Ashley Cooney grew up around the printing industry, but stepping into leadership at Hudson Printing was anything but automatic. After starting on the production floor and working her way through multiple departments, Ashley eventually took on the role of general manager during a pivotal moment for the company. In this episode of Her Imprint, she shares how taking that leap helped her prove not only her capability as a leader, but also the importance of understanding every aspect of the business from the ground up.

Now serving as Chief Operating Officer, Ashley oversees a complex operation encompassing digital printing, wide-format, bindery, fulfillment, embroidery, fabrication, and promotional products. She discusses the realities of leading a family business, building trust with employees who once saw her as a peer, and creating a team culture built on accountability and collaboration. Her advice for the next generation is clear: learn everything you can about the industry, become invaluable in your role, and never stop solving problems.

00:00 – Introduction to Ashley Cooney
01:00 – The History of Hudson Printing
03:00 – Growing a Multi-Service Print Operation
05:00 – Why Ashley Chose the Family Business
07:30 – Taking the Leap Into Leadership
10:00 – Earning Respect as a Young Female Leader
13:00 – Building a Strong Production Team
16:00 – Managing Technology and Expanding Services
19:30 – Leading Without Micromanaging
23:00 – Work Life Balance and Delegating Responsibility
26:30 – Advice for the Next Generation