2019 Top 50 Suppliers: The Magnet Group and the Bigger Picture

Bill Korowitz, CEO, The Magnet Group

Any member of the C-suite worth his or her corner office understands that change can’t be stopped. It can, however, be managed. Maintaining a long-term vision while whispers of paper fluctuations, political uncertainties and a dying trade grow into screams requires placing a greater emphasis on customer needs. For some, that means pivoting to new verticals. For others, that may involve implementing an acquisition strategy or tweaking product lines.

No matter the method, the end-result always remains the same, which is what unites the leaders of Print+Promo’s 2019 Top 50 Suppliers list. They don’t pretend to have all the answers, but they do have clear goals in mind for both inside and outside the plant.

To give you some insight into what it takes to be a leader in the print and promo space, we spoke to Bill Korowitz, CEO of The Magnet Group, No. 4 on the list.

What was your company’s biggest accomplishment over the last year?

Bill Korowitz: [It would have to be] managing through the tariff minefield, especially knowing things would tend to be “unknown.”

How do you maintain a long-term vision and focus for the company in the face of constant change?

BK: Once you realize all business is reliant on change, and on change to succeed or breed new ideas, it makes it a lot easier to think about the future.

As one of the longest-tenured companies on Print+Promo’s Top 50 Suppliers, what would you say are the attributes that contribute to such a successful run?

BK: Keeping the client as the center of our universe, the reason for doing what we do. If you don’t serve the client, you had better be serving someone who is ... that’s our mantra.

What is the biggest challenge that people in this industry are facing, and how does your company tackle that matter?

BK: Challenges are coming from all directions, all sectors. It isn’t A versus B. Understanding business and understanding needs and solutions are key.

Please explain how you and your organization make tough decisions.

BK: We talk them through as the concerned partners we are. If we deadlock, I’ll make the call, but would prefer the group agree, reach consensus and go from there.

How do you motivate and inspire teams to achieve big goals?

BK: You need to hire people who see the bigger picture, who have the innate desire to create and achieve great things. It has to come from more than just the CEO.

How do you decompress after a stressful time at work?

BK: [I enjoy a] glass of wine with my wonderful wife and family.

View the full 2019 Top 50 Suppliers list here, or click here for stats, trends and analysis from the list.