WEB OFFSET REPORT -- A Quest for Knowledge

By Erik Cagle

Don't get Jerry Williamson wrong. The chairman of Dallas-based Williamson Printing loves being involved with printing industry associations. But truth be known, Williamson feels the associations have done as much for him and his company as he has done for them.

And that is saying a lot.

"If you keep your eyes and ears open, (participating in associations) can be very rewarding," notes Williamson, selected the 2003 recipient of the Harry V. Quadracci VISION award by the Web Offset Association (WOA) of Printing Industries of America. "The friendships and business acquaintances that I've made have been invaluable."

The award is given to a heatset web offset industry executive, printer or supplier, who has "reached an unsurpassed level of excellence and achievement in the industry—a leader who has gone far beyond the standard obligations to become a dominant force in shaping the business of heatset printing."

Past recipients of the award are Harry V. Quadracci, president and founder of Quad/Graphics, who was named the inaugural recipient in 1999; Roger Perry, former owner of Perry Printing (now Perry Judd's) in 2000; and John Frautschi, board chairman of Webcrafters (2001). Co-winners of the award last year were Metroweb Founder Thomas Brinkman Sr. and Sun Chemical Group Chairman Edward Barr.

The award was renamed last September in honor of Quadracci, who passed away earlier in the year.

Williamson was taken by surprise when informed of the honor by WOA Executive Director Tom Basore. "I was a bit stunned when Tom called me; I thought he was pulling my leg," Williamson says. "I told him that someone must have stuffed the ballot box. I'm sure there's a lot of people who are more worthy."

Not everyone would agree with that notion—particularly Basore. "Jerry's commitment to the industry is unprecedented," he says. "He's very giving of his time to committees and associations. He always makes time and always keeps his humor."

Altered Career Path

A 1997 inductee into the Printing Impressions/ RIT Printing Industry Hall of Fame, Williamson's career initially didn't seem destined for the ink-on-paper avenue. He graduated from Southern Methodist University law school in 1965 and went to work for the city of Dallas as an assistant city attorney.

But, in 1968, his father, Bowen, purchased Dorsey Printing and asked his son to lend a hand. Moonlighting turned into a full-time job as vice president and general counsel by year's end, but the younger Williamson assumed he would gradually return to practicing law.

"I never really found a convenient time to leave," he told Printing Impressions in 1997.

Despite having both an SMU undergraduate and law degree, Williamson needed an education in printing. He received instruction from his father and brother, Jesse; then sought to gain more insight via the association route, where he could learn the ropes and make a few contacts.

"When I got into printing, we were not a member of the PIA," he recalls. "Since I didn't grow up in the business, I was looking for ways to expand my knowledge. I wanted to meet other people, and get a good grasp on the market and our competition. I also felt we should support our association."

To say he has supported associations is an understatement.

"Our family has been in the printing business for years, and that's one way of paying back to the industry the benefits and rewards we've gotten from it," states Jesse Williamson. "Jerry has a passion for the printing business, a passion to make it a better industry. He's driven to be successful at whatever he does. He's a great motivator, the best brother in the world and the best partner you can have."

Busy Outside the Shop

On the local level, Williamson has served the Printing Industries of Texas, at various times, as its president (his current post), a member of the board of directors, member of the CEO roundtable committee and the nominating committee.

Nationally for PIA, he has held posts including chairman, first and second vice chairman, board of directors, executive committee, government affairs executive committee, vice chairman special industry group, vice chairman association relations and operating committee.

As a member of the Graphic Arts Technical Foundation, Williamson has held posts with the board of directors, secretary, chairman, vice chairman and executive committee. He also served with the Print and Graphic Scholarship Foundation.

It was Williamson who acted as a linchpin during the merger process between the PIA and GATF. Ray Roper, outgoing president of the PIA, felt Williamson was indispensible in this regard.

"I believe it's his greatest contribution to the association," Roper states. "He was so key because he had standing and credibility with both groups. He could bridge the gaps, and he was able to keep the consolidation going forward.

"Jerry's a gentleman, a strong family man, and his civic endeavors in Dallas make him one of the community leaders," Roper continues. "How he finds the time to do it all, I don't know. But he does, and he does it all extremely well. He's such an astute business man."

George Ryan, president of GATF, also praises Williamson's efforts in making the installation of a four-color MAN Roland web press at the association's Sewickley, PA, headquarters a reality.

"I've known Jerry for 15 years; he's honest, has great vision and commands the respect of his peers and his company," Ryan says. "He views the people in his company as his family."

In 1999, Williamson was honored as the GATF/ NAPL Sheetfed Executive of the Year. In 2000, he received the Lewis Memorial Lifetime Achievement Award.

Williamson is also active in numerous civic, social and philanthropic organizations, from the American Bar Association and the Dallas Chamber of Commerce, to serving as a volunteer for the United Way.

It is his experiences with the WOA that Williamson has found particularly rewarding from a professional standpoint. "I've always been impressed with their meetings. They're probably the best meetings of any association," he says. "The knowledge we've gained, the networking. . . it's very worthwhile and worth every penny."