• Login
    • Join
  • Subscribe Free
    • Magazine
    • eNewsletter
    Checkout
    • Magazine
    • News
    • Exclusives
    • Labels & Packaging
    • Markets
    • Technology
    • Equipment
    • Supplies
    • Buyers' Guide
    • Events
    • Jobs
    • More
  • Magazine
  • News
  • Exclusives
  • Labels & Packaging
  • Markets
  • Technology
  • Equipment
  • Supplies
  • Buyers' Guide
  • Events
  • Jobs
  • Current / Back Issues
    Features
    Editorial
    Columns
    Digital Edition
    eNewsletter Archive
    Our Team
    Subscribe Now
    Advertise Now
    Top Features
    Dscoop Post-Show Coverage

    Slitter-Rewinders

    Craft Beer Labels

    Pharmaceutical Labels

    Luminer Converting Group: Narrow Web Profile
    Breaking News
    Converter News
    European Label News
    Industry News
    Industry People
    M&A News
    New Products
    Expert's Opinion
    Live From Shows
    Top News
    Essentra Packaging invests in Landa Nanographic press

    Nazdar to manufacture VFP electronic ink for US Market

    SunDance moves into flexible packaging with HP Indigo

    Schreiner ProTech introduces new PCS solution for electric vehicle charging

    FTA and FFTA announce 2022-2023 board updates
    Blog
    Video Bites
    Beauty & Personal Care Labels
    Beer Labels
    Beverage Labels
    Flexible Packaging
    Folding Carton
    Food Labels
    Glue-Applied
    In-Mold
    Industrial Labels
    Medical Labels
    Pharmaceutical Labels
    Pressure Sensitive
    Prime Labels
    Promotional Labels
    Security Labels
    Shrink
    Smart Labels
    Specialty Labels
    Spirits Labels
    Wine Labels

    Essentra Packaging invests in Landa Nanographic press

    In 2040 a fifth of all food packaging could still be landfilled or incinerated

    Nazdar to manufacture VFP electronic ink for US Market

    SunDance moves into flexible packaging with HP Indigo

    Schreiner ProTech introduces new PCS solution for electric vehicle charging
    Africa
    Asia
    Australia
    China
    Europe
    India
    Latin America
    Middle East
    North America

    Nazdar to manufacture VFP electronic ink for US Market

    Bar Graphic and J&J Converting open US demo center

    LemuGroup prepares for Open House in Spain

    Appvion invests in new coating equipment

    Phoenix Challenge Foundation announces High School winners
    Flexography
    Digital Printing
    Prepress
    Finishing
    Sustainability

    Essentra Packaging invests in Landa Nanographic press

    In 2040 a fifth of all food packaging could still be landfilled or incinerated

    SunDance moves into flexible packaging with HP Indigo

    FTA and FFTA announce 2022-2023 board updates

    Why inkjet and toner systems will be market redefining to 2032
    Digital Printers & Presses
    Flexo Presses
    Label Converting Equipment
    Label Finishing Equipment
    Prepress Equipment

    Essentra Packaging invests in Landa Nanographic press

    SunDance moves into flexible packaging with HP Indigo

    Why inkjet and toner systems will be market redefining to 2032

    Bar Graphic and J&J Converting open US demo center

    Asda implements latest ColorCert ScoreCard Server
    Dies And Tooling
    Flexo Supplies
    Ink & Coatings
    Prepress Supplies
    Pressrooom Supplies
    Substrates

    In 2040 a fifth of all food packaging could still be landfilled or incinerated

    Nazdar to manufacture VFP electronic ink for US Market

    Asda implements latest ColorCert ScoreCard Server

    Zeller+Gmelin introduces UV-curable and water-based inkjet inks

    Flexo Wash introduces FW 850 Laser Anilox Cleaner
    All Companies
    Categories
    Company Profiles
    Label Converters
    Trade Associations
    Add New Company
    International Buyers Guide Companies
    SCENTISPHERE, LLC

    KTI

    Meech International

    Heidelberg USA

    Lemu Group North America
    Industry Events
    Webinars
    Live from Show Events
    • Magazine
      • Current & Past Issues
      • Features
      • Editorial
      • Columns
      • Digital Edition
      • eNewsletter Archive
      • Subscribe Now
      • Advertise Now
    • Breaking News
    • Buyers' Guide
      • All Companies
      • Categories
      • Company Profiles
      • Label Converters
      • Trade Associations
      • Add Your Company
    • Labels & Packaging
      • Beauty & Personal Care Labels
      • Beer Labels
      • Beverage Labels
      • Flexible Packaging
      • Folding Carton
      • Food Labels
      • Glue-Applied
      • In-Mold
      • Industrial Labels
      • Medical Labels
      • Pharmaceuticals Labels
      • Pressure Sensitive
      • Prime Labels
      • Promotional Labels
      • Security Labels
      • Shrink
      • Smart Labels
      • Speciality Labels
      • Spirits Labels
      • Wine Tables
    • Markets
      • Africa
      • Asia
      • Australia
      • China
      • Europe
      • India
      • Latin America
      • Middle East
      • North America
    • Equipment
      • Digital Printers & Presses
      • Flexo Presses
      • Label Converting Equipment
      • Label Fishing Equipment
    • Supplies
      • Dies And Tooling
      • Flexo Supplies
      • Ink & Coatings
      • Prepress Supplies
      • Substrates
      • Pressrooom Supplies
    • Online Exclusives
    • Slideshows
    • Experts Opinions
    • Videos
    • Podcasts
    • Infographics
    • Blog
    • Whitepapers
    • Events
      • Industry Events
      • Live from Show Events
      • Webinars
    • Jobs
    • Resources
      • Supplier Gallery
      • Literature Showcase
      • Homepage Showcase
    • About Us
      • About Us
      • Contact Us
      • Advertise With Us
      • Privacy Policy
      • Terms of Use
    Features

    Companies To Watch: Model Graphics

    When 30-year-old Steve Fleissner opened the doors of Model Graphics in the Cincinnati-area

    Companies To Watch:  Model Graphics
    Companies To Watch:  Model Graphics
    Steve (L) and Matt Fleissner prepare for the future at Model Graphics.
    Related CONTENT
    • Afinia Label
    • Specialty
    • An industry to watch
    • Make your ethical framework simple and memorable
    • Dantex highlights PicoColour
    10.11.19
    Model Graphics
    www.modelgraphicsinc.com


    When 30-year-old Steve Fleissner opened the doors of Model Graphics in the Cincinnati-area, he was the fledgling label company’s only employee. That first year he generated $80,000 in sales. In the subsequent years, Model Graphics has achieved milestones such as “TLMI: Best Managed Company Award – doing $800,000 in sales.” (1989), investing in digital technology (2004) and hitting the $10 million mark in sales (2013).  

    Today, Model Graphics employees 36 people in a 37,000-square foot facility with five presses.

    His son, Matt, literally grew up with the company and today is growing his skills as VP of sales and marketing. With that comes new questions and solutions needed to ensure the growth of the company and the legacy that will be left to Matt. The questions that Steve and his wife, Barbara, now face are common to many family-run businesses, as the second and third generations are preparing to take the reins.

    Steve notes, “Every owner thinks about their options when considering the long-term plan for the business. The few things that get first consideration are, ‘What am I going to do personally?’ Each option is usually thought of in terms of getting out or getting closer to getting out.”

    Steve was no stranger to the label industry when he started his business – having worked at National Label, a local Cincinnati label printer, since 1973 – doing just about everything except sales. However, when the privately-run business was purchased by a large company out of Wisconsin, things began to change. When ethical questions were raised, and not dealt with appropriately, Steve resigned from the company.

    He learned a lot of important business and life lessons from this experience with the larger company – including how to stand on your own two feet when provided reporting, P&L and balance sheet responsibilities, and how to demonstrate continuously what you were doing to grow the business. And, most importantly, he learned about the need for honesty, transparency and action in any business – small or large.

    Steve’s initial boss had once suggested that he would make a good business owner, thus creating the first spark of interest. Around 1980, Steve sought out advice and counsel from SCORE and SBA, and the spark became a flame. In 1982, he began talking to vendors and people that he trusted, put together a business proforma and found an investment partner. His new partner, Stan Birer, was a former boss and friend of Steve’s father, Ed Fleissner, and capped the deal in 1984 by making Ed a 10% partner so that he could be the third vote if ever needed.

    Almost six years later, Ed Fleissner died suddenly of a heart attack. Steve recalls that his dad was never called on to be a tiebreaker in a vote but was very helpful in giving advice and “keeping an eye on me. I still reflect on those times and wish that every man could have the opportunity to work with his father. It was an enriching experience in my life. I think it was for him too. He was just 59 when he passed.”

    From that point until 2004, when Steve bought out his partner and retained 100% of the business, Steve and Barb’s family and Model Graphics continued to grow and prosper. Meanwhile, his youngest child, Matt, was far more focused on baseball than the family business. Matt recalls, “Some of my first memories were roller blading in the plant while Dad worked on Saturdays. I helped out every now and then, boxing labels.” That changed after he hit 17, and like most kids of label printers, Matt would work summers doing clerical or lead generation work.

    Steve made it clear to all three of his children that if they ever wanted to join Model Graphics, they would need to first earn a four-year degree, work four consecutive years with a company demonstrating promotability and only then could they submit a resume to the company. He wanted to avoid any perception that his kids were born with a “silver spoon in their mouth.”

    Matt graduated from Indiana Wesleyan University in 2009 with a degree in Sports Management and chased his dream of a career revolving around baseball – logging 48,000 miles in five months. Looking for a more stable industry, he moved over to managing the business for one of Model Graphics’ vendors – which gave him experience with overlams, and specialty and splice tapes. He would run the materials in the morning, deliver them in the afternoon and then come over to Model Graphics in to help second shift rewinding and packing.

    In the spring of 2015, after a loss of a major piece of business, Matt left the overlam and tape provider and came on board full-time at Model Graphics as a sales rep. Steve recalls, “Even though he had never sold, I explained to him the heart of every business is understanding the customer, so sales is where he had to start.” But first he donned blue jeans and a t-shirt to build trust with management and co-workers as he learned each facet of the converter business.

    As Matt’s experience and responsibilities grew at Model Graphics, Steve recognized the need for formalizing the relationship and clarifying the next steps. In June of 2017, he looked outside and hired a seasoned, temporary GM who had been managing in the industry for many years. His primary role was to assess the existing talent at Model Graphics, including Matt, and make recommendations.

    Steve recalls, “If we did not have talent to carry the business forward without me, then he would lead the charge to find talent who could.” The GM uncovered the perception that the company saw only Steve as the leader and didn’t believe he would ever leave. He suggested that if Matt were to be viewed as “heir apparent,” two things had to happen. Matt needed an executive title and Steve had to declare a specific time when he would begin pulling back. Shortly thereafter, Steve announced that Matt would be the VP of sales and marketing and that December 2019 would be Steve’s last full-time week, although he would stay on in some capacity.

    In the four years since Matt joined the company, Steve and Barb have: drafted a Founding Family Agreement to formalize the next steps; created a platform for semi-annual executive leadership discussions; and hired a full-time general manager – Shane Roberts.

    Although their original executive leadership meetings just didn’t get enough traction and eventually fell to the side – today they are back on track. “Everyone was consumed with today – we tended to think that what happens tomorrow, we will take care of tomorrow,” acknowledges Steve. “Now we look at the big picture more frequently.”

    At a recent FLAG peer group meeting, the topic of family transitions was discussed at great length. A helpful idea was to bring in someone to evaluate the company and determine a fair purchase price rather than assuming that Matt will simply inherit the company. The Fleissners are currently examining this option.

    Matt notes that his sports management days provided great business lessons that he uses daily at Model Graphics. “Sometimes on the drive home, or when I’m sitting on the porch, I think about our employees like a team roster – who are our all-stars, how can we map the current talent, and where aren’t we blocking or tackling well?”

    And he has already gained a great deal from FLAG and in particular its peer group meetings. He concludes, “I know now that this is not an easy industry to keep your sanity. Somedays you want to walk away – but then you get a good order and everything’s great for the moment.”
    Related Searches
    • people
    • family business
    • Label industry
    • award
    Suggested For You
    Afinia Label Afinia Label
    Specialty Specialty
    An industry to watch An industry to watch
    Make your ethical framework simple and memorable Make your ethical framework simple and memorable
    Dantex highlights PicoColour Dantex highlights PicoColour
    Digital Printing Spectrum highlighted in new Domino video Digital Printing Spectrum highlighted in new Domino video
    Memjet Memjet's DuraFlex technology drives new Colordyne print engine
    All the little lies All the little lies
    Labels West Labels West
    Channeled Resources Group showcases expanded capabilities Channeled Resources Group showcases expanded capabilities
    'Half-in-half-out' can be a dangerous position
    Eaglewood Technologies expands Demonstration and Training Center Eaglewood Technologies expands Demonstration and Training Center
    Channeled Resources Group hosts open house in Wisconsin Channeled Resources Group hosts open house in Wisconsin
    BST demos 100% inspection unit at INFOFLEX BST demos 100% inspection unit at INFOFLEX
    Craft to Can: Giving life to label design Craft to Can: Giving life to label design

    Related Content

    • Afinia Label

      Afinia Label

      ...
      Kevin McHale, Marketing Manager 03.23.22

    • Specialty

      ...
      Jamie Simon, Marketing 08.26.21

    • An industry to watch

      ...
      Greg Hrinya, Associate Editor 10.11.19


    • Make your ethical framework simple and memorable

      ...
      Rock LaManna 10.11.19

    • Dantex highlights PicoColour

      Dantex highlights PicoColour

      The press, which is on display at Labelexpo Europe, has transformed the business at Cresta Labels.


      Breaking News
      • Essentra Packaging invests in Landa Nanographic press
      • Nazdar to manufacture VFP electronic ink for US Market
      • SunDance moves into flexible packaging with HP Indigo
      • Schreiner ProTech introduces new PCS solution for electric vehicle charging
      • FTA and FFTA announce 2022-2023 board updates
      View Breaking News >
      CURRENT ISSUE

      April 2022

      • Dscoop Post-Show Coverage
      • Slitter-Rewinders
      • Craft Beer Labels
      • Pharmaceutical Labels
      • Luminer Converting Group

      Cookies help us to provide you with an excellent service. By using our website, you declare yourself in agreement with our use of cookies.
      You can obtain detailed information about the use of cookies on our website by clicking on "More information”.

      • About Us
      • Privacy Policy
      • Terms And Conditions
      • Contact Us

      follow us

      Subscribe
      Nutraceuticals World

      Latest Breaking News From Nutraceuticals World

      Nootropics and Adaptogens Respond to Demand for Mind and Mood Support
      Sabinsa Honors 70th Anniversary of Diplomacy Between India and Japan
      Solvay Invests in Suanfarma’s Vanillin Production
      Coatings World

      Latest Breaking News From Coatings World

      DIC’s Indian Subsidiary Begins Construction of Coating Resins Production Facility
      Celanese Declares Force Majeure on Acetyl Chain and Acetate Tow Products
      CPI Announces New Hybrid Professional Development Program for 2022
      Medical Product Outsourcing

      Latest Breaking News From Medical Product Outsourcing

      Nihon Kohden America Launches Life Scope G5 and G5Max
      HeartFlow Appoints Monica Tellado as CFO
      Egnite Inc. Expands into Cardiovascular Disease
      Contract Pharma

      Latest Breaking News From Contract Pharma

      Evotec SE and Sernova Corp Announce Partnership in the Field of Diabetes
      Emergex COVID-19 Vaccine Candidate Successfully Coated onto Zosano Micro-Needle Patch
      Thabor Therapeutics Appoints Jérémie Mariau as CEO
      Beauty Packaging

      Latest Breaking News From Beauty Packaging

      Bite Beauty Is Closing Later This Year
      Johnson & Johnson Names CEO & CFO of Planned Consumer Health Company
      LaJeanell Launches Men’s Duo Skincare Product Set
      Happi

      Latest Breaking News From Happi

      Nautica Introduces Oceans Pacific Coast Vegan & Sustainable Fine Fragrance Collection
      Dip Powder Nail Brand Nailboo, Expands Into Retail Exclusively At Sally Beauty
      Bite Beauty Is Closing Down Operations by the End of 2022
      Ink World

      Latest Breaking News From Ink World

      Nazdar Ink Technologies to Manufacture VFP Ink Technologies Electronic Inks for US
      Sun Chemical Heads to Flexo and Labels 2022
      PETRONAS Chemicals Group to Acquire Perstorp Grou
      Label & Narrow Web

      Latest Breaking News From Label & Narrow Web

      Essentra Packaging invests in Landa Nanographic press
      Nazdar to manufacture VFP electronic ink for US Market
      SunDance moves into flexible packaging with HP Indigo
      Nonwovens Industry

      Latest Breaking News From Nonwovens Industry

      Thinx Launches Moist Panties Campaign
      Kimberly-Clark to Expand Diaper, Wipes Production in Suzano, Brazil
      Bambo Nature Diapers Now Feature Paper Packaging
      Orthopedic Design & Technology

      Latest Breaking News From Orthopedic Design & Technology

      Paragon 28 Launches Grappler Suture Anchor System
      Paul Stellato Appointed Chief Accounting Officer at Zimmer Biomet
      DuPuy Synthes’ INHANCE Shoulder System Cleared by FDA for Reverse Total Shoulder Arthroplasty
      Printed Electronics Now

      Latest Breaking News From Printed Electronics Now

      Avery Dennison, Wiliot Partner to Build and Scale the Future of IoT
      HP Delivers Enhanced Platform Capabilities to Accelerate Additive Manufacturing Production at Scale
      Identiv Showcases Bespoke RFID and IoT Solutions at RFID Journal LIVE!

      Copyright © 2022 Rodman Media. All rights reserved. Use of this constitutes acceptance of our privacy policy The material on this site may not be reproduced, distributed, transmitted, or otherwise used, except with the prior written permission of Rodman Media.

      AD BLOCKER DETECTED

      Our website is made possible by displaying online advertisements to our visitors.
      Please consider supporting us by disabling your ad blocker.


      FREE SUBSCRIPTION Already a subscriber? Login