20 Under 40: Just a Sampling of Talent - Michelson

Choosing 20 graphic arts industry professionals—all under the age of 40—who are rising industry stars is, 
admittedly, a subjective undertaking. Surely, some high achievers who might have qualified didn’t appear on our radar screen. Likewise, some people who were nominated elected to avoid the spotlight for personal reasons. And, in a few cases, deserving candidates received pressure from their employers to not participate, out of fear they might be cherry-picked from industry competitors seeking to hire them away.

With that said, though, our 2014 class of rising industry stars featured in this issue truly reflects the best of the best. As you peruse their profiles, you’ll see that several had no intentions of building careers in the graphic arts. But, they’re now glad they did, and their journeys help to illustrate how most people who enter the printing industry typically never leave it.

Several of our 20 Under 40 superstars are also continuing family legacies—another key ingredient that makes the printing industry shine over other professions. As examples, Michael Marcian Jr. and John Sommers Jr.—both namesakes of industry icons—are carrying on the legacies of their fathers. With what might be considered a burden for some, they are rising to the occasion and guiding their companies along new trails to success. If not through a nurturing father, most of our 20 high achievers also point to having a mentor for playing a key role in helping them develop a sense of family, empathy, trustworthiness and fortitude.

You’ll see, too, that these 20 up-and-comers weren’t just handed positions of authority. They typically worked their way up, toiling in several job capacities within their respective organizations, to earn their stripes. They also learned early on that achieving a successful, long-term career in the printing industry is not for the faint of heart.