Hall of Fame--Frick Builds Empires Via M&A, Operations
Frick completed the Danbury Printing acquisition while still at Banta in March 1994. Quebecor actively and aggressively recruited him over a period of time, and the move took place in late 1994.
"This was a considerably broader role," Frick notes. "I had been responsible for just under $200 million in direct marketing sales [at the time of his departure]. The Quebecor/COO position grew into a billion dollars of responsibility—a broader bandwidth position with intensive transaction experience in the fast-paced realm of acquisitions."
By the end of his tenure with Quebecor, he had become responsible for 25 facilities, 7,000 employees, and a billion dollars in sales and profit/loss responsibility.
Frick took an immediate shine to Lehigh Press, which is celebrating its 75th anniversary this year, and felt it was a natural career progression. He is particularly excited about the company's four-pronged growth platform that features direct marketing materials, book components, digital prepress and a facility in Puerto Rico for pharmaceutical printing.
Those who have worked closely with Frick over the years underscore the leadership and team-building value he brings to the company. Paul Palmer, president of Lehigh Cadillac Direct (the direct mail division of the company) has witnessed Frick in action while working with him during stints at Banta and Quebecor, as well.
Consistent Winner
"Ray is a consistent winner. I've seen him build companies into successful, well-oiled machines," Palmer notes. "His communication skills are impressive, and he knows how to motivate people. You can't help but feel better after you listen to him.
"Ray puts in long days; crams three days of travel into one. I've been very fortunate in my career to have been associated with Ray. My success is definitely connected to him."
Bob Feige, director of production for the National Geographics Society, has dealt with Frick for 20 years and sees a customer-oriented executive whose expertise, knowledge and industry vision are well respected.
