Beyond Spectacular
A passion for technology and innovation has beenthe key ingredient for success for Walter Dow,
packagePRINTING's 2005 TLMI Converter of the Year.
If awards are a measure of success in the tag and label industry, then Dow Industries can be counted as a very successful company. Walter Dow, CEO/owner of Dow Industries and Screenprint/Dow, is very proud of the awards his companies have won over the years. He notes some of the most memorable awards as the 1992 Massachusetts Quality Award; 1992 packagePRINTING Excellence Awards Best of Show; World Label Awards in 1992, 1998, 2003, and 2004; and the 2002 TLMI Best of Show.
As unfair as it seems, however, business success is not measured by awards, but by performance—year-in and year-out—on the bottom line. Dow Industries and Screenprint/Dow stack up well in this ultimate measure of success, having grown consistently over the years with annual growth approaching 20 percent in some years.
The consistent driving force behind the success of these companies for 36 years has been Walter Dow. His approach to keeping his companies out in front lies squarely in the use of technology and innovation, an approach that is readily apparent to his peers.
"Probably the thing that stands out the most about Walter is that he is a totally committed leader in technology and innovation," says Scott Pillsbury, president of Rose City Label and president of TLMI. "He always seems to be the first to jump on board with new technologies and he loves being able to put himself up next to the competition and show his stuff—with plate technology, press technology, materials. Walter always wants to have the best, and that's why he's been successful."
For his contributions as a technology leader in the label industry and as a "TLMI statesman," as Frank Sablone, TLMI executive director calls him, Walter Dow can add another prestigious award to his collection—TLMI Converter of the Year.
Printing: A career and a legacy
Dow wasn't born with printing ink in his blood; it just came about when the opportunity knocked. After attending college for two years, he was presented with an opportunity to get into the label business.
"At the age of 21, a gentleman asked me if I would like to earn up to $200 a week as a straight commission salesman, selling labels," he recalls. "At the time, I was making $100 a week and thought 'Wow!, what a great opportunity.'"
For the next eight to nine years, he spent his time learning the label business by "pounding the pavement" and at times he wondered where he was going to get the money for his next gallon of gas. Through the experiences he gained selling for three printing companies, Dow developed a passion and commitment to the printing industry that formed the foundation for his future success. "In a very short period of time, I realized that printing would be the career path that I would choose for my life," he says.
In 1969, he was ready to "roll the dice" by starting his first company, Screenprint, which provided printed products for the high-tech industry. Not one to stand still for too long, in 1971 he saw opportunities for a quality label printer and jumped into this market with a second company, Label Craft.
With a foothold in high-quality label printing, Dow soon became intrigued by the health and beauty, pharmaceutical, and prime label industries. He wasted little time getting into these markets. To meet the high standards and unique packaging demanded by these customers, he started a new company, Dow Industries in 1978, and merged his label operations under one roof.
Challenges, technologies, and opportunities are common denominators in Dow's entrepreneurial history in the printing industry. In 1985, he saw a new printing technology on the horizon, conductive printing, and at the request of some of his customers, he started another company, Dow Switch. Today, Screenprint and Dow Switch have been merged into one company, Screenprint/Dow that brings together the graphic and conductive printing expertise of the two companies.
Dow has organized his companies so they can focus on different technologies and specific markets. Dow Industries specializes in health and beauty, pharmaceutical, and prime labels. It is located in a 56,000-sq.-ft. facility with 80 employees, 17 presses, digital printing, and state-of-the-art prepress equipment.
Screenprint/Dow services the medical, electronics, and appliance industries. It is housed in a 30,000-sq.-ft. facility with 70 employees, 12 presses, digital printing, thermoforming, laser diecutting, and pick-and-place equipment.
After 36 years in high-tech and high-quality printing, Dow still has an unquenchable desire to be on the leading edge of the industry. "I continue with my passion to be one of the most diverse, innovative, and technology-driven converters in the world," he says. "My focus is on returning the companies' earnings to invest in state-of-the-art equipment, technology, and research to insure ease of manufacturing that can produce the highest quality products in the industry."
This type of commitment and vision tends to attract people with similar drive, and Dow acknowledges the talent around him. "Both of my companies have different printing technologies. I am fortunate to have an experienced group of professionals who continually exchange ideas and technology to produce new, innovative products."
Dow heaps praise on the dedication and commitment of all the people he works with. "I am so fortunate to have 150 individuals that always exceed the companies' goals, and are determined to be on the leading edge of technology," he says. "This exceptional group of people never say never and are focused on servicing our customers and developing new ideas for them everyday."
As is typical in highly successful, progressive companies, the strong commitment demonstrated by employees stems from the commitment that emanates from the leadership at the top ranks. Dow clearly fits this mold.
"I am committed to continuing to grow my companies in order to better the lives of my employees and their families," he says. "My goal in all I do is to create companies, products, and relationships that are beyond spectacular."
TLMI statesman
Dow has been an active participant in TLMI since he joined the organization in 1985. He served on the Board of Directors for two terms, 1992-1995 and 2001-2004, and chaired the Technical Committee in 1993.
His contributions to TLMI are well noted by those who have worked with him. "Foremost during his time on the board, Walter worked to improve TLMI programming for our members, and always made excellent suggestions to improve TLMI meetings and content," notes Sablone.
His contributions to TLMI aren't just reserved for Board meetings. Sablone offers him statesman status because of his tireless efforts to sell the benefits of TLMI membership to converters and suppliers alike. "He is always talking to converters and suppliers on why they should join TLMI and what it could do for them," says Sablone.
As much as he has put into the TLMI, Dow feels he has gotten plenty in return, both professionally and personally. "Membership in TLMI has allowed me to cultivate international and domestic partnerships needed to supply the diverse demands of our industry. On a personal note, my wife Toni and I sincerely value the wonderful friendships we have developed with our converter members and suppliers all over the world. We have had the pleasure of enjoying their states, countries, and cultures. We feel so thankful, and truly cherish these great life experiences."
Challenges ahead
Dow sees continual challenges ahead for the TLMI membership and the tag and label industry as a whole. "Our industry is faced with consolidation [converters], overseas competition, and price erosion," he observes. "We need to encourage the new generation of converters and suppliers to commit the time to our association, continue the growth of our industry through partnerships, and focus on product innovation."
On the way to Cape Cod
Dow and Toni (or as Dow calls her, "the love of my life") have four children and three grandchildren. When he is not called away to one of his companies' business activities, he can usually be found spending time with his family at his home on Cape Cod. He includes boating, big game fishing, and golf as some of his favorite pastimes.
Dow also enjoys sharing his Cape Cod surroundings with his many business associates. "I am a wine enthusiast and collect wines from all over the world. Toni and I enjoy entertaining and have shared many memorable wine dinners with our TLMI friends, customers, and employees."
The years of business success in the tag and label industry and active involvement in TLMI have earned him the respect of all those who have known him over the years. "Walter is very deserving of this award," says Steve Lee, vice president of RotoMetrics. "He is a self-made man and is one of the standouts in our industry."
by Tom Polischuk
Editor In Chief
- Companies:
- RotoMetrics
- People:
- Frank Sablone