What was your first job in the newspaper business?

My introduction to the newspaper industry was as a press operator trainee on a six-unit doublewide 1939 Wood-Hoe letterpress. It came complete with mat roller and a lead pot for melting and repouring lead plates, each of which weighed around 40 pounds per page.

What do you like most about your job?

I enjoy dealing with the issues associated with the daily production of newspapers. I’m also proud about being a part of something that has evolved as much as our industry has in the past 40 years.

What do you like least?

The rare phone calls from our managers in the middle of the night demanding an explanation of why the papers will be late to our customers.

What was Florida Today’s most recent purchase/installation?

We purchased an eXaminer automatic color registration control system from CC1 Inc., which monitors and adjusts the color alignment throughout the press run on each web. We also added automatic blanket washers.

What is the biggest challenge Florida Today is facing in production?

Finding the time to perform the necessary maintenance needed to keep the equipment running properly and also to create a succession plan to develop the future generation of pressroom operators and managers.

What trend are you keeping your eye on?

Technological enhancements to the production equipment and the industry’s move to reduce web widths even further.  How far do we go?

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