2020 Top 50 Suppliers: Magnets 4 media's Customer-Centric Business Model

Bill Korowitz, CEO, Magnets 4 media

By the fourth quarter, C-suite executives have finalized their goals for the year ahead. But for the first time in our lives, we can’t predict much of anything. In fact, “I just don’t know” now completes the trifecta of 2020 corporate speak that already includes “pivot” and “unprecedented.” When the first wave of coronavirus cases crashed into the U.S., businesses across all industries took drastic measures to preserve jobs and keep doors open as state governors enforced stay-at-home orders. Some were successful; others were not as fortunate.

Throughout this uncertainty, printers have kept the presses running. Part of a critical infrastructure industry as defined by the Department of Homeland Security, these professionals play a crucial role in protecting the nation’s food, medical and health care supply chains, to name a few. That being said, hard decisions surrounding salary cuts, furloughs and permanent layoffs still affected members of our community.

Leaders are human, forced to grieve lost routines, social connections, family structure and a sense of security like the rest of us. On the other hand, they are paid to provide assurances, direction, hope and actionable information. While we don’t know what’s next, we do know leaders are only as good as their employees. When interviewing the principals of the top-ranked companies listed in Print+Promo’s 2020 Top 50 Suppliers chart, there was a common theme of empathy throughout the discussions. In fact, several of these executives cited employee well-being and safety as their primary concerns, and were most proud of meeting those needs. They also acknowledged that any wins were the result of an incredible team effort.

To provide additional context, we spoke to Bill Korowitz, CEO of Magnets 4 media, No. 4 on the list.

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

Bill Korowitz: Managing through the COVID minefield. [We have been staying] focused on serving customers instead of what was happening with COVID around us.

How is your company positioning itself to stand out in 2021?

BK: [We are] continually trying to do our best for our customers. We have always emphasized customer service, and that will continue to be a cornerstone platform for us in 2021.

How has the COVID-19 climate impacted Magnets 4 media?

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.

How do you motivate and inspire teams to achieve big goals, especially when things feel so heavy right now?

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

What is the biggest professional risk you’ve ever taken?

BK: The biggest risk I have taken professionally is to rename the [parent] company [to] “The Magnet Group” from the well-known “Magnet Inc.” in the late ’90s.

What is the greatest lesson that 2020 has taught you?

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 are you decompressing during these unprecedented times?

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

Is there anything you would like to add to give our readers a better sense of your business approach and the industry at large?

BK: Enjoy what you do, and it won’t seem like work. I love what I do and the people around me. They are the best.

View the full 2020 Top 50 Suppliers list here.

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