Tracey Treat, VP Sales, Merit Press
LinkedIn Profile: https://www.linkedin.com/in/traceytreat/
What do you do?
At this point in my life, I can safely say ink runs through my veins. I have been in the print industry for the last 32 years. Who would have thought that the eager 22-year-old from 1992 would still be in it? On my first day of work back in 1992, I will never forget my boss giving me the Yellow Pages and his exact words were “Here is where you will find your clients”. How times have changed! I worked my way through that phone book and started my career. After years of cold calling, hitting the pavement with syquest disks and hard copy proofs I set the standard for myself that 100% dedication to my job will make me successful. It worked…all of my hard work, phone calls, rejections, and lost bids paid off because after 10 years my husband and I opened our 40-inch print shop. The journey has not been easy, many ups and downs, bad years/good years but I would not trade it for any other career. I am still in the business managing our clients’ work, estimating, and getting things done on time.
What investments have you made in your professional career development?
I would love to say I took classes or joined all of the professional organizations available but I did not. The biggest investment I have made for myself and my company is being present all day, every day to the needs of my clients and employees. I take personal pride in every job we print, every estimate we submit, and every client I communicate with. My pride is what has helped me create a successful career. Of course, I have learned all there is to know about our ever-changing business but my motivation to do the best job I can is what has helped me develop into the person and career woman I am today.
What investments have you made in your personal development?
Time is the biggest investment any one person can make for themselves. For as much time I have invested in Merit Press I have also always found time for my family and health. The happiness I receive from being a good parent, partner, or friend drives me to be the best I can be a work. To show my family what hard work and dedication can help you achieve. My second personal investment is taking time to exercise every day. This one action has helped me manage my stress and everyday life.
How can the industry proactively invest in women, and why should this be a priority?
That is a really good question. Women make up a small percentage of the industry. Outside of sales and customer service, I have come across very few women press operators, bindery workers, and fulfillment. I think mentorship for women interested in the print industry would be amazing. Programs can be set up for females who show interest in the industry and set up through technical schools or press manufacturers. Community outreach is where there are young people who want to take another avenue rather than college. The biggest action that can be taken is as easy as women supporting women.
Get Involved and Get Empowered
Join Girls Who Print in May for TWO in-person events at America’s Print Show
Get your Girls Who Print Gear at our store!
Join our women-only, Girls Who Print LinkedIn Group
Sign up to join our global mentoring program – it’s FREE!
Listen to the Girls Who Print Podcast series playing on Podcasts from The Printerverse.
Subscribe to Podcasts From The Printerverse where you listen to podcasts so you’ll never miss an episode.
Printspiration is streaming 24/7/365 through our growing library of original programming for print and marketing professionals at ProjectPeacock.TV
