WOA 06 Special Report — Continuing The Vision

By Kristen E. Monte

Quadracci received a letter from his draft board and wound up back home in Milwaukee. Coincidentally, his brother Harry was planning the inception of Quad/Graphics. “The concept was exciting and I decided to contribute what I could to get the business started,” he recalls.

In 1971, Harry and Tom founded Quad/Graphics in Pewaukee, WI. He then spent the last 35 years in various capacities as an instrumental force for its growth and success.

Quadracci helped establish QuadTech, a research and design division of Quad/Graphics, in 1979. As the division’s president, he oversaw the development of computerized controls for web press and finishing equipment, both for Quad/Graphics’ use and to market to other printers. Under his leadership, QuadTech flourished worldwide, with products sold in 85 countries.

As Quad/Graphics’ executive vice president, he oversaw capital expenditure and financial planning for the entire company, guided the corporation’s international expansion, and directed Quad’s selection and integration of equipment and technology. He was named president and CEO of Quad/Graphics in July of 2002. Additionally, he oversaw the legal, financial and construction services, and provided support for subsidiaries QuadTech, QuadMed, CRT and international partnerships.

Quadracci has presided over a multitude of achievements during his tenure, from being a pioneer in automatic register control for web offset, to building international operations and the founding of QuadTech.

But what he loves most about the business is the people. From the clients who have supported the company, to dedicated employees and supplier partners, he says the people make all the difference.

Quadracci is also proud of his family, especially his wife Susan. “She has supported me in the tough times and been an important part of building my career while, at the same time, raising our two wonderful sons.”

Quad/Graphics reports $1.9 billion in sales and was ranked #4 on the 2005 PRINTING IMPRESSIONS 400 list. The company employs 12,000, operates 20 print production locations on three continents and prints more than 1,000 titles, including National Geographic, Newsweek, Time, U.S. News & World Report, Sports Illustrated and the Victoria’s Secret catalog.