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Tales from a top executive
As part of Print+Promo's ongoing feature, Executive Perspectives, we get to know leading professionals in the print and promotional industry. This month, we interviewed Neil Johnston, CEO and president of ID Label Inc., Lake Villa, Ill. Here, he tells the story behind his strong work ethic, shares his observations on changing consumer habits and advocates for building internal goodwill.
How did you get started in this industry, and what path did you take to land in your current role?
Neil Johnston: My first job out of college was with a large printing company that sold labels, forms, office supplies, and auto ID software and systems. I moved to a couple of similar companies that were in the auto ID space. They also sold barcoding software and systems, and preprinted labels.
I started ID Label, as it's known today, when I was in my late 20s. I'm an entrepreneur at heart. But a motivating factor to venture on my own was that my sales manager didn't go to bat for me on a large year-end commission I was owed. I thank him every day because ID Label might not be here without him!
How do you set...