2007 Printing Industry Hall of Fame — Appreciation for People - David Torok

And regardless of how well an executive can encourage and support the employee base, it only takes one thief to put a firm’s reputation to the test. A major embezzlement case at Padgett Printing involving a former employee has worked through the court system for two and a half years. Torok immediately contacted all suppliers and has spoken with a number of PIA/GATF executives on the subject.

“Employees are like a family. And, with any family, a member occasionally does something that’s not right,” Torok says. “We stressed that it didn’t affect the total family—the Padgett employees. Our company was still strong.”

Torok would rather spend his time on the production floor or in front of customers rather than sitting in his office. Nothing is more exciting to him than taking a customer’s idea at the concept stage and seeing his people “produce a printed piece that sizzles.” That entails listening and learning, and doing better than the previous day, he points out.

Torok is very active within the Dallas community, donating his time and pro bono printing. He is on the board of directors for Captain Hope’s Kids, which meets the critical needs of homeless children. Another annual highlight is “Christmas in July,” a project with the Texas Scottish Rite Hospital for Children, where the kids draw Christmas card images. Padgett produces the cards, and Torok brings Santa to the hospital while they’re creating them.

“The Padgett family believes in giving back to the community, and we’re suckers for anything that has to do with kids and communication,” Torok says.

Torok is an avid car enthusiast and races his two Dodge Vipers in club events. When he’s not traveling to major cities with his wife Shirley, Torok enjoys spending time with his four granddaughters. The Toroks have three daughters, Sara, Amy and Mara.