Since joining Valpak in 1990, Sampey has held senior leadership positions in virtually every area of the company. In recent years, Sampey, 52, has led marketing, sales training, national sales and franchise network development teams to enhance the Valpak brand presence in the marketplace. His leadership on USPS legislative matters took him to the nation’s capital, where he testified to Congress on behalf of the company.

“Jim has been a driving force with Valpak for two decades, providing vision and dedication to our company,” said Michael Vivio, president of Cox Target Media, which owns Valpak. ”His extensive knowledge and understanding of the business has earned him the respect of employees and franchisees. His efforts over the past 22 years have built a strong team to continue so many of the positive programs that make the Valpak brand what it is today We thank him for the passion and commitment to all that Valpak stands for.”

During his Valpak career, Sampey led the national sales staff in building Valpak’s reputation as a large scale retailer in direct response, franchising and national sales to complement Valpak’s strong local presence.

Sampey was the facilitator leading employee teams on change management, continuous improvement, quality management, and organizational design in manufacturing, customer service, IT, sales and marketing.

During this time, and throughout his career, a common denominator in Sampey’s leadership style is the word “team.” “Jim’s passion for collaboration and bringing teams together to find common ground and solutions will be his legacy,’’ said Vivio.

In his second decade with the company, Sampey oversaw huge transitions in the operations departments – moving the focus to be customer centric. He oversaw efforts by multiple teams to consolidate three production facilities in Las Vegas, Elm City, NC, and Largo, and lead the redevelopment of Valpak’s manufacturing processes utilizing world class best business practices in building a state-of-the-art Valpak Manufacturing Center in St. Petersburg, FL – one of the most automated print facilities in the world.

“It’s been an amazing ride and I can’t imagine a better journey anywhere,” said Sampey. “I am truly grateful to the leadership team at Cox Target Media, and proud of the entire team of amazing employees and Valpak franchisees.”

The same passion Sampey had for the company carries over to the community, where he has been a true spirit leader to encourage employees in giving back to the community and many charitable causes.

He inspired employees to do more, give more and be more, and always did so himself, rolling up his sleeves at any chance. As the sponsor of the company’s volunteer organization – The Blue Crew -- he led employees to sign up for this year’s United Way Day of Caring, with 150 employees volunteering at the Happy Workers Children’s Center in St. Petersburg. In the past two years, he inspired and encouraged employees to make food donations to the NALC’s Annual Stamp Out Hunger Food Drive by filling up his entire office with boxes and cans of food.

In retirement, Sampey and his wife, Carol, plan to spend more time with their three children – Jimmy, Ryan and Rachel -- and their parents, and devote more time to their community work.

Sampey will continue his relationships with charitable organizations he developed while at Valpak with groups such as The United Way of the Suncoast, The Tampa Bay Partnership, American Heart Association, Religious Community Services (RCS), University of South Florida and SunTrust Bank.