Remembering Steve Block, a Legend in Print Sales

Some print reps cast large shadows as they build relationships with customers over many years. Steve Block was that kind of print salesman. I was so lucky to have known him for many years, and so it was doubly sad to hear of his sudden passing right before New Year's.

Steve was well known throughout greater Boston and made friends in this industry that lasted for a lifetime. When he passed away, his daughter Lori (also in the field) asked me to write something about Steve and share it with people in the industry. Today, I am sharing it with you. This is for Steve.

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There are many ways to measure a person’s life. Some say it’s the wealth and material possessions you amass. Others measure a life by awards earned or career achievements. But for the family of one particular Brookline, MA, man, his life could be measured by the outpouring of love from hundreds of friends far and wide when he died suddenly on Friday, Dec. 30, 2011, at the age of 70.

Steve Block devoted his life to his family, and his career to printing. With a career spanning more than 40 years in greater Boston’s print and design industry, he was a much-beloved gentleman—and quite a character— who will be greatly missed.

After earning his design degree from the New England School of Art in the ’60s, Steve followed a path that led to print sales and graphic design, and never looked back. He was successful at selling print because he took it personally; that is, he was by nature warm, friendly and funny. He had to make friends with people upon whom he called. It was Steve’s routine to call up prospects and customers and just chat. Making a sale wasn’t the key motivator; making friends was.