David Savastano, Editor05.20.19
For Jean Menard, director of sales for Flint Group, the ink industry was not his first choice for a career.
“This is a far cry from the police career I originally planned for, but I have absolutely no regrets,” Menard noted.
The decision to join the ink industry has certainly worked out for all concerned, as Menard received the 2019 Pioneer Award for his dedication to the industry. His career has spanned more than 35 years, from United Technology Inmont, then BASF, and now Flint Group, starting as an administrative clerk to today, providing direct support to some of Flint Group’s largest sheetfed, web and news ink customers, as well as guiding teams of sales and technical personnel in the northeastern US and across Canada.
“Over the years, the greatest sense of satisfaction has come from working with my colleagues toward an important shared goal,” Menard said. “Our ability to become true partners with our customers particularly stands out. Flint Group’s customer focus, collaborative culture and willingness to lead is a big part of what makes my career here so fulfilling.
“When I learned of the award, my mind immediately started traveling down memory lane to the many opportunities I’ve had over the years,” said Menard. “I’ve worked in numerous divisions, with many product lines, and in many functions, which gave me the foundation and industry understanding that prepared me for today.”
Menard pointed to Mike Green, VP sales of Flint Group’s CPS Inks business, as a key influence.
“I’ve been fortunate to work with many inspiring leaders in this industry. Mike Green, VP sales of Flint Group’s CPS Inks business, has likely had the greatest impact on me over the years,” said Menard. “As a manager, he is always approachable, takes time to fully listen, and guides his team members to reach their full potential. As a business person to watch and learn from, he’s a great leader. Mike is a visionary who looks at the positive of any situation, yet is rooted in reality and pragmatism. This is undoubtedly what helps him put ideas into action so successfully.
“In the more than 10 years I’ve worked with Mike, I’ve also been amazed by his ability to quickly assess any situation and pinpoint the optimal way to move forward. The amount I’ve learned from Mike over the years is incalculable,” Menard added.
“When Jean began his ink career, he started as many of the best pioneers do – on the ground floor,” Green noted. “He quickly proved himself, and was offered roles of increasing responsibility in various functions. For years now, I’ve appreciated his contributions as a member of my sales management team. His business acumen and understanding of the industry has helped him be very successful with our customers. His ability to speak fluently in English and French is quite effective and valued.”
“Jean has the ability to fully grasp of the needs of each customer, and to convert that understanding into truly helpful solutions,” added Paul Carnarvon, CFO of the CPS business. “He also has the ability to communicate effectively with employees at all levels and functions, from the pressroom to the board room. This unique combination of skills has brought significant value to Flint Group and our customers.”
Outside of Flint Group, Menard has served with the Canadian Printing Ink Manufacturer’s Association (CPIMA), governor for the Printability and Graphic Communication Institute (ICI) for six years, and a director on the board of the Ontario Printing Ink Association (OPIA), a PIA affiliate, for the past four years. He is an avid golfer and snow skier and enjoys spending time with his family around the swimming pool at their home in Ottawa.
“In general, at work and home, I have a strong appetite to do more and do better, yet I always look for balance between my family, my work and hobbies,” he added. “My family and I have a strong bond. It is imperative we regularly share dinner together. Golf is my primary joy, followed by working around the house and my forest.”
“This is a far cry from the police career I originally planned for, but I have absolutely no regrets,” Menard noted.
The decision to join the ink industry has certainly worked out for all concerned, as Menard received the 2019 Pioneer Award for his dedication to the industry. His career has spanned more than 35 years, from United Technology Inmont, then BASF, and now Flint Group, starting as an administrative clerk to today, providing direct support to some of Flint Group’s largest sheetfed, web and news ink customers, as well as guiding teams of sales and technical personnel in the northeastern US and across Canada.
“Over the years, the greatest sense of satisfaction has come from working with my colleagues toward an important shared goal,” Menard said. “Our ability to become true partners with our customers particularly stands out. Flint Group’s customer focus, collaborative culture and willingness to lead is a big part of what makes my career here so fulfilling.
“When I learned of the award, my mind immediately started traveling down memory lane to the many opportunities I’ve had over the years,” said Menard. “I’ve worked in numerous divisions, with many product lines, and in many functions, which gave me the foundation and industry understanding that prepared me for today.”
Menard pointed to Mike Green, VP sales of Flint Group’s CPS Inks business, as a key influence.
“I’ve been fortunate to work with many inspiring leaders in this industry. Mike Green, VP sales of Flint Group’s CPS Inks business, has likely had the greatest impact on me over the years,” said Menard. “As a manager, he is always approachable, takes time to fully listen, and guides his team members to reach their full potential. As a business person to watch and learn from, he’s a great leader. Mike is a visionary who looks at the positive of any situation, yet is rooted in reality and pragmatism. This is undoubtedly what helps him put ideas into action so successfully.
“In the more than 10 years I’ve worked with Mike, I’ve also been amazed by his ability to quickly assess any situation and pinpoint the optimal way to move forward. The amount I’ve learned from Mike over the years is incalculable,” Menard added.
“When Jean began his ink career, he started as many of the best pioneers do – on the ground floor,” Green noted. “He quickly proved himself, and was offered roles of increasing responsibility in various functions. For years now, I’ve appreciated his contributions as a member of my sales management team. His business acumen and understanding of the industry has helped him be very successful with our customers. His ability to speak fluently in English and French is quite effective and valued.”
“Jean has the ability to fully grasp of the needs of each customer, and to convert that understanding into truly helpful solutions,” added Paul Carnarvon, CFO of the CPS business. “He also has the ability to communicate effectively with employees at all levels and functions, from the pressroom to the board room. This unique combination of skills has brought significant value to Flint Group and our customers.”
Outside of Flint Group, Menard has served with the Canadian Printing Ink Manufacturer’s Association (CPIMA), governor for the Printability and Graphic Communication Institute (ICI) for six years, and a director on the board of the Ontario Printing Ink Association (OPIA), a PIA affiliate, for the past four years. He is an avid golfer and snow skier and enjoys spending time with his family around the swimming pool at their home in Ottawa.
“In general, at work and home, I have a strong appetite to do more and do better, yet I always look for balance between my family, my work and hobbies,” he added. “My family and I have a strong bond. It is imperative we regularly share dinner together. Golf is my primary joy, followed by working around the house and my forest.”
