Consolidated Graphics: The Dukes of Digital
"Technology is an important part of our business, and we wanted our customers to get exposed, first hand, to what digital technologies are doing for a certain number of our clients," Davis explains. "The comments we received from customers was overwhelmingly positive. I can't believe the number of e-mails and blogs that we read afterwards. People loved it."
Aaron Grohs, executive vice president of sales and marketing at CGX, is still wading through hundreds of pages of positive feedback he's received. "One recurring theme I hear is that marketers and procurement people are starting to think more creatively about what they can do," Grohs says. "It's kind of a perfect storm, because we have all of this technology, digital equipment and the recession all hitting the industry at the same time. And, it seems that no one else is trying to take the lead and show people what can really be done. Our event was fresh, innovative and educational."
Recruitment Efforts
Likewise, the Leadership Development Program has grown by leaps and bounds, from recruiting a handful of college graduates in the Texas area to hundreds of recruits now coming aboard to learn about printing the CGX way. According to Michael Barton, executive vice president and chief administrative officer, "If anything, our expectations have increased because we realize that, as CGX grows, we'll need a large pool of talented people ready to assume the leadership roles that will become available.
"Going forward, the program will grow in size and importance because leadership in every professional role is critical. Someday, it would not surprise me if every CGX plant president position is held by a graduate of this program."
CGX is a company that shares best practices and technological platforms. Its sales force is constantly raising the bar in terms of cross-selling opportunities, with more than $100 million per year in such sales. Being able to sell the full capabilities of CGX—like its legendary stout balance sheet—is a given for its sales force.
