Rising Stars: Faces of the Future

IF THERE is anything worse than listening to people drone on and on about the economy, it’s hearing talk about the bleak future of print. Judging by their remarks, you would think that printers are part of a vanishing breed, destined to go the way of the Ford Pinto. Well, not only do our gas tanks not explode, but our cylinders keep on rolling profitably because, in part, of the efforts of people who are too young to remember the Rubik’s Cube.

That’s right; there’s a healthy-sized generation of young print professionals who are invested in the viability and future of the graphic arts industry. Some were born into printing dynasties and are keepers of the flame. Many came through print management courses at some of the country’s most prestigious colleges and universities. But all of them possess a tenacity, enthusiasm, perspective and vision that indicate the future of printing is in qualified, capable hands.

But don’t take our word for it. Check out these 20 biographies to get a glimpse of printing’s future as it continues to make a splash in the present. From where they’re sitting, tomorrow doesn’t look bad at all.

Ryan Steffens, 26

Company: B&D Binder and Index, Arlington, TX
Title: Marketing Manager
Education: B.B.A. Marketing, University of Texas at Arlington

Recipe for Success: Printing is an industry that has undergone massive changes during the last 10 years and will continue to evolve rapidly in the next 10 years. The key to our success has been to never stop moving. We’ve tried to use a wide range of media to keep ourselves relevant to customers, and we’ve made sure to keep up with the latest technological advances to keep our product relevant. We’ve had successes, and even a few failures, but I think that clients like knowing they are working with a company that is moving forward with them.

Biggest Influence: My father has been in the printing industry for more than 30 years. So, I saw, from a young age, what it takes to succeed in this industry.

Fast Forward: We will continue looking for ways to improve, grow and evolve. I’m excited about the future. There is a lot of opportunity in printing right now—if you’re willing to go the extra mile—and, once the economy rebounds, things can only get better.

Jim Flaherty, 31

Company: Allegra Print & Marketing, St. Paul, MN
Title: Owner
Education: Bachelors degree, University of Wisconsin-River Falls

Recipe for Success: My strongest asset as a business owner is my drive to be successful. Knowing that we can produce a product of exceptional quality, while providing exceptional service and turnaround, gives us the confidence to produce any project on any deadline. We follow this approach internally in our everyday dealings with each other and with our customers. This has fueled our continued growth.

Biggest Influence: It is my father-in-law, Dale Beane. I worked for Dale for 10 years prior to purchasing this location. He taught me that patience and dedication are keys to being successful. After all, who better to have as a mentor than someone who has been successful in our industry for more than 20 years?

Fast Forward: Looking forward, I see drastic change in the industry as a whole. As a provider of marketing materials, we need to branch out into other forms of media, including video, Web, e-mail, etc. We will embrace the new opportunities and evolve with the industry.

Kyle Johnson, 28

Company: Kingston Printing, Eudora, KS
Title: Director of Production
Education: B.S. in Economics, The Wharton School, University of Pennsylvania

Recipe for Success: I take pride in my ability to identify opportunities. I find the right people or systems to address the situation and, whenever possible, allow others to manage themselves. People who show pride in their work always do better when they can achieve success on their own.

Biggest Influence: It has been my father. As I grew up, I watched him grow this company from three to 30 employees. I’ve learned to work hard and treat everyone fairly. In business, your reputation means everything.

Fast Forward: I hope to properly manage the changes coming in this region, industry and country. More than ever, it’s imperative that companies stay abreast of current events. And, in my personal life, I hope to start a family with my beautiful new bride.

Jo Ann Rossi, 33

Company: Zooom Printing LLC, Richmond, VA
Title: President
Education: B.A. in Communication Studies, Virginia Tech

Recipe for Success: We specialize in short-run, four- and five-color commercial printing, with a focus on high-quality and quick-turnaround work. Our business has continued to be successful because of our flexibility. We are always available to our customers and are very accommodating to their needs. Our client base is very diverse. With a personable, small staff and a casual family atmosphere, we’re the epitome of the modern small business. On any given day you will find our dog, Phil, in the lobby and our two young children playing at my ankles.

Biggest Influence: My parents set me on the right path from the beginning. My father taught me structure and organization, the essential qualities that one needs to maintain their sanity with a “To Do” list that never stops. My mother showed me compassion for others and determination, two characteristics every entrepreneur needs. My husband, and fantastic business partner, Ben, taught me how to embrace risk, which comes in very handy when starting a new business (and every day thereafter, for that matter).

Fast Forward: I’m optimistic that our business will continue to grow in 2010. We have always functioned as a startup business: running as lean as possible and treating all customers as if they were our only one. We will continue to predict their future needs and react quickly to the changing industry. As the need for speed, customization and quality continue to increase in printing, it is our duty to find the best methods to make this available to our clients. We will continue to produce excellent products at a fair price, and never forget that we got into this business because we love to create.

Patrick Smith, 40

Company: Smith Litho, Rockville, MD
Title: President
Education: B.A. Boston University

Recipe for Success: I’m still paying my dues like many printers do during their careers. And the goods I get in return are knowledge and loyalty. I’ve traveled up, down and across the printing landscape, much like my father, who founded Smith Litho. Looking back, as a five-year-old sitting on a skid of paper, I saw even then that the thrill to create and serve customers was great in this business. My father, starting a fledgling printing firm, used his enthusiasm and keen intellect to listen and rally people behind him to provide service and product just the way the customer expected. The goal then and still today is to provide total, peace-of-mind outsourcing. I use that mantra to develop new clients and products each day.

Biggest Influence: Since printing is still very much a relationship business where people make transactions of ideas, I have been influenced by all those around me in business: customers, competitors and co-workers. However, my father, Charlie Smith, has most influenced my professional career and personal growth. Starting from a humble background, he had an idea that by providing success—either to customers by manufacturing their print products or to employees through job growth—the reward would come as continuous business loyalty and a following by staff who maintain the same focus for our clients.

Fast Forward: There is profound change around us today. We can’t ignore the rough ride of the recent past. By harnessing the right combinations of technology, print power and, most of all, people, Smith Litho will continue to succeed. We will continue to choose the best people to represent and manufacture our products. We recognize that alternate means of communicating are part of the total equation. We need to continue to stress our expertise in the product we deliver and embrace the concept that a combination of message vehicles benefits the end user.

James Van Dusen, 38

Company: Pearl Pressman Liberty (PPL) Communications Group, Philadelphia
Title: Senior Account Executive
Education: Villanova University

Recipe for Success: I am dedicated to long-term relationship development and management with the goal of exceeding the needs of my clients and my company. I believe that a balance of hard work and flexibility is critical in this industry. Collaboration is essential, and I conduct all business with a high level of integrity.

Biggest Influence: It’s my father, David Van Dusen, who is president and partner of PPL. When I first started, he insisted that I learn the business from the ground up by working in each department before moving into sales. I developed a deep appreciation for the production process and an admiration for the people who do the work.

Fast Forward: To be a leader in a changing industry by using my creativity and innovation. I want to identify additional ways to bring added value to our clients through new facets of customer service. I plan to focus on business development to ensure that our company is positioned for positive growth in coming years.

Megan Sullivan, 33

Company: Superior Lithographics, Los Angeles
Title: Sales Manager
Education: B.S. in Graphic Communication, California Polytechnic State University

Recipe for Success: My education in graphic communication has given me a strong foundation for succeeding in package printing, an industry segment where it’s still uncommon for a woman to hold a senior management position. Joining Superior right out of college, it took me a little longer to convince customers that I knew what I was talking about. But, once I proved that I was knowledgeable and a creative problem-solver, they stuck with me and have ever since.

Biggest Influence: Superior’s founder, Doug Rawson, identified a market niche 25 years ago and, through his incredible work ethic and initiative, built Superior into a package printing market leader. He taught me to see the big picture of what our customers want to achieve, and to do whatever it takes to keep them happy. He has been a mentor and helped me to understand the value of continuous learning and improvement.

Fast Forward: I’m passionate about honing my management skills and building a sales team of fast-thinking packaging experts. It’s a very challenging time to be in the printing industry, but it’s also an exciting time because I’m called upon to use my creativity and technical background in new ways. Every day is a new opportunity to advise customers on creating a great product professionally, quickly and cost-effectively.

Shawn Petersen, 37

Company: PrintPlace.com, United Graphics, Arlington, TX
Title: Founder and CEO

Recipe for Success: I attribute my success to a strong work ethic, entrepreneurial passion and a technical working knowledge of substantially every area of the business. I have an extensive sales and management background, and feel that I recruit and develop individuals well within the organization.

Biggest Influence: Leigh Petersen, my father, is the person who influenced my life most. His passion for the industry and entrepreneurial spirit allowed him to take chances, which carried through to every area of my organization. My father has been by my side to provide wisdom, insight and a caring hand when I needed it most.

Fast Forward: In addition to continuing to enhance PrintPlace.com and United Graphics through manufacturing automation, process improvement and technology, I am working on a new business unit that will leverage an integration framework for large enterprise clients to enable printing automation, audit and transparency throughout the entire transaction life cycle.

Chris Pellegrini, 38

Company: William Charles Printing, Plainview, NY
Title: President
Education: SUNY Stony Brook

Recipe for Success: The key is my enjoyment in working in the printing industry. I’m a problem solver by nature and, if you work even one day in this industry, you know it comes with its daily challenges. I read a quote years ago that said, “If you do what you love, you’ll never work a day in your life.” The fact that I was born into a family business serving an industry I love is just a coincidence.

Biggest Influence: It has to be my parents. They never told me what to do in life; they simply led by example. They worked hard on their careers and their family every day. It was easy to see that the reward for that hard work was a comfortable life and having a family that brings joy to them year after year.

Fast Forward: I look forward to continuing my career in the printing industry, and to what technology will bring to the industry. I would never have dreamed when I started 20 years ago that we would be running digital equipment at production levels. I’m not sure if there will be a viable industry when my three-year-old son graduates from college some day, but I will work hard to pass a company on to him, just as my grandfather and father did for me.

Michelle Bracali, 38

Company: Macomb Printing, Clinton Twp., MI
Title: Vice President of Sales
Education: Bachelors in Technical & Interdisciplinary Studies, Wayne State University

Recipe for Success: When everyone else says “no” or thinks you’re crazy for attempting something, that’s when I think I’m usually on the right track. Perseverance and tenacity have shaped my career and adult life. Leaving my comfort zone is especially gratifying, and provides excitement along with new opportunities for learning and growth.

Biggest Influence: Probably my parents. Both taught, by example, the merits of hard work and dedication. They definitely left their comfort zones when they took ownership of Macomb Printing 20 years ago. I learned then that nothing attempted is nothing gained.

Fast Forward: There is an art to sales and serving clients. As we deal with the effects of electronic media replacing some print and the overall commoditization of it, it’s critical that we have top-notch salespeople to explain the continuing and important role of print within the 21st century.

Ellen Gillespie, 32

Company: Little Lamb Design, Birmingham, AL
Title: Co-Owner
Education: B.S. International Business, Auburn University

Recipe for Success: We provide highly specialized printing: personalized stationery and label products. We’ve been successful because we don’t settle for anything less than perfection. Each product is fully tested before going to market, and must leave our offices precisely printed, folded and packaged. We constantly research and experiment with new and improved printing and finishing processes.

Biggest Influence: Being a self-taught printer, my biggest influences by far have been industry publications. Of course, yours is my favorite. I live by reading PIWeekly and Printing Impressions magazine. Additionally, I try to tune into every Webinar I can, and read then reread articles about production, variable data printing, imposition, finishing techniques, etc.

Fast Forward: Beyond continuing to grow our company, I hope to stay on the cutting edge of print. As the ability to produce full-color documents continues to be pushed further into the hands of the consumer, we as printers must stay ahead of that curve and prove to our clients why “do-it-yourself” is not necessarily the best for them. If we can provide them with better print quality, papers, finishing and faster service, we will ensure that commercial printing is always in demand.

Mardra Sikora, 39

Company: Wright Printing/Folder Express, Omaha, NE
Title: President

Recipe for Success: The key is recognizing the strengths of each individual, and pulling them together to achieve the common mission of quality, speed and service. Keeping our team focused, making adjustments, incorporating the ideas and knowledge of each team member and, most importantly, cheering on their contributions is what makes us successful together.

Biggest Influence: No surprise, that as the fourth generation in a printing family, my father Mark Wright has been and continues to be my biggest influence. He is universally honest and engaging. I most admire his vision, his courage, and his unwavering dedication to our employees and the community.

Fast Forward: I love printing—it never lacks challenges. I am looking to be better educated on broad issues facing our industry and better allying with technology. Consistently improving the education and engagement of our team, at every level, is paramount. And, perhaps someday, I’ll learn how to golf.

John Tenwinkel, 29

Company: DG3, Diversified Global Graphics Group, Jersey City, NJ
Title: Director of Digital Operations
Education: Bachelors in Graphic Communications Management, University of Wisconsin-Stout; Masters in Graphic Communications Management & Technology, New York University

Recipe for Success: I attribute my success to diverse experiences, along with formal education and professional mentors. My experience includes operating a press, estimating, customer service, production management and director-level management of a digital printing department. Additionally, my education exposed me to manufacturing operations, leadership styles and managerial practices. I’ve also been fortunate to work with industry professionals who have shared their knowledge and experiences.

Biggest Influence: Dr. Michael Cunningham has had a large influence on me. His professional career is nothing short of impressive, and his dedication to the advancement of education in graphic communications is admirable. His demeanor is energetic and I feel empowered after having a conversation with him.

Fast Forward: Professionally, one of my short-term goals is to become involved in strategic decision-making within an organization. Longer term, I would like to become involved in educating future graphic communications professionals. On the personal front, my goal is to be the best father and husband
I can be.

Susanna (Sue) Trate, 28

Company: Consolidated Graphics (CGX), Baltimore
Title: National Account Manager
Education: B.S. in International Business, Elizabethtown College

Recipe for Success: My success stems from three main characteristics: positive attitude, long-term orientation and work ethic. There’s a silver lining in every situation, and I always strive to find it. CGX’s leadership development program prepared me for a successful printing career and I am grateful for that. Work hard and play hard—it’s that simple.

Biggest Influence: My father has been my largest influence because he works hard at his day job and at home, while never complaining about anything and being completely unselfish. Within the industry, my friend/colleague/mentor at CGX, Jody Karacz, has had the strongest impact because she’s intelligent and a mover-n-shaker.

Fast Forward: At the end of the day, I want to feel like I made a positive impact on another person/company and/or that the activities I did during the day put me one step closer to “the next big leap,” both professionally and personally. As CGX continues to expand to match the global footprint of our customers, I’d like to contribute to our international growth.

Adam LeFebvre, 34

Company: Specialty Print Communications, Niles, IL
Title: President
Education: B.S. in Print Management, Western Michigan University

Recipe for Success: We have built our organization on two core concepts. One is that timeliness of response in all aspects of print is absolutely critical. Two, the customer is what drives our business; its needs, desires and its sense of satisfaction allow us to continue to work together. Both combined, bring us to a simple “Customer First” mantra.

Biggest Influence: My dad, Paul LeFebvre, is the person to whom I look up to most. He was born and raised a printer and, although we are not always 100 percent in unison as to the path to success, our goals are always aligned. He has instilled in me the core principles of our organization and, from very early on, was trusting and inviting when it came to the inner workings of a business. His willingness to allow me to experience this industry from all departments prior to graduating from high school gave me an incredible advantage when we opened in 1996. We generated $600,000 in revenues our first year. Thirteen years later, we are a $60 million organization.

Fast Forward: As we move forward in this dynamic industry, we have to be prepared for wholesale change in both the way we think and the way we deliver marketing materials. It will not be simply ink on paper. I have watched this industry since I was a child, and what amazes me is the speed at which technology now drives obsolescence of equipment and products. It used to seem that the product/application maturity cycle was around 20 years; today, I believe it is closer to seven years and continuing to accelerate.

Michael Burton, 32

Company: Cenveo, Stamford, CT
Title: SVP, Operations
Education: University of Connecticut

Recipe for Success: I have always found that the biggest key to success in business is to surround yourself with the best possible people. At Cenveo and the other companies that I’ve worked at, we have always found a way to recruit these individuals.

Biggest Influence: The biggest influence both personally and professionally has been my father. I have had the unique opportunity to observe and learn from the man who I regard as the best manager in the industry. The biggest attributes I take away from him are his tireless work ethic, ability to see issues coming from miles away and his innate ability to motivate everyone, no matter the circumstance.

Fast Forward: I look forward to continuing our success at Cenveo. Our goals and objectives have not changed since the day we arrived; we always said we want to be the low-cost producer, we want to be the leader in all of our segments and we want to produce industry-leading margins. I look forward to being a part of the team that continues to deliver on those commitments.

Robert Burton Jr., 34

Company: Cenveo, Stamford, CT
Title: SVP, Investor Relations and Mergers & Acquisitions
Education: B.A. in Economics, Vanderbilt University

Recipe for Success: I learned from a very early age that a major key to success in any business is to be surrounded by a group of highly talented and motivated people, who all are incentivized to pull in the same direction. I have been extremely fortunate to have worked with, and learned from, such a gifted number of individuals during the past 12 years.

Biggest Influence: My two brothers and I were raised in a highly competitive environment where education, athletics and community were heavily emphasized by my parents. My father made it very clear from a very early age that we were born into a unique situation, and that we were given opportunities not afforded to everyone. We were taught to give back to others, and to help provide everyone with the opportunity to be successful, starting with education. The generosity of my parents to the educational community is something that I strive to emulate.

Fast Forward: When I talk to friends my own age about the printing industry, I find myself in a discussion about the “impending doom” of the printed word. I share with them my belief that the industry is not dying, but is evolving in front of our eyes. Customization is the name of the game these days, and I see us here at Cenveo ahead of the curve and positioned strongly to take advantage of this trend.

Kelly Vanderboom, 35

Company: Quad/Graphics, Sussex, WI
Title: Vice President and Treasurer

Education: B.A. in Finance, University of Wisconsin-Madison

Recipe for Success: The three keys to my success: 1. Learning the importance of “holding a business in the palm of your hand” (i.e., knowing it intimately); 2. Cultivating relationships with people throughout Quad/Graphics, as well as outside the company and industry; and 3. Both finding and being a mentor.

Biggest Influence: Harry V. Quadracci taught me to look beyond the here and now to the end game, and what we’re really trying to achieve together. I appreciate that, as he grew our company, he also wanted to grow our industry because a healthy industry is better for all participants. John Fowler, our CFO, taught me the value of the mantra, “He who is best prepared almost always wins,” and the long-term perspective of managing our business to remain our own best investment.

Fast Forward: Although I’m a finance guy, I think of myself as a printer. I share Joel Quadracci’s vision for the future of print, which is using data-driven technologies to create targeted, relevant print messages that are meaningful to the recipient and that complement other forms of media. Print is evolving, but will continue to be a key communications channel.

Andy Johnson, 39

Company: Cadmus Communications, Baltimore; a Cenveo Co.
Title: Executive Vice President, Print & Packaging Services
Education: B.S. in Industrial Engineering, Business Management

Recipe for Success: I’ve been blessed to work with great team members who have helped me succeed. My keys have been to hire great talent, communicate the objectives, listen to and give feedback, and then let the “experts” do their jobs and give them the support and tools they need to be successful.

Biggest Influence: My biggest mentor was Mark Deterding, a class-act leader who I worked with for 14 years. Mark taught me how to motivate team members, make objective decisions, hire and foster great talent, as well as ways to treat people.

Fast Forward: My goals are to help my company delight our clients, drive sales, improve efficiencies, maximize earnings and help grow the company.

Tyla Armstrong, 38

Company: Albuquerque Printing, Albuquerque, NM
Title: Vice President, Finance and Administration
Education: B.A., University of New Mexico

Recipe for Success: Growing up around the industry, I spent summers working in the bindery and the front office. Upon graduating from college, I taught high school for four years. Then, it came full circle when I went back for a “summer job” in 1998, but this time involving myself in the financial and human resources aspects of the company. I’ve never left that “summer job.” I’m always looking to learn, expand my knowledge of the industry and search for the opportunities that don’t always present themselves in the most obvious manner.

Biggest Influence: It’s my father, Tony Fernandez, owner and CEO of Albuquerque Printing and EP Complete Printing (El Paso, TX). He is an insightful businessman who exemplifies the value of hard work and passion for the industry. Never beneath himself to be immersed daily in all aspects of operations from selling, to quoting, to getting out on the production floor, to job planning, to personally deliver a job. He instilled in me that, in our business, “It’s everybody’s job.”

Fast Forward: With Albuquerque Printing’s recent purchase of EP Complete Printing, one focus has become to leverage our expanded capabilities and successful business practices to the ever-changing needs and demands of current and potential clients. PI