What was your first job in the newspaper business?

I entered the newspaper business as a field service technician for GMA in 2002. I was immediately impressed to see how much effort went in to producing a newspaper.

What do you like most about your job?

I enjoy working with many different people, departments and being a part of many projects. I love managing many tasks at one time.

What do you like least?

I’m not a big fan of being on call 24/7, but I understand the importance of keeping the newspaper running. We sell a product that becomes stale more quickly than food.

What was the Gazette’s most recent purchase/installation?

In 2003 there was a major installation of a MAN Roland RegioMAN, two GMA SLS 3000s with online addressing, a 6-station Flexi-Roll buffer, Quipp 500 stackers, PMI baggers and basysPrint computer-to-plate.

What is the biggest challenge the Gazette is facing in production?

Completing the triangle between advertising, circulation and production so everyone is speaking the same language. We are creating files so (our Publishing Business Systems software) can put circulation information into our Mactive system and Mactive will populate preprint information into our SAM (planning software from GMA). SAM already receives a feed from PBS with the circulation information. This will also improve customer accuracy. Go live was Oct. 11.

What trend are you keeping your eye on?

Anything we can do postpress. We are looking for ways to capitalize on the success of the packaging and distribution department. We have a lot of firepower and we are looking for a way to leverage our equipment to make additional revenue.

If you know anyone you think should be featured in Short Run, please contact Tara McMeekin at 303.575.9595 or by e-mail at: tmcmeekin@newsandtech.com