PCI: Take It to the Powerhouse

Although you wouldn’t guess it by looking at the company today, Weston, Florida-headquartered Postal Center International (PCI) came from modest beginnings.

Ismael Diaz, president and CEO of PCI, explains that the company’s journey began in a small condo in Pompano Beach, Florida, almost 40 years ago in 1984. “Luis Echarte and his son, Arturo, rolled up their sleeves and sorted mail by hand from their home. Their hard work paid off, and they soon opened a small facility on Dixie Highway in Fort Lauderdale,” Diaz says.

Initially, the father-son duo was sorting mail by hand until the pair took a leap of faith and invested in their first piece of equipment, a PTI-45 letter sorter. They went all in, even mortgaging their home to fund the new equipment. And in 1988, Arturo’s wife, Susan, joined the team, making the formation of PCI official, Diaz notes.

“The journey wasn’t easy, as countless hours were spent researching, brainstorming, and putting in the hard work needed to turn the vision into reality,” Diaz says.

Today, the minority-owned company has expanded its capabilities to include not only print and mail solutions, but also fulfillment, signs, promotional products, packaging, and creative marketing. It has also made a name for itself in the industry and was named 2023 Business of the Year by the South Florida Business Journal.

It has also expanded its operations nationwide, totaling more than 500,000 sq. ft. across presort facilities in San Antonio, Texas, and Franklin, Massachusetts. Clients range across various industries, including banking and finance, insurance and healthcare, retail, government, tourism/travel, retail, and automotive.

Navigating the Ever-Evolving Print Landscape

With nearly 40 years under its belt, PCI’s longevity in print shows an ability to constantly adapt and evolve. “Throughout the years that PCI has been serving the print industry, the landscape of this sector has undergone significant and dynamic changes driven by technological advancements, shifting consumer preferences, and evolving market demands,” Diaz says.

He explains that when PCI started in 1984, traditional offset printing methods largely dominated the industry. “Physical printing presses and analog processes were the norm, limiting the scope for customization and personalization. However, the late 20th century marked the advent of digital technology, which gradually transformed every aspect of the industry,” Diaz says. “The introduction and proliferation of digital printing technologies revolutionized the print industry. This shift allowed for shorter print runs, reduced setup times, and greater flexibility in design and content.”

PCI recognized the potential of this transition and integrated digital printing capabilities into its service offerings in 1992 with black and white variable and transactional digital printing. By 2005, it had added color digital printing, and in 2010, PCI dove headfirst into continuous-feed production inkjet printing.

Today, some of the biggest contributors to the company’s fleet of equipment are a pair of Screen Truepress Jet520 high-speed inkjet web presses, two Konica Minolta KM-1 cut-sheet devices, as well as a Heidelberg Speedmaster CX 102 and a Speedmaster XL 105.

Diaz says, “They empower us to tell our clients’ stories in a credible way, delivering unparalleled results.”

A New Era of Growth

When Diaz joined the company in 2006, what ensued afterward can only be described as a new era of growth and expansion for PCI.

Diaz’s addition ushered in a new wave of acquisitions and growth for the company. In 2016, PCI acquired Miami, Florida-based Original Impressions, and in 2021, it acquired print and mail provider Arrowmail, which is also based in Miami.

It was also under Diaz’s leadership that PCI invested heavily in its data security program and became SOC 2, Type 2, and HITRUST certified.

Given Diaz’s upbringing, it’s no surprise that his leadership skills are strong. Born in Cuba and having embarked on a journey of transformation at the age of 13 when Diaz and his family migrated to the U.S., his story is one of resilience and adaptability.

“This spirit of embracing new horizons is a trait that has guided me through every phase of my life, including my educational pursuits,” Diaz says.

Diaz got his bachelor’s degree in industrial engineering from the New Jersey Institute of Technology. He says this foundation equipped him with a solid grasp of the inner workings of complex systems – a valuable skill that has been instrumental in his role as a leader in a dynamic business landscape.

He then took his education a step further with an MBA from Florida International University, and in addition to his formal education, he holds Project Management Professional (PMP) and Master Black Belt Six Sigma certifications.

But what molded his passion for the industry most of all was his own father’s printing company.

“My connection to the printing industry goes beyond a mere professional venture; it’s deeply ingrained in the very fabric of my upbringing. My father’s ownership of a printing company not only exposed me to the world of printing but also instilled in me a genuine appreciation for the art and science of the craft. As a result, printing is not just a business endeavor; it’s a part of who I am – a driving force that fuels my passion for pushing the boundaries of what’s possible,” Diaz says.

What Makes the Powerhouse

While PCI has achieved industry prowess under Diaz’s watchful eye, he wants to emphasize that all the success is due to his staff.

“Beyond our solutions, it’s the heart of our organization that truly defines our success. The remarkable ‘Powerhouse’ team of subject-matter experts has been the driving force behind our accomplishments. Their unwavering dedication consistently translates into phenomenal success. Their commitment to our client-centric philosophy, coupled with a pursuit of excellence, sets us apart from the competition,” Diaz says.

In addition to being proud of his staff, he is also immensely proud of PCI’s efforts in giving back to the community.

“I’m overjoyed at our commitment to giving back to the community. The establishment of the Powerhouse Fund stands as evidence of our values. This initiative aims to support youth wellness and education initiatives in the communities we serve. Our efforts to uplift and empower
young lives through education leave an indelible mark on the future,” Diaz concludes.