'Book of Wisdom' Proves That the Value of Sage Insight From Printing Industry Leaders Is Timeless

Former President Teddy Roosevelt once said, “I believe that the more you know about the past, the better you are prepared for the future.” That same sense of navigating the future by reflecting on the past forms the backdrop for the “BFHS Book of Wisdom,” which was published recently by the Ben Franklin Honor Society (BFHS) of Printing Industries of America.

The “BFHS Book of Wisdom” comprises — and preserves — collective wisdom gleaned from 47 BFHS members who share their personal life experiences and anecdotes about achieving successful careers and overcoming adversity within the printing industry.

For those who may not be aware, BFHS members include accomplished men and women who defined the growth and direction of the graphic communications industry during the latter part of the 20th century and the start of the 21st century. Elected by their printing industry peers, the list of names reads like a virtual Who’s Who of past and present corporate leaders, consummate entrepreneurs, dedicated association executives, and leaders within the graphic arts education, publishing, and consulting arenas.

Comprising 47 essays published in the “BFHS Book of Wisdom” — including nine submissions from women who built successful industry careers — their life lessons about endurance, perseverance, and problem-solving combine to provide similar success roadmaps for both younger and more established graphic arts professionals. Their wisdom is also intended to energize and reinforce the unlimited possibilities that a career in printing can offer male and female students of all ethnicities who aspire to some day follow in their footsteps.

The stories of these industry leaders have never been shared before this book’s ambitious endeavor, but have remained in the archives of their minds as personal memories and learned life lessons that can dispense unique, actionable insight for present and emerging graphic arts industry leaders.

The body of knowledge contributed by these prominent BFHS members — a diverse group of men and women whose careers spanned a glorious period when the printing industry dominated the communication landscape — also provides much needed sustenance and practical, visionary insight about overcoming contemporary challenges that the printing industry now faces.

Special kudos go out to volunteers Dr. Harvey Levenson, professor emeritus and former head of the Graphic Communication Department at Cal Poly, who conceived and served as editor of the “BFHS Book of Wisdom;” to David DeLana, president of Heritage Integrated in El Reno, Okla., who donated the printing; and to Marina Poropat Joyce, founder of INTAGLIO in the greater Los Angeles area, who provided the graphic design services. In addition, Gerry Nathe, BFHS chair and former chairman of Baldwin Technology, provided overall administrative support; and June Crespo, director of board and affiliate relations at PIA, contributed a BFHS historical account.

“The BFHS Book of Wisdom will unleash and preserve the experiences of successful industry leaders for all in our industry to learn from — students and present industry members alike,” Levenson said. “We hope that it will inspire young people to reach a level of achievement in our industry worthy of being nominated for BFHS membership in the future and attract the interest of a growing diversity of nominees for induction.”

The contributions of the 47 BFHS member authors — and those of the more than 280 fellow BFHS members — should also be saluted. After all, unlocking the door to our industry’s future resides with those who possess the key to our industry’s past.

Editor's Note: The "BFHS Book of Wisdom" will be launched at the BFHS annual meeting and induction ceremony held Nov. 15-16 in Houston, where book signings by the essay authors will also occur. The book can be acquired for a donation of $50 per copy. All proceeds will go towards any of three scholarships: a) the Ben Franklin Society Scholarship, b) the Society of Fellows Scholarship, c) the Order of the Black Leaf Scholarship, as well as d) other worthy projects/activities supporting the growth and development of the graphic communications industry. For additional information about acquiring a copy or multiple copies,  contact June Crespo at (412) 259-1778 or email jcrespo@printing.org