As an accounting major, Sue Flottman Steller spent most of her college years crunching numbers. However, when it was time to take a dip in the corporate pool, she switched gears after a chance conversation with her mother. Soon enough, Steller found herself working for Crestview Hills, Kentucky-based Flottman Company, the family printing business.
"After graduation, I planned to be an accountant, but told my mom one night after dinner, 'I think sales would be fun.' The next thing I knew, Mom had me sitting with Dad, they gave me business cards and I was soon hitting the streets selling Flottman Printing," she recalled.
The print world has undergone many changes since then, but Steller's commitment to the industry remains the same. Today, she serves as the president of Flottman Company.
Here, Steller talks a little bit about herself and offers her thoughts on the industry.
Print Professional (PP): Tell us about your background—Where did you grow up, what school did you attend, your degree?
Sue Flottman Steller (SFS): I grew up in Northern Kentucky, across the river from Cincinnati. I attended Xavier University and graduated Cum Laude with a business degree in accounting.
PP: Describe your business style.
SFS: I am a real team player and have high expectations for everyone on my team. I believe you succeed because you want to succeed through hard work, perseverance, leadership and direction. I am always willing to help my team get the most out of their efforts, because when your team succeeds you succeed.
PP: What is the secret to your success?
SFS: Never stand still. [I] always keep moving so that I am able to reach, surpass and then move onto the next goal. It has also been imperative to allow time for my family, friends and volunteer efforts, to keep me whole.
PP: What do you think is the most exciting, cutting-edge thing your company is doing right now?
SFS: Brilliant Communications Strategy. We have introduced to our current clients and prospective clients the ability to coordinate printing with the Web. By introducing the use of pURLs, gURLs and QR codes we are able to elevate response rates. The trackable results enable us to help our partners communicate more effectively through personalized direct mail, personalized webpages and targeted messaging.
PP: What do you think will be the printing industry's biggest challenge in the next few years?
SFS: Technology. We are constantly implementing new technology into our plant and processes to improve results. We continually need to take responsibility to educate our customers on the features and benefits of these changing technologies; to help them understand the importance, use it and embrace it. Technology also will present a challenge from the budget aspect. The amount of funds dedicated to the need for technological change will affect the bottom line hard at first with the goal of investing for our clients resulting in continued Flottman Company growth.
PP: What is the best part of your business day?
SFS: The end of the day. Seriously, the best part of my business day is the opportunity to work with clients and employees to enable them to succeed. I truly enjoy people.
PP: What would people be surprised to learn about you—hobbies, special interests, etc.?
SFS: Every other Sunday, I get up at 4:15, scramble 80-dozen eggs, which I then cook and serve at the Nast Trinity United Methodist Church in Downtown Cincinnati. My volunteer work at a local soup kitchen helps me give something back, enables me to stay grounded and provides inspiration for my children, who also volunteer.
- Companies:
- Flottman Company
- People:
- Sue Flottman Steller