It is the classic American success story: beginning in a basement, an entrepreneur is able to build a successful company. It is also the story of Patrick Carlisle and his company, Joules Angstrom U.V. Printing Inks.

After years of learning the ink industry with mentors such as Pete Jacobs of Continental Inks, who took Mr. Carlisle under his wing, Mr. Carlisle started Joules Angstrom from nothing in 1999, working out of his parents’ basement. Mr. Carlisle has continued to grow Joules Angstrom to the profitable business it is today, employing more than 50 people in its state-of-the-art headquarters in Etna, OH, and becoming a leader in the UV litho ink field.

“Pat is what the Pioneer Award was designed to represent,” said Michael Murphy, an executive with Joules Angstrom. “He started the company in 1999, and it has grown every year since. The story of Joules Angstrom is really a pioneer story, especially in today’s ink market.”

“I am humbled to be considered a Printing Ink Pioneer,” Mr. Carlisle said.

Mr. Carlisle’s decision to join the ink industry came down to seeing an ad looking for lab help.

“In my early 20s, I was somewhat lost in life about my future,” Mr. Carlisle said. “I didn’t want to get into the family plumbing business, but knew I wanted to use my brains that were God given. I happened to see an ad for a lab tech and applied. The company was Continental Inks, based out of Columbus, OH, and they hired me for the position.”

From his early days working in the lab to starting his own business, Mr. Carlisle has had numerous achievements in the industry, both with Joules Angstrom as well as his leadership role in NAPIM, where he currently serves as vice president.

“As far as career highlights go, winning the Printing Ink Pioneer award has to be up there with the success of Joules Angstrom,” Mr. Carlisle said. “I too am very proud to serve on the Board of Directors of NAPIM and represent the industry as I do. Also, other highlights include formulating. When you develop a product to serve the wants and needs of your customers, you feel a great sense of accomplishment, like you’ve really contributed to society as a whole and your ‘invention’ is making things happen. I love that feeling. There is nothing more satisfying than hearing a customer tell you that their success is partially because of the partnership with Joules Angstrom. I enjoy making people feel good by either solving their problems or by just making their life easier.”

A strong believer in the ink industry and in NAPIM, Joules Angstrom joined NAPIM in 2000, one year after opening the business. This was motivated by Mr. Carlisle's desire to move the industry forward, and make whatever contributions he could to that end. Initially, Mr. Carlisle worked with NPIRI due to his background in formulating inks, but he switched over to NAPIM.

Mr. Carlisle continues to be an active supporter of NAPIM, serving as a member of NAPIM's Board of Directors in addition to his current role as vice president. Meanwhile, he appointed Lisa Fine to take over and represent Joules Angstrom at NPIRI. Aside from NAPIM, Mr. Carlisle is a member of the advisory council for the Ohio Printing Industries of America, as well as a member of Rad Tech.

A devoted family man, Mr. Carlisle points to his family as major influences, beginning with his mother and father and his wife.

“I am proud to say I am one of 11 children and my parents provided our foundation for our future,” he added. “My wife Nancy has been by my side through good and bad times. Finally, everyone I meet. I try to put a positive spin on everything and everyone. I try to take the good I see in each individual and or situation and apply it to myself in some shape or form.”

Outside of the ink industry, Mr. Carlisle has numerous hobbies.

“My hobbies and interests include golf, hunting, cooking, the outdoors and politics,” he said. “I love food and love to cook; maybe you will see me on one of these cooking show competitions one day. Politics is also a passion. I believe we live in the best country in the world and we need to keep it that way. I would love to give back to the people of our country for our children and children’s children. We must not forget what made this country great."