FORT WORTH, TX—Who better to inform future generations of the secrets to success, paths to avoid and advice gleaned from dozens of years experience than FTA’s own Flexo Hall of Fame? That was the thinking behind Forum 2016’s Passing the Torch: Developing Next Generation Leaders session on Sunday. The discussion, chaired by Howie Vreeland of Anderson & Vreeland and Nathan Plavnick of Esko, relied heavily on questions from audience members.
Four Hall of Fame members were on stage to field queries:
- Arleen Neustein, inducted in 2003
- Bruce Riddell, inducted in 2006
- Al Bowers, inducted in 2012
- Page Crouch, inducted in 2014
The foursome were first asked who or what has influenced them the most in their careers. Neustein immediately waved her arm to the room, referring to the Association orchestrating the session and entire four day event—FTA. “We’d have all these discussions, and I’d go home, and the first thing I’d do is talk to all my people and see how we can improve what we’re doing,” she said, speaking to her earliest interactions at FTA events.
Using a golf metaphor, Riddell said to swing outside your range, as that is the only way you’ll grow. “Don’t reach to where you are—reach beyond.”
Crouch encouraged individuals to have their own self improvement programs. In his case, that meant finding out the best printers in the Clemson, SC area where he taught for much of his career, visiting them and learning from them. “There’s no such thing as a stupid question,” Crouch said, noting that when you become reluctant to ask questions, you fail to broaden your horizons.
“There is a passion we have, in what we do,” Neustein added.
Asked what one practice or trait the Hall of Fame members wished other workers would adopt, Neustein jumped to exclaim “Measure! Measure! Measure! Measure!” Crouch followed by opining that, while school provides knowledge and information, it is important to approach real world problems from a standpoint of curiosity, rather than assumption. Riddell asked, “How would you like to go to work every day without a computer or an iPhone?” He used that thought to promote employee training. Bowers said to always look to get better, to make flexography better and, the moment you’ve finished a print job, pledge to do it better next time. “Push it, just always push it,” he said.
Neustein was asked what advice she would give to young females in a male dominated industry. Recalling her early years in flexography, at a family owned company, she said she didn’t view her job as one within an overwhelmingly male industry. Looking to the present, she said “I don’t think this industry has a glass ceiling.” Then, gesturing to the audience, she added, “Look at the women that are here,” noting they held roles of significance in the industry.
“I don’t know if I’d start out working in the factory—that’s how you wind up an old guy on a stage,” Bowers joked, alluding to the early portion of his career. Speaking from a premedia standpoint, he said young flexographers should look for roles at companies that allowed for additional learning. Riddell echoed something Crouch had said previously, noting how many people got involved in both FTA and industry activities by merely asking a question. Neustein, who works to find applicants deserving of FTA scholarships, noted a decline in internships and lamented the change.
Asked for advice on how to interact with customers, Bowers said that “Integrity in everything you do is probably the single most important thing,” and he urged young people especially to never lose sight of their personal brand. “You’re going to have to work in flexography or some industry for 40, 50 years. There are going to be things you won’t ever be able to live down—don’t do those things.”
Vreeland, also a Hall of Fame member, added his thoughts: “Doesn’t it feel like you blink your eyes and you’re here?” He added that as a veteran worker, it can be difficult to “let go,” but the widespread abilities of modern technology necessitate a diverse and capable workforce who can be enabled to perform.