2022 Women in Print and Promo: Bobbie Miranda, Control Printing Group

BOBBIE MIRANDA
Office Manager/E-Commerce Services
Control Printing Group, Independence, Missouri

Bobbie Miranda isn’t one to boast. The 31-year industry veteran prefers to let her actions do the talking. But her nominator has no problem letting everyone know how instrumental she’s been to Control Printing Group’s success.

“She was [significant] in bringing our company to the web,” the nominator said. “... Her understanding of our system software and web applications has been key in enabling CPG to be a distributor handling 1,000-plus transactions a month.”

Print was never on Miranda’s radar. She spent her days working at a chiropractic office. Then, she received an unexpected phone call that turned out to be a career-defining moment. On the other line was a friend who was employed at CPG. She told Miranda they were shorthanded and needed a receptionist. In her mind, Miranda was the perfect candidate.

Miranda accepted. She started out answering phones, confirming deliveries and learning other essential day-to-day tasks. From there, she handled accounts payable and receivable, along with corporate billing. With each completed task, she was eager to do more. That’s when she learned the operations of CPG’s new software so that she could help owners, sales and office staff easily transition from paper-based systems to electronic ones.

There isn’t a part of the business Miranda hasn’t had a hand in. She likes it that way. “I don’t feel any job is beneath me,” she said. “If the floor needs to be vacuumed, I can do it. If T-shirts need to be counted, I can do it. If you need to cry on my shoulder, I will listen. Some things might be a bit more challenging, but I will always do my best to help.”

Her Proudest Career Achievement
Learning all that has been thrown my way. The most challenging would probably be learning the software and, most recently, all of the ad specialty items and what vendors to use so that we get the best price for our customers.

On Working in a Traditionally Male-Dominated Industry
In the beginning of my career, I had small children. Sometimes, I felt I had to focus more on my job.

Who Inspires Her
Sandra Day O’Connor. [She went] from a rough-riding cowgirl to becoming the first female [associate] justice in the more-than-190-year history of the Supreme Court.

Her Job Advice to Women
It is a challenging business that always seems to be changing.

Her Biggest Lesson Learned
I learned how to balance personal life and professional [life].

Her Upcoming Goals
[I want to] work smarter, not longer.

What She Wants People to Know About Her
I asked my co-worker to describe me in one word. She said, “genuine.”

How She Thinks Companies Can Attract and Retain Female Talent
I believe employers need to allow flexibility for women.

How She Recharges
Nobody believes me when I say to recharge, I mow the yard. The satisfaction of a well-manicured lawn makes me happy. Playing with the grandkids keeps me young.

Read the complete Women in Print and Promo feature here.