Industry Up-and-Comer: Frankie Markasovic, Graphic Image Corp.

Frankie Markasovic is another young industry professional who was born with ink in his veins. “It all started three generations ago when my great-grandmother, Louise M. Wood, launched Graphic Image Corp. (GIC) back in 1953. Since founding the company, it has since grown into the fourth-generation, family-owned printing and graphics company that we are today,” notes Markasovic, who currently serves as its production manager/marketing coordinator.

While the 24-year-old Markasovic notes that after college he did a brief stint in the insurance industry, ultimately he returned to printing. “I wanted to bring GIC into the 21st century with an updated website and social media efforts, ultimately to grow the company even more,” he says.

That said, Markasovic’s average day is more production-oriented. He takes time each day to walk the plant, taking note of the ongoing projects and their current stages of production, as well as to greet his fellow employees. The 24-year-old then spends his time scheduling, supervising projects, estimating, overseeing accounts and managing the wide-format department. “Sprinkle some social media efforts in there and, before you know it, it’s been a good 12-hour day.”

Markasovic’s passion for what he does shows in every project he touches. “As we all know, it is one thing to see proofs on-screen, but when you see that physical print or signage, it is so gratifying.

“I like to think of managing each print project as if I am raising my own child,” he adds. “Watching the art come to life in the printing process, seeing it sculpted and formed in the finishing departments, and then sending it out into the real world to make an impact on those it encounters — that impact is what keeps me striving for more.”

Short-term, Markasovic hopes to see GIC expand into a larger space, allowing the business to grow further. In particular, he wants to see the company do much more wide-format work than it does today. “I would like to see myself managing a well-oiled and more profitable wide-format department. I take pride in this segment of the industry, as I have been growing our wide-format department since I started back in August of 2015.”

He also wants to continue to work alongside his father, make his way up to a VP role over time, and eventually take over as the owner when his father is ready to retire.

Markasovic would also like to see the industry do a better job of promoting its overall image, educating people on the true value that every printed piece provides. “It seems like consumers are evermore undervaluing our processes and expertise. Most consumers think that our products happen overnight, especially in small- to mid-sized establishments. And, aside from that, they want their work tomorrow and for half-price. I am all for fair trade, but sometimes these demands feel insulting.”

But that hasn’t dampened his passion and love for the printing industry. “I hope we all continue to push for innovation and keep the graphic arts alive and well. I am going to do my absolute best to fuel this industry with my youth, hard work and admiration for what we do.”

To discover other industry up-and-comers and read their stories, read Industry Up-and-Comers: Foundation for Succession from the April issue of Printing Impressions.