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 Kevin Hayes, executive vice president of Outlook Group LLC, No. 9 on the list.
What was your company’s biggest accomplishment over the last year?
Kevin Hayes: Our company’s biggest accomplishments were adding resources and capacity to support significant newly acquired customers. We added short-run digital and flexo presses to support the growth of private brands and the proliferation of SKUs for all brand owners. We also invested in the latest pre-press artwork technology/software, which collaborates with brand owners and their design houses.
What is your company’s top priority for 2018?
KH: Bringing on new channel partners to leverage our expertise in packaging and the investments we have made in pre-press and printing technologies.
What is the biggest challenge facing the industry today, and how can we work toward a solution?
KH: In several areas, traditional print processes are being replaced by digital applications. The industry’s challenge is to find new products and markets to replace legacy business. We have successfully reengineered our company around packaging and data management solutions.
What is the toughest part about being in charge?
KH: To me, that question is really [asking] what the toughest part about crafting the vision and purpose of the company [is]—the toughest part is managing strategic timing of investments in technology and people development. This is always an ongoing process; however, making the right moves at the right times will dictate our future growth and profitability. Ultimately, we want to offer the right value proposition for our customers and prospects.
Whom do you admire most as a business leader?
KH: In general, I admire leaders who innovate and change market paradigms, all the while creating intense employee satisfaction and customer loyalty. Examples include 3M, Salesforce.com, Southwest Airlines and Google.
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.