Greg Gammon, managing partner of Bryan, Texas-based Insite Group, slipped into the printing industry not long after high school. He was helping his father—then sports information director for Texas A&M University—who was responsible for putting together media guides and football programs and finding advertisers to offset the costs.
Gammon was selling ads for him when he pitched a sale to the owner of a men’s clothing store.
“[I] must have done ok because not only did I sell him an ad, a gentleman waiting for his alterations grabbed me when I was finished and said he would be interested in buying an ad because he was opening a printing company in College Station [, Texas]. As I was working with him on his ad, I casually asked if he needed any help in his company and he promptly hired me.”
The man trained Gammon, taught him how to use a camera, typesetter, folder and other equipment. And the rest his history.
Here, Gammon discusses his thoughts on the industry and its future.
Print Professional (PP): Tell us about your background—where did you grow up, what school did you attend, your degree?
Greg Gammon (GG): I was born in Big Springs, Texas and lived in Odessa, Texas up until age four when we moved to Bryan/College Station, Texas. I graduated [from] A&M with a degree in industrial technology having no idea I would end up in the printing industry. A minor in management also was helpful.
PP: Describe your business style.
GG: We are a family-oriented business and we understand individuals have lives outside their work, so we try to be accommodating to everyone who needs time off to be with family during illness, see kids in their school pageants, etc. We make a point of not asking anyone to do anything we aren’t willing to do ourselves as owners. I have actually run large presses, folders, cutters and saddle binders so it gives me the insight into what a demanding job it is to be in printing. I try to “lead from behind” whenever I can, allowing people to make decisions and intervening only when necessary. I want employees to be able to come up with their own solutions as much as possible.
PP: What do you think is the most exciting, cutting-edge thing your company is doing right now? Why?
GG: Staying on or near the front edge of digital printing technologies, both in digital presses and automated systems. We are constantly finding ways to automate and streamline tasks, which is what it takes to stay competitive.
PP: What do you think will be the printing industry’s biggest challenge in the next few years?
GG: There is an old adage that says, “If you want it good, you want it fast, and you want it cheap, pick two.” In today’s market, buyers do expect, and they do receive, all three. There is no going back. The challenge for printers is to be able to deliver all three and still make a profit. Technology certainly makes this possible, but not probable. The successful printer, in addition to staying current in technology, needs clear and concise communication (inside and outside the plant) combined with effective training and efficient procedures. There is simply no room for error.
PP: What would people be surprised to learn about you—hobbies, special interests, etc.?
GG: Probably that I am an accomplished software developer. I have to gear myself up for that in bursts of a few weeks at a time and then I’m generally sleepless as I am going over logic and program design in my head at night. Thank goodness its not a full-time job. I also like to get out and backpack alone in the wilderness for a few days at a time. I’ve actually done a marathon (a single day 26 mile hike), but it took me 9 hours. However, that’s carrying 20 lbs., too.
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