Huston Patterson COO Stephen Frantz Announces Retirement After 50 Years in Printing Industry

DECATUR, IL—January 8, 2015—Huston Patterson COO Stephen Frantz announced his retirement on Jan. 1, 2015, after 50 years of service to the package print industry.

"It is with a heavy heart that I announce my retirement," said Frantz. "I am truly blessed to have worked with the greatest clients, vendors, employees and management that anyone could ever ask for. I have no regrets and will cherish the memories and experiences I have had at Huston Patterson and Sigma Graphics."

Frantz’s career began on June 24, 1964, when he started as a pressman at Twin City Printing in Champaign, IL. He was a pressman for three years before he moved into prepress. In 1974, Robert Kowa bought Twin City Printing and it became Kowa Graphics. Soon thereafter Frantz was appointed general manager of Kowa Graphics. In 1981, Frantz accepted a position as assistant vice president for Midland Litho in Kansas City, MO, but after four years he moved back to Illinois and accepted the general manager position at Huston Patterson. In 1991, Frantz ventured back west, this time to Wichita, KS, where he became the vice president of production and sales for Printing Inc. In 1995, he was offered the position of vice president of sales for Midland Litho and decided to move back to Kansas City. In 2000, Frantz moved back to Decatur as Huston Patterson’s vice president of sales and marketing and then became COO, assuming that responsibility not only at HP but at Sigma Graphics as well.

"Steve’s leadership and talent played a vital role in Huston Patterson’s and Sigma Graphic’s evolution and ultimate success," noted Tonya Kowa-Morelli, president of Huston Patterson. "Steve was a source of energy, wisdom and resolve as we navigated our company through good times and bad. I will always regard him as one of the most influential leaders for Huston Patterson and the industry, as is proven by his induction into the Label Printers of America Hall of Fame. It is rare to find an individual these days with the dedication Steve has displayed over the years."

When Frantz is not golfing, hunting or spending time with his family, he will continue to be a leadership mentor for Huston Patterson and will help guide their recycling program.

As a world-class printing organization, Huston Patterson provides unparalleled value and performance, through the effective use of craftsmanship and technology by incorporating the principles of trust, integrity and commitment.

Source: Huston Patterson.