By: Brad Kartel
Submitted: 2011-09-24 16:54:17 | Word Count: 590
This is a story of how humility, hard work, and a pragmatic lifestyle have made one person become a very successful commercial printer in his city from scratch. His quest in the business world was during the time when commercial printing companies were big and were owned by rich families. These business enterprises were in existence for generations already so their operations are already set up and systematic.
This guy, whom we will call Tony, came from a middle class family and started out as an employee. Around mid-1980s, he started working in the finishing department of a big commercial printer in the city. He was a quiet man who just worked hard. He was friends with almost everybody; never saying no when something is requested of him to do something. He was assigned in almost all areas of the printing and finishing departments, except perhaps the computer graphics department because he is not very proficient with the use of a computer and he is not very creative as well.
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And while his co-workers would pass by the local joint and had some beers before going home, Tony went straight home. He did not spend his money on expensive clothes, shoes, and outings. Instead, he saved up whatever he could because he had a goal. He dreamed that one day he will become a successful entrepreneur who is engaged in the printing business. So he worked hard for it.
Little did everybody know that Tony kept learning the tricks of the trade. He studied not only the printing operation aspect but the manpower as behavior as well. He looked at his co-workers, their actions at work, reactions to management decisions, and the way they maneuvered company resources to their own gain. While he could not really voice out what he has seen, he was able to curb their malpractices when he was eventually promoted as printing supervisor. During this time, he learned so much more, such as making the most of company resources, properly scheduling the personnel shifts so that there is no unnecessary overtime work, as well as protecting supplies from wastage and pilferage.
But the end for his career in the printing company came due to the union that infiltrated their personnel. Due to the influence of the union, the workers went on strike. Since they could not reach an agreement, the management decided to close down their plant and paid off their employees for each year of service. Tony had been with the company for about five years only so his severance pay was not that big. But he happily received it, added it to his savings, and ventured on starting a printing business with his small capital. He also borrowed some money from the retirement fund of his mother.
Now, after almost 20 years, Tony has built a huge commercial printing business. He has expanded his operations by adding more machines and more people. Some of his former colleagues are now his employees. He now owns several commercial buildings. But despite his success as a commercial printer, he still maintains a simple lifestyle, even driving an old truck and still wearing simple sometimes worn-out clothes. He does not care about his image. His low-maintenance life plus his passion for his business has made Tony a very successful businessman.
Author Resource:-
Brad Kartel is a marketing executive whose passion is helping business owners build their campaign through acquiring services from a commercial printing shop. Learn more about this commercial printer.
