A Sense of Community

Our April column @LabelSteve was one that required reflection. Steve Katz posited that, while the emphasis on technology has never been greater, “the future of print is as much about people as it is about technology.”

That theme has resonated throughout multiple events this spring. From Dscoop to the FLAG Annual Meeting to the TLMI Converter Leadership Meeting, the focus on people has not been forgotten. That fact should not be lost on an industry that increasingly touts the emergence of automation and AI.

We at L&NW are certainly guilty of creating the perception that the label and packaging industry will one day be run entirely by equipment and computers. There are surely enough press releases that paint that picture. While the industry undoubtedly faces a workforce crisis, employees are as important as they’ve ever been. With many successful label and packaging converters operating with fewer and fewer staff members, the ones in the front office and on the shop floor are critical to keeping this industry moving. 

For example, Inland’s Mark Glendenning referred to “Community, Insight, and Advocacy” as TLMI’s “North Star.” The first word in that mission statement made no reference to printing presses or finishing equipment. To the contrary, it’s the people that run the equipment who will dictate the industry’s success. 

Meanwhile, FLAG’s Annual Meeting continued its focus on peer group meetings. The peer groups serve as one of FLAG’s most valuable offerings to its membership. The collaborative experience allows participants to troubleshoot common issues and explore best practices in the changing nature of the business. In fact, several members boast emeritus status. While their companies are no longer members, their institutional knowledge is invaluable.

Robert Parker, owner of Label King and a member of both FLAG and TLMI, frequently boasts about his company’s culture – and for good reason. That culture was on display during FLAG’s Annual Member Tour. Parker stated, “We want to make money, but I don’t care about our EBITDA. I want to run a great company.”

The proof is in the pudding, as Parker established the company 24 years ago and has enjoyed numerous growth milestones in that time. Label King just enjoyed a record sales month in February 2026 as the company continues to grow. That growth does not come without Label King’s people, though. Many of those team members were responsible for showcasing Label King’s San Diego-based facility during the tour.

When the topic of AI comes up, one thing should not go unnoticed: people guide the agent or chatbot. The algorithms only work as well as the person providing the directions. This industry is fueled by technology, but it’s the people who serve as the glue. We shouldn’t forget about them.

Greg Hrinya, Editor
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