David Savastano, Editor05.22.23
For Jim Kochanny, joining the ink industry came after what seemed like a disaster at the time. It actually turned out to be a blessing in disguise.
In 1979, Kochanny was laid off by General Foods, and looking for a summer job, joined Inmont. Now, 44 years later, Kochanny is SVP and COO at INX International Ink Company, and a deserving choice for NAPIM’s Pioneer Award.
"I started on May 2, 1979 at Inmont on Chicago's South Side near Midway Airport,” Kochanny recalled. “I was laid off for the summer at General Foods and a friend of mine who worked in the Quality Control lab suggested that I apply. I was hired and planned on going back to GF. Forty-four years later, I’m still waiting for that call. In the mid-1980s, Inmont was acquired by BASF, and then by Sun Chemical in 1990."
In 1993, Kochanny joined INX as a plant manager, and in 1999, was promoted to general manager, which he mentioned as one of his career highlights.
"There have been so many,” he added. “I’d say getting promoted to general manager at the INX facilities on Morse Avenue and Mason Avenue in Chicago ranks at the top, followed by being promoted to my current position as senior vice president and chief operating officer."
Kochanny noted that he has had some key mentors along the way.
"Tom Stanis, my general manager at BASF/Inmont, gave me my first opportunity with a promotion from the union ranks to a shift supervisor,” said Kochanny. “This was unheard of back in those days. I was the first employee to ever move from a union operator to a salaried position. At INX, Rick Westrom and John Hrdlick were my biggest influences and mentors as I came up through the ranks."
Kochanny pointed to technology as the biggest change he has seen over the past four decades in the industry.
"I’d say it’s technology,” he noted. “I began on the liquid side of the business when water dispersions were primarily for corrugated boxes. Seeing the advancement in water and solvent dispersions from the 1980s to today, and the applications they are now used for, is simply incredible. And what we are doing in digital makes everything else look like child’s play."
Outside of work, Kochanny particularly enjoys spending time with his family.
"Well, it’s all about family,” he said. “Two months ago, we were blessed with our second grandchild. When my wife and I aren’t spending time with them, I take my boat out and enjoy fishing. On occasion, I will play a round of golf."
As for receiving the Pioneer Award, Kochanny said it was a great honor to be recognized for all the years he’s dedicated to the industry.
“There was plenty of blood, sweat, and tears along the way with sacrifices made,” Kochanny added. “Everyone in this industry understands the effects of time taken away from family. Looking back, you have to ask yourself if you were crazy and was it all worth it? Honestly, it was, and I wouldn’t have changed a thing. This industry provided steady work and great benefits, allowing me to provide for my family now and into the future."
Kochanny’s colleagues say the award is most deserving.
"Congratulations Jim for receiving the Printing Ink Pioneer award,” said Chris Tucker, INX VP of offset operations.
"Congratulations Jim on receiving the Pioneer Award,’ said Michael Brice, INX VP of sales and business development. “It is certainly well deserved and definitely well earned."
"Congratulations Jim on winning the NAPIM Pioneer award,” added Al Baird, INX director of metal operations. “That is a big deal and well deserved."
In 1979, Kochanny was laid off by General Foods, and looking for a summer job, joined Inmont. Now, 44 years later, Kochanny is SVP and COO at INX International Ink Company, and a deserving choice for NAPIM’s Pioneer Award.
"I started on May 2, 1979 at Inmont on Chicago's South Side near Midway Airport,” Kochanny recalled. “I was laid off for the summer at General Foods and a friend of mine who worked in the Quality Control lab suggested that I apply. I was hired and planned on going back to GF. Forty-four years later, I’m still waiting for that call. In the mid-1980s, Inmont was acquired by BASF, and then by Sun Chemical in 1990."
In 1993, Kochanny joined INX as a plant manager, and in 1999, was promoted to general manager, which he mentioned as one of his career highlights.
"There have been so many,” he added. “I’d say getting promoted to general manager at the INX facilities on Morse Avenue and Mason Avenue in Chicago ranks at the top, followed by being promoted to my current position as senior vice president and chief operating officer."
Kochanny noted that he has had some key mentors along the way.
"Tom Stanis, my general manager at BASF/Inmont, gave me my first opportunity with a promotion from the union ranks to a shift supervisor,” said Kochanny. “This was unheard of back in those days. I was the first employee to ever move from a union operator to a salaried position. At INX, Rick Westrom and John Hrdlick were my biggest influences and mentors as I came up through the ranks."
Kochanny pointed to technology as the biggest change he has seen over the past four decades in the industry.
"I’d say it’s technology,” he noted. “I began on the liquid side of the business when water dispersions were primarily for corrugated boxes. Seeing the advancement in water and solvent dispersions from the 1980s to today, and the applications they are now used for, is simply incredible. And what we are doing in digital makes everything else look like child’s play."
Outside of work, Kochanny particularly enjoys spending time with his family.
"Well, it’s all about family,” he said. “Two months ago, we were blessed with our second grandchild. When my wife and I aren’t spending time with them, I take my boat out and enjoy fishing. On occasion, I will play a round of golf."
As for receiving the Pioneer Award, Kochanny said it was a great honor to be recognized for all the years he’s dedicated to the industry.
“There was plenty of blood, sweat, and tears along the way with sacrifices made,” Kochanny added. “Everyone in this industry understands the effects of time taken away from family. Looking back, you have to ask yourself if you were crazy and was it all worth it? Honestly, it was, and I wouldn’t have changed a thing. This industry provided steady work and great benefits, allowing me to provide for my family now and into the future."
Kochanny’s colleagues say the award is most deserving.
"Congratulations Jim for receiving the Printing Ink Pioneer award,” said Chris Tucker, INX VP of offset operations.
"Congratulations Jim on receiving the Pioneer Award,’ said Michael Brice, INX VP of sales and business development. “It is certainly well deserved and definitely well earned."
"Congratulations Jim on winning the NAPIM Pioneer award,” added Al Baird, INX director of metal operations. “That is a big deal and well deserved."
