Under 40, Over Achieving

It's an exciting time to be part of the print and promo industry. No longer bound to traditional ink-on-paper models, companies are embracing new technologies and service-based approaches. A dynamic group of young men and women are responsible for driving many of these changes, and this month Print+Promo is showcasing just a few of them. Whether they're leading the family business or simply living out their marketing dreams, these professionals—who are all under the age of 40—have a story to share. So, sit back and enjoy as they explain why they love the industry and offer advice to those just entering the job market.

Jillian Flesh, 30

Executive Vice President, Flesh Co, St. Louis

Her big break: Because of my family's long-time involvement in the industry, over 101 years now, you might assume that I came into the industry with some insight—but I didn't. I have spent the last five years acting like a sponge, soaking up all the information I can and learning the ins and outs of both print and business in general. When I first joined the organization I worked on the production floor for a year; from there, I transitioned to a customer service representative position where I was able to reinforce my knowledge from the print floor and really understand how customer specifications drive the production and price. For the past two years, I have been working more on the business management side of Flesh Co, spending a significant amount of time in human resources and now I am focusing more on marketing and sales. Currently, I serve as executive vice president, but coming up through the ranks has given me a broad base of experience and knowledge from which I can draw as I begin to have more impact within the organization.