A 45-Year Journey Through Print: Paul Teachout on Innovation, Mentorship, and Building a Future-Ready Industry

In this episode of Unpacking the Brand, hosts Ken Theriot and Randy Kessler sit down with Paul Teachout, a true veteran of the printing industry. With over four decades of experience, Paul offers rich insight into the evolution of flexographic printing, the power of mentorship, and the pressing need to attract the next generation of skilled professionals. Whether you’re in marketing, operations, or leadership, this episode offers a masterclass in how passion, innovation, and community shape enduring success.

Ink in the Blood: From Apprentice to Industry Leader

Paul’s entry into the printing world is a generational story. “Ink and printing is in my blood,” he says. He’s a second-generation print professional, and now his son is the third. He started as an apprentice to his father, who worked for Kodak Polychrome in Rochester, New York. In the early 1980s, Paul was already working summer shifts and afternoons in offset printing right out of high school.

At just 20 years old, Paul was pulled “to the dark side of flexo,” joining WebTron, a web press manufacturer in Fort Lauderdale, in 1985. Over 24 years, he rose from technician to team leader, helping develop one of the global leaders in narrow web press manufacturing.

Following the Technology: A Front-Row Seat to Innovation

Paul has witnessed—and been part of—the transformation of flexography from “rubber-stamp printing” to a highly automated, digitalized science.

In his words, the industry evolved from “chrome rollers and rubber plates” to “gearless, fully automated presses and digital photopolymer technology.” He describes this period as an incredible journey, with continuous innovations in analogs, doctor blades, laser engraving, and more.

Paul helped shape that evolution through roles at Harper Corporation, Nilpeter USA, and back again at Harper, where he continues to serve the industry and his customers with passion.

Associations That Matter: TLMI and FTA

Paul has also played a major role in two of the industry’s most respected associations: TLMI (Tag & Label Manufacturers Institute) and the Flexographic Technical Association (FTA).

He’s been involved in the TLMI Printing Excellence Awards Committee since 1999, and has served as its chair since 2014. Meanwhile, his relationship with the FTA began in the mid-1990s, when he helped develop the first PC-based press simulator. That opportunity turned into a lifelong involvement—writing white papers, chairing sessions, serving on the board, and ultimately becoming Chairman of the FTA.

These organizations, Paul says, are vital in creating community, advancing knowledge, and developing the next generation of talent.

Defining Customer Success in a Relationship-Driven Industry

For Paul, customer success comes down to four pillars: product quality, service, reliability, and relationships. When you deliver consistently on all four, “price becomes less of an issue,” he says.

In an era of growing complexity—where presses are more advanced, and workflows more integrated—true value comes from collaboration. As Paul puts it: “There’s never one answer. You need to understand every variable in the customer’s process.”

He also points out that the sales dynamic has shifted dramatically. Gone are the days of handshake deals at mom-and-pop shops. With more corporate M&A and the digitalization of communication, building and maintaining relationships takes intention—and often, creativity.

Workforce Challenges and the Push for Talent

The industry’s need for fresh talent is something Paul is deeply passionate about. “We’re going through a generational shift,” he notes, “and we have to attract a new type of worker.” That’s why he’s championed the idea of a “clean hands” industry—one that relies on touchscreens, software, and automation, not just gears and ink.

Harper Corporation has been a leader in supporting education. As Paul explains, Mrs. Harper served on North Carolina’s workforce development board in the 1990s, and the company helped found the Phoenix Challenge, a hands-on competition for high school and college students. Paul himself has served as a mentor and judge in the competition for the past 15 years, and his own son is an alum of the program.

A Legacy of Mentorship and Integrity

Throughout the episode, Paul credits his success to mentors who believed in him. From his father’s lesson that “good enough isn’t good enough,” to industry icons like Andy Colletta, John McDowell, and Dave McDowell, Paul’s journey is a testament to the power of personal connection and professional integrity.

He even shares a formative experience where a misstep in publishing a white paper led to a tense phone call—but ultimately a lasting friendship. “Sometimes the strongest relationships come from adversity,” Paul says. “It’s about how you handle those moments.”

Looking Ahead: Roadshows and Beyond

Paul closed out the conversation with an invitation: the Harper Roadshow is coming to Philadelphia on June 26, 2025. Hosted at Image Works, the event will feature live press demonstrations and expert presentations from industry leaders like AlphaSonics, Troika, and Syngent. https://www.eventbrite.com/e/harper-road-show-imageworx-imaging-excellence-tickets-1342053691719

Final Thoughts

This episode captures the heart of the printing and packaging industry through the lens of someone who has not only watched it evolve—but helped it grow. Paul Teachout’s 45-year journey is filled with stories, lessons, and a clear call to action: invest in relationships, embrace change, and give back.

Whether you’re new to the industry or a seasoned pro, this episode is a reminder of what makes our community special—and what’s possible when passion meets purpose.

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