 years. As the business grew, so did the family and in 2008 the Cardenas family relocated to Stowe after visiting and falling in love with the town and its people.
When asked “what is it that drew you to Stowe?” Esbert answers “I love the fact that I live in paradise but I can still have access to businesses all over the world. Our market is not limited to any one geographical area. For me, there has to be a balance between work and family- and above all I enjoy what I do and I have fun doing it. I still take it seriously though, I take it to heart. I have been known to answer the phone at 2am- that’s just who I am. If a customer needs me, then I’m there. But, in my opinion, if you’re not having fun, then you need to find a new line of work. Living in Stowe and seeing how happy my family is while running a successful business literally is a dream come true.”
Kirsten Cardenas was born and raised in New Jersey. She has a B.A. from the University of Michigan and an M.B.A. from the University of Miami. After graduating from Michigan, she moved to Frankfurt, Germany where worked for the Florida Department of Commerce and, later, Enterprise Florida. She was responsible for promoting trade from the State of Florida to Europe and direct foreign investment in Florida. Upon returning to the United States, Kirsten moved to Miami. From 2001-2008 she taught Marketing at the University of Miami School of Business Administration. During her time in Miami, she also met her husband, Esbert, and, together with him founded, Image-Outfitters, a marketing company specializing in promotional items and planning for small and large businesses. After enjoying summers in Stowe, Kirsten and Esbert decided to move their family and business here fulltime in the summer of 2008. They currently live in Moscow with their two boys.
Liesl Reichelt is a native of Stowe (also an endangered species….) After 13 years on Wall Street, Liesl moved back to Stowe to raise her daughter in her hometown.
When asked to share a little about her experience, Liesl says “New York is a great place to get your feet wet and learn how business gets done. You have to give of yourself 110% everyday- all day, to get ahead. You can be super smart, but if you’re not ready to dig down deep, it’s not going to work.”
After working in finance why Image Outfitters? “I worked on a trading floor in New York in my first job and I thrived on the energy. The traders I worked with were serious about what they did, but they didn’t take themselves too seriously. That’s what I like most about Image Outfitters. I believe in what we have to offer and I’m serious about the business but I also have a great time doing it. I’m on the phone all day talking to people- helping them get what they need. I am not great at taking “no” for an answer. .. there will always be options…. You just have to keep looking and find another way. Ultimately it’s all about the customer and making them happy. If I’ve done that, then I did my job and I’m psyched.
