David Savastano, Editor02.07.22
After graduating college in 2020, Michael P. Gerkin figured he would help Kustom Group build a new facility, and then move on. After all, he had been working during summers and after school in the family business since he was in high school, loading mixers, mopping and sweeping floors, filling containers and providing general help.
“After graduating college in 2000, I decided to come to work at Kustom Group for a year to help with building a new facility,” Gerkin said. “One thing leads to another and I never left.”
Gerkin joined the company full time in 2000 as a lab technician and designed the plant for good workflow and regulatory compliance. Working with the general contractor, he delivered the new plant on time and under budget and then completed the job by moving all production equipment, tank farms, raw materials and finished goods into the new facility.
In his next role as purchasing manager, Gerkin modernized the purchasing department. He was named VP logistics and sourcing in 2013, and EVP in 2017. With the retirement of the current president/CEO in 2018, Gerkin was appointed to that position, where he continues to this day.
During his leadership, Kustom Group has undergone the transition into the digital world while maintaining its position as a supplier to all areas of printing inks and coatings and branching out internationally.
“Completion of the new state-of-the-art facility was a highlight in my career,” said Gerkin. “Kustom Group has always been a strong growing company. I’d say being on the team to make the move to grow internationally was also a big highlight and learning experience.
“The ink industry has made dramatic changes over the last 20+ years,” he added. “When I first started, maps, books, CDs, DVDs and magazines were the big movers. Slowly technology has changed the focus of the industry, and now labels and packaging are the big movers.”
Gerkin has been a member of the NAPIM Board of Directors as a TAM representative, and has served on various NAPIM committees. He has been a key participant in the NAPIM/NPIRI Summer Course and Fall Technical Conference and encourages his employees to participate in NAPIM events. Gerkin actively supports local printing groups in the Cincinnati area, along with the Chicago Printing Ink Production Club in the Chicago area.
When Gerkin notes his influences, his father, Michael Gerkin Sr. (also a Pioneer Award recipient) is first and foremost.
“Obviously, my father has played a key role in helping me navigate and introducing me to the industry and the key players,” said Gerkin. “Lee Godina of Resinall and Maurice Caruthers of Sun Chemical have also been a great sounding board and very influential on helping me grow.”
Outside of work, Gerkin enjoys spending time with his family and being outdoors, as well as trying to play golf and traveling when he gets the chance.
Gerkin said it is a tremendous honor to receive the Pioneer Award.
“It’s a great honor to even be nominated for the Pioneer Award, and even more amazing to win the award,” Gerkin concluded. “Thank you everyone who has been a part of the journey to this point.”
“After graduating college in 2000, I decided to come to work at Kustom Group for a year to help with building a new facility,” Gerkin said. “One thing leads to another and I never left.”
Gerkin joined the company full time in 2000 as a lab technician and designed the plant for good workflow and regulatory compliance. Working with the general contractor, he delivered the new plant on time and under budget and then completed the job by moving all production equipment, tank farms, raw materials and finished goods into the new facility.
In his next role as purchasing manager, Gerkin modernized the purchasing department. He was named VP logistics and sourcing in 2013, and EVP in 2017. With the retirement of the current president/CEO in 2018, Gerkin was appointed to that position, where he continues to this day.
During his leadership, Kustom Group has undergone the transition into the digital world while maintaining its position as a supplier to all areas of printing inks and coatings and branching out internationally.
“Completion of the new state-of-the-art facility was a highlight in my career,” said Gerkin. “Kustom Group has always been a strong growing company. I’d say being on the team to make the move to grow internationally was also a big highlight and learning experience.
“The ink industry has made dramatic changes over the last 20+ years,” he added. “When I first started, maps, books, CDs, DVDs and magazines were the big movers. Slowly technology has changed the focus of the industry, and now labels and packaging are the big movers.”
Gerkin has been a member of the NAPIM Board of Directors as a TAM representative, and has served on various NAPIM committees. He has been a key participant in the NAPIM/NPIRI Summer Course and Fall Technical Conference and encourages his employees to participate in NAPIM events. Gerkin actively supports local printing groups in the Cincinnati area, along with the Chicago Printing Ink Production Club in the Chicago area.
When Gerkin notes his influences, his father, Michael Gerkin Sr. (also a Pioneer Award recipient) is first and foremost.
“Obviously, my father has played a key role in helping me navigate and introducing me to the industry and the key players,” said Gerkin. “Lee Godina of Resinall and Maurice Caruthers of Sun Chemical have also been a great sounding board and very influential on helping me grow.”
Outside of work, Gerkin enjoys spending time with his family and being outdoors, as well as trying to play golf and traveling when he gets the chance.
Gerkin said it is a tremendous honor to receive the Pioneer Award.
“It’s a great honor to even be nominated for the Pioneer Award, and even more amazing to win the award,” Gerkin concluded. “Thank you everyone who has been a part of the journey to this point.”