Top 50 Suppliers 2017 Interviews: No. 5 – Western States Envelope & Label
Every year, Print+Promo releases its 2017 Top 50 Suppliers list. To give you some insight into what it takes to make it to the top, we spoke to Tom Rewolinski, CEO and president of Western States Envelope & Label, No. 5 on the list.
What was your company’s biggest accomplishment over the last year?
Tom Rewolinski: We’ve made a lot of progress on multiple fronts, so it’s tough to name the biggest. The driver to our many accomplishments [was] getting everyone focused on our strategic plan. So, I would say the development and communication of our strategic plan has been our biggest accomplishment.
What is your company’s top priority for 2018?
TR: [We want to] continue to grow by being the first choice for our customers. We will do this by providing solutions, new innovative products and staying true to our mission statement–“Your Message is our Mission.”
Besides sales numbers, what makes a top supplier?
TR: A top supplier is reliable and works with a customer to provide solutions. They aren’t just an order taker.
What is the toughest part about being in charge?
TR: [It’s] resisting the urge to suggest solutions to problems your team is working on. Let your team solve the problem. I am here to create an atmosphere of collaboration and ensure a safe environment so everyone’s ideas are considered.
Whom do you admire most as a business leader?
TR: Jeff Bezos of Amazon. He is [a] visionary and has created an innovative team that continues to not only disrupt with new ideas, but they can implement those new ideas successfully.
To hear what other leading suppliers had to say, check out our 2017 Top 50 Suppliers list—complete with bonus information like an in-depth analysis and top 10 rankings for four leading product categories.
Elise Hacking Carr is senior production editor for Print & Promo Marketing magazine, and managing editor for PRINTING United Journal.