Longtime Paper and Printing Industry Expert Ken Gettlin Is Honored for Contributions

Referred to as "Dr. Paper" based on his vast technical and market knowledge gained from a distinguished, 50-year career in the paper industry, retired Case Paper VP Ken Gettlin was honored by the Print Brokerage/Buyers Association International (PBBA International) for his industry contributions at the organization's Spring meeting in Philadelphia on May 24.

"To me, Ken was 'Dr. Paper,' Vincent Mallardi, PBBA International chairman, proclaimed during the tribute. "He taught me everything I know about paper. We've known each other for three decades, and no more professional and giving person have I encountered in all this time. Whenever anyone called him, their questions and requirements were answered 100% of the time."

Mallardi also noted that, thanks to Gettlin's vast paper knowledge and expert advice on sourcing options and substrate alternatives, PBBA members saved countless dollars on printing projects over the years.

"Ken truly cares about others and was always generous with his time," Simon Schaffer, president of Case Paper, added. "He was willing to help teach anyone who was open to learning, and never missed an opportunity to slip in a joke while doing it." Simon Schaffer attended the PBBA event with Robin Schaffer, Case Paper CEO, and several other Case Paper executives.

Gettlin served more than 35 years at Case Paper in northeast Philadelphia, before beginning his printing/paper industry career as an executive at Wilder Industries, followed by a stint as president of Sidco Paper. A lifelong Philadelphian, who now spends the majority of his time at the New Jersey shore with his wife Arlene, he also earned an MBA from the Fox School of Business at Temple University.

"I am thankful to have known Ken for well over 35 years and consider him to be one of the most knowledgeable paper experts in our industry," Frank Casale, of Shepard Printing, said. "Whether it was good news or bad, Ken always kept us up on these changes. From mill mergers, mill closings, the roller coaster of paper prices, availability of grades, Ken was always the first one there.

"Being a forerunner to providing both domestic and offshore clients with options, he was always on the 'speed dialer' of many printers and paper buyers alike," Casale added.

Barry Walsh, principal at Print Compass and PBBA vice chair, was also impressed with Gettlin's strong willingness to share his paper expertise. "Ken is a legend in the Philadelphia and East Coast print communities. His knowledge of paper and his customers' needs will be sorely missed. A true gentleman, yet also equally at ease fighting tirelessly in the marketplace."

Darr Kartychak, of Intermedia Consultants and a fellow PBBA member, was similarly complimentary. "If the United States had a national treasure for people in the paper and forest products industry, Ken Gettlin would be a national treasure," he pointed out.

During the PBBA tribute, Gettlin was pleased, but remained humbled, by the recognition honoring his professional accomplishments and commitment to help others. A people person, with a warm sense of wit and humor, "Dr. Paper" best described what kept him motivated throughout his 50-year professional career during a Case Paper retirement party. "My career can be summed up in three words: family, family, and family. I really consider the people with whom I've worked, our customers and our suppliers, to be family," Gettlin noted.

Based on the outpouring of gratitude and admiration by his former co-workers, colleagues, and customers, Ken Gettlin has a very large extended family, indeed.