With decades of industry experience and 12 years at Crossmark Graphics, John Peschong knows that great printing takes more than advanced equipment. It takes hard work, technical expertise, and, most importantly, the right people.
When you ask John Peschong about his role at Crossmark Graphics, his answer is refreshingly simple.
"I don't know that I have one," he jokes about his official title.
While his business card may say Bindery & Converting Manager, John's responsibilities extend far beyond a single department. From overseeing daily production and troubleshooting equipment to maintaining the facility, hiring employees, and developing his team, John plays an important role in keeping operations running smoothly.
And after more than three decades in the printing industry, there's not much he hasn't encountered.
A Career Built on Hard Work and Curiosity
John's journey in printing began in 1992, when he first entered the industry. He later gained hands-on experience working in a spine-binding mechanics lab at the University of Minnesota, developing the technical knowledge that would become a foundation for his career.
Over the years, John worked for several printing companies while continuing his education, earning both bachelor's and master's degrees. He even began pursuing a Ph.D., initially considering a future as a college professor.
Ultimately, he decided his place was in the printing industry, where he could put his technical knowledge, problem-solving skills, and leadership abilities to work every day.
That decision eventually brought him to Crossmark Graphics, where he has spent the past 12 years.
It's All About the People
Ask John what he enjoys most about his work, and he doesn't hesitate.
The people.
Having worked in both corporate and family-owned businesses, John has experienced different workplace cultures. For him, the close-knit environment of a family-owned company like Crossmark makes all the difference.
"The job is the job anywhere," he explains. What makes it meaningful is the team you're surrounded by and the relationships you build along the way.
John takes pride in doing his job well and continually challenging himself to be better. But he also understands that success isn't an individual effort.
Building a strong production team takes time, patience, and investment in people. That's why he emphasizes cross-training and helping employees develop skills beyond their primary responsibilities.
The result is a more versatile team, where employees can support one another, adapt to changing production needs, and take pride in the work they accomplish together.
Keeping Up With an Industry That Never Stops Changing
Few industries have experienced the technological transformation that printing has seen over the past 30 years.
John has witnessed that evolution firsthand.
Tasks that once required significant manual labor are now increasingly automated, allowing printing companies to operate with greater speed, precision, and efficiency.
But with those advancements come new challenges.
As equipment becomes more computerized and specialized, troubleshooting and repairs increasingly require support from manufacturers rather than in-house mechanical expertise.
"Automation is great because everything is quicker and faster," John explains. But it also means companies can become more dependent on manufacturers when something goes wrong.
For John, balancing modern technology with practical, hands-on knowledge is an important part of keeping production moving.
It's a responsibility that requires technical experience, adaptability, and a willingness to find solutions when challenges arise.
Passing Knowledge to the Next Generation
One of the biggest changes John has noticed isn't just in the equipment. It's in the workforce.
When he started in the industry, many employees were in their early 30s. Today, much of that same generation is approaching retirement, raising important questions about the future of skilled trades.
John believes careers in printing and other technical fields deserve greater attention, particularly among younger generations exploring career opportunities.
Too often, he observes, students are encouraged toward traditional academic career paths without learning about the possibilities available through skilled trades.
Yet modern printing offers opportunities that combine technology, mechanics, creativity, problem-solving, and production management.
For someone who has built a rewarding career in the industry, John understands the importance of developing the next generation of skilled professionals.
And at Crossmark, that commitment begins with training, teamwork, and sharing knowledge on the production floor.
A Little Bit of Everything, and Proud of It
From managing daily production across the plant to maintaining equipment, solving mechanical problems, overseeing the building, and supporting employees, John's days are rarely the same.
His responsibilities may be extensive, but his approach remains straightforward: work hard, do the job well, and help the people around you succeed.
It's a philosophy that reflects the culture of Crossmark Graphics, where experience, collaboration, and dedication to quality are part of the everyday work.
After 12 years with the company and more than three decades in the printing industry, John continues to bring that commitment to everything he does.
And while he may joke that he's not entirely sure what his official title should be, one thing is clear:
Whatever needs to get done, John is ready to roll up his sleeves and help make it happen.
Behind Every Great Print Project Is a Great Team
At Crossmark Graphics, our people are the foundation of everything we do. From the production floor to the finished product, their experience, problem-solving abilities, and commitment to quality help us deliver for our customers every day.
We're proud to recognize John Peschong for his leadership, dedication, and 12 years of service to the Crossmark team.
Thank you, John, for everything you do to keep Crossmark moving forward!
