For the record: George Mazzaferro

This month I chatted with George Mazzaferro, owner of RP Graphics in Mississauga, to find out how he differentiates his business from competitors and what his thoughts are for the future of print.

Your company has been around for more than 30 years. What do you think are some of the attributes and secrets to its longevity?

We employ many of the best individuals in the industry and have been fortunate to be at the forefront at each wave of change in terms of adapting to new technologies and eliminating obsolete processes. We make it part of our business to understand our customers’ business which, in turn, helps to keep them ahead of their competition.

The future of the printing industry remains somewhat uncertain for many businesses. What are your thoughts on the coming years as we move ahead and dig ourselves out of the recession?

The recession is only one of the stumbling blocks. The rapid changes in communications in the last few years account for the decline in traditional print on paper. We have to face the fact that our industry will never be the same and those of us who choose to remain will have to reinvent ourselves.

How does RP Graphics differentiate itself from its competitors?

We recognized over 10 years ago that there was a need to expand our expertise in the digital market and we have been offering our clients Direct/Variable mail products for several years already. We never allow ourselves to become complacent and are always exploring new products to benefit our clients’ business.

The environment continues to be a hot topic in the industry right now. You were one of Canada’s first printers to receive FSC and EcoLogo certifications. As a printer, do you find that you’ve gotten more business because of your commitment to the environment?

That is somewhat true; however, our ongoing commitment to the preservation of our environment is a responsibility, not a marketing tool.

Adapting to new technology is a challenge for many printers. In 1995, you were the first printer in Canada to implement a digital press. What kinds of struggles were involved in that change, and what lessons did you learn? How can printers learn from those lessons and adapt to today’s changing technology?

Digital printing was a natural transition for us; mainly, in part, I ensured that the department was staffed with individuals who were highly skilled, knowledgeable and forward thinking. In today’s even faster-pace market, you still have to start with the smaller equipment and get comfortable with the technology before going to market. Customers are very savvy today, and you have to know your stuff. Any sign of uncertainty could cost you a job.

What is your favourite part about your job?

The challenge of each project being different. My passion for print will never change and today’s projects are incredibly creative.

When you were a kid, what did you want to be when you grew up?

When I was 12, I had a part-time job at a local print shop. It was there that I fell in love with print and that hasn’t changed.