Smith Litho--Exceeding Expectations

Bindery Foreman Earle Coleman also appreciates being asked to contribute to the way things are done, citing that as the main reason for his 18 years with Smith Litho. "Running this bindery is like running my own company," he says.

Coleman and others are treated that way because Charlie Smith believes empowered employees are vital to success. He uses teams made up of staff members from each department to update systems and address problems. He chooses team members and talks at the first meeting, then steps aside.