David Savastano, Editor05.17.23
In 1990, Neil Hersh joined Sun Chemical General Printing Ink (GPI) as a management trainee. Now, 33 years later, Hersh has made his mark on the industry, now serving as head of marketing and technical services at ECKART America. Perhaps most importantly, he treasures the friends he has made along the way.
“I have been affiliated with the printing and printing ink industry for 30+ years and have had the pleasure of working with many colleagues, customers, and industry cohorts that I refer to as friend’ today,” Hersh said. “I’ve met so many wonderful people from this industry who, by and large, are genuine – good natured, honest, hard workers, family-oriented and want to see the industry and participants prosper.”
Sun Chemical’s management trainee opportunity was a nine- to 12-month program designed to familiarize the trainees with many aspects of the printing ink business in preparation for future branch management responsibility. Hersh quickly took on branch manager duties at a range of Sun Chemical locations, including St. Louis, San Leandro, CA and Atlanta. It gave Hersh the opportunity to live in various parts of the country.
“Early in my career, we moved four times within eight years, and this helped build a very strong family bond between my children, wife and me which remains intact today,” he noted.
Hersh noted that he learned special traits from a few key mentors along the way, including Massie Odiotti from Sun Chemical, for his discipline/focus on financials for decision making; Gerald Mainman and Dennis Gaber from Northwest Coatings, who built a customer-centric business based on trying to help their customers make money; and Tony Ameo from ECKART America, for his leadership style and team building approach.
In 2010, Hersh moved to ECKART America, and he continues to see the changes within the industry.
“During my career, the change within the ink industry has been transformative,” he observed. “When I first started, there was more time for and mutual interest towards building relationships with customers, colleagues, and industry affiliates. The ink industry is smaller today, with fewer participants as a result of consolidation, and the demographics aren’t getting any younger.
“As society continues to embrace the digital age with electronic and social media leading the way, there’s less print today with shorter runs and more customization. Given the speed of change and quicker business cycles, technology and innovation remain very important and relevant,” he noted.
“While there has always been a regulatory element, society today appears to be much more inclined to want safer and environmentally friendly/sustainable alternatives,” Hersh added. “It’s just a question of whether the industry can find affordable solutions and/or will brands/printers be willing to pay more for such.”
As for receiving the 2023 Printing Ink Pioneer Award from NAPIM, “I am honored and have much gratitude to be included in prestigious group of individuals that came before me,” said Hersh.
Outside of work, Hersh enjoys a quiet life.
“I fall into the ‘Simple Man’ category, so nothing extravagant – high emphasis on family/friend time, dog person, some travel, and health-conscious living.”
Hersh still finds the ink industry to be one of opportunity and change.
“Being involved in a dynamic and changing environment with different technologies – chemistries, applications, and end-uses – there’s always something new to learn and challenges to keep you going,” Hersh concluded.
“I have been affiliated with the printing and printing ink industry for 30+ years and have had the pleasure of working with many colleagues, customers, and industry cohorts that I refer to as friend’ today,” Hersh said. “I’ve met so many wonderful people from this industry who, by and large, are genuine – good natured, honest, hard workers, family-oriented and want to see the industry and participants prosper.”
Sun Chemical’s management trainee opportunity was a nine- to 12-month program designed to familiarize the trainees with many aspects of the printing ink business in preparation for future branch management responsibility. Hersh quickly took on branch manager duties at a range of Sun Chemical locations, including St. Louis, San Leandro, CA and Atlanta. It gave Hersh the opportunity to live in various parts of the country.
“Early in my career, we moved four times within eight years, and this helped build a very strong family bond between my children, wife and me which remains intact today,” he noted.
Hersh noted that he learned special traits from a few key mentors along the way, including Massie Odiotti from Sun Chemical, for his discipline/focus on financials for decision making; Gerald Mainman and Dennis Gaber from Northwest Coatings, who built a customer-centric business based on trying to help their customers make money; and Tony Ameo from ECKART America, for his leadership style and team building approach.
In 2010, Hersh moved to ECKART America, and he continues to see the changes within the industry.
“During my career, the change within the ink industry has been transformative,” he observed. “When I first started, there was more time for and mutual interest towards building relationships with customers, colleagues, and industry affiliates. The ink industry is smaller today, with fewer participants as a result of consolidation, and the demographics aren’t getting any younger.
“As society continues to embrace the digital age with electronic and social media leading the way, there’s less print today with shorter runs and more customization. Given the speed of change and quicker business cycles, technology and innovation remain very important and relevant,” he noted.
“While there has always been a regulatory element, society today appears to be much more inclined to want safer and environmentally friendly/sustainable alternatives,” Hersh added. “It’s just a question of whether the industry can find affordable solutions and/or will brands/printers be willing to pay more for such.”
As for receiving the 2023 Printing Ink Pioneer Award from NAPIM, “I am honored and have much gratitude to be included in prestigious group of individuals that came before me,” said Hersh.
Outside of work, Hersh enjoys a quiet life.
“I fall into the ‘Simple Man’ category, so nothing extravagant – high emphasis on family/friend time, dog person, some travel, and health-conscious living.”
Hersh still finds the ink industry to be one of opportunity and change.
“Being involved in a dynamic and changing environment with different technologies – chemistries, applications, and end-uses – there’s always something new to learn and challenges to keep you going,” Hersh concluded.
