PFFC - May 2008 - (Page 64)

EXPERIENCE SPEAKS uWhat is the key to growing a business in a bad economy? Get referrals from existing customers; look for new customers in your key markets; and keep an open line of communication with your employees, i.e., monthly plant meetings. Focusing on our existing customers is our number one priority. uWhat do you enjoy least about your job? I least enjoy having to terminate an employee. uWho is your personal hero and why? My personal hero is Jacqueline Kennedy, because of her grace, class, and style, and her commitment to her children. The key qualities necessary to be a successful leader are passion, vision & creativity. uWhat is the biggest threat to the converting industry right now? Complacency. uWhat are you most proud of in your business? Because of my dad, I was given an opportunity. I truly love this business, and now my son is strongly involved in Thoro. uWhat does Thoro Packaging do for customers that makes them want to come back to enjoy the experience of doing business with you again and again? We provide our customers with exemplary customer service, on-time delivery, and a willingness to assist them with their folding carton challenges by offering options and improvements to make sure they have the ideal folding cartons to meet their needs. uJanet Steiner uPresident of Thoro Packaging uRecommending | Good to Great by Jim Collins uPersonal Motto | If you don’t make dust…you eat dust. uHow did you get into the converting business? My dad, Macy Dabek, invited me into Thoro Packaging when he became ill in 1982. The board of directors elected me president/CEO to continue my father’s vision of quality and customer satisfaction. uHow would you describe your management style? I am very passionate about my company and the folding carton industry. uHow have management uWhat is your key uHow do you handle a difficult customer? Communicate early and often, look at the situation from the customer’s viewpoint, and leave the door open for more conversations. uWhat is the biggest mistake to retaining good employees? Thoro Packaging is a team. We offer many programs including bonuses for all employees based on safey, quality, and profitability. Thoro also has a strong program of progression within our organization. Many entry-level employees are now in key roles. you made and how did you fix it? Hiring a consulting firm without first discussing it with my board of directors was a big mistake, but we have worked through it. uWhat do you enjoy most about your job? I enjoy the variety. One thing my dad said: “This business is not boring.” Thoro Packaging u1467 Davril Circle, Corona, CA 92880 uwww.thoropkg.com uFounded 1968; 1 plant; 100 employees uSpecialty | Printed folding cartons styles changed? My dad ran a very autocratic company. I work with teams and have an open-door policy. What qualities do you think a successful leader needs? Share your perspective. Write to yolanda.simonsis@penton.com. 64 | MAY 2008 WWW.PFFC-ONLINE.COM http://www.thoropkg.com http://WWW.PFFC-ONLINE.COM

Table of Contents Feed for the Digital Edition of PFFC - May 2008

PFFC - May 2008 Contents First Glance Calendar of Events From the Editor Web Lines Process Management News Clips Narrow Web & Label Reporter Narrow Web & Label What's New Products Labels/Sleeves Cover - European Converting Drupa New Product Digest What's New Products Services Directory Classified Marketplace Advertisers Index Experience Speaks

PFFC - May 2008

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