Business People Vermont June 2012 : Page 11
lar corporation. Keeping abreast of the industry’s rap-idly changing technology has been a pri-ority. “Five years ago,” Brown says, “we put in one of the largest digital presses in the state: an Igen, the only one of its kind in Vermont. “We’re on the cutting edge of technol-ogy. Printers who do not invest in digital technology will not be able to compete or survive,” says Brown. “In the past few years, over 10,000 printers have gone out.” Brown prints for companies across the country — magazines, annual reports, and a large amount of work for the state of Vermont such as ballots for the general election and Vermont Life calendars and engagement books. As a trade printer, the company offers services to smaller printers such as specialty coatings and larger sizes. The bindery features high-speed auto-matic folding equipment. “We do every binding — perfect, specialty coil, wire, saddle stitching — types a lot of other printers have to send out. And we do mailing fulfi llment.” For the last six years, Brown has run Norwich University’s printing facilities, where his employees run the copy cen-ters and produce much of the in-house work. Imminent is the launching of a new storefront on the website that will allow people from all over the world to order on-demand books and business cards in large or small numbers at a reduced price. All is not work for the Browns. He likes to fi sh for bass; Diane accompanies him, but with a book to read and knit-ting to fi nish. She is into marathons — “We walk, don’t run,” says Brown. “We hike, bike, climb mountains, look at the Vermont scenery. Winter we do a lot of snowshoeing, cross-country skiing. Relaxation is to get away for camping in the summer.” They spend as much time as possible with their six grandchildren — two from each child. The Browns give back to the com-munity in many ways, including print-ing for hundreds of nonprofi ts for only the cost of materials. “After Irene,” says Brown, “we distributed food and cloth-ing to many families; ran promotions to supply Thanksgiving and Christmas dinners; put money into food banks and the homeless shelter here.” “We try to run this company on a very solid Christian foundation,” says Brown. “We try to emulate that philoso-phy to all we come in contact with.” That’s soul speaking. We educate and empower small business owners and their employees with small, individualized, and affordable classes focused on real issues. For schedules and information: CoreBusinessSeminars.com 802 373.7952 • BUSINESS PEOPLE–VERMONT • JUNE 2012 11