How to become a successful commercial printer
He was a college graduate who was just out to learn the ropes of printing because he wanted to pursue the business of becoming a commercial printer himself. This guy, whom we will call Mr. Brown, was very patient in achieving his dreams. He diligently reported to work and was nice to his colleagues. He was never late and would promptly spend overtime work at the production area whenever his production supervisor would ask him to do so. A soft-spoken man, it seems he never complained about anything, even the work and the small salary.
Although his family had some money, he chose to work and saved up most of what he earned. He was still single back then and did not have vices. While his co-workers would stop by the local watering hole near their office after work, he chose to go straight home. Sometimes he would buy groceries, but that was it. His priority was his and his family’s needs. Over and above that, he did not spend much, even on clothes. After all, his thinking was, he did not really need to dress well because his work is in the production area of the printing and he was always sweating a lot during the day at work. Yes, it is quite hot working at the printing area. That is what is common in the presses where he lives. He kept wearing clothes made of the same material with different colors. He would go to work wearing a polo shirt then he would change it to worn out working clothes at the printing area. Then he would wear his polo shirt again when he goes out.
In just a few years’ time, Mr. Brown has worked his way up to become production supervisor. He was at the right place at the right time. He has worked hard and has shown himself worthy that when it was time for his superior to retire, he was the next best bet. In just five years of working at the press, he was stationed in several work areas so he was able to learn many the techniques and tricks of processing, printing, and finishing. He was promoted three times, eventually becoming assistant printing supervisor on his fourth year because he was trustworthy. There he learned how to handle personnel as well to schedule their working hours and the printing jobs so that they will maximize the regular office hours of the staff. He has learned so much on the job.
However, about more than a year into being the production supervisor, his officemates joined a labor union and went on a strike. Unable to reach a collective bargaining agreement after several months of having a closed shop, the board of directors decided to close down the company. The employees were paid off and the people lost their jobs. Nevertheless, Mr. Brown took this opportunity to start his own commercial printing company. Now, 25 years later, he is a very successful commercial printer.
