What is your organization, and what does it do:

 Our company is Simpsons Printing and Label, we are a printing and graphics company in Rapid City and Gillette, Wyoming. We collaborate with customers on custom printing, label and graphics projects to meet all their marketing needs. 

How did you get where you are now in your career:

Personally, I started working here quite young since Im a third generation owner of the company. Its been a lifelong journey of just trying to learn daily about ourselves, our customers and the industry as a whole in how best to keep growing and improving. 

What are the differences between running an organization in the Black Hills and another area, in your opinion:

Running a business in the Black Hills region for us a unique situation compared to much of the country because of isolation. Because we are far from the nearest industry hub, obtaining technical on-site help, as well as managing extra shipping costs and lead times, is difficult. But that’s also a blessing because we don’t have to compete with companies that are 10x our size just down the street, as you would in a big metro area. 

How do you feel the world has changed over the time you’ve been in your industry:

 The change in our industry is happening at a dizzying pace. For us we just have to keep focused on the improvements that we can manage and know that our great customer base and the communities we serve are supporting us in what we are trying to do. We certainly can’t bury our heads in the sand regarding how the world is changing, but we also shouldn’t get caught up chasing every new fad. Planning takes time and patience to do correctly, it’s something that I spend a lot of time on. 

What’s the internal culture like at your work, and how do you feel it compares with similar organizations:

Culture here is very important to us but I’m sure it’s not perfect. We work in a high-pressure, fast-paced environment, so there isn’t much leftover time in the day for meetings if that makes sense. Working together as a team is important, and we try to care for our employees and their culture together the best we can. Our Industry can be pretty stressful with the demands of custom manufacturing, and everyone struggles with the ups and downs. Collectively, company culture is all over the board but leaders are trying to move things in a positive direction. 

How does your organization interact with the local community:

For the community, we are heavily involved in local non-profits, kids’ activities, fine arts, church ministry and missions. Many of the things we try to support with the company involve children.

What impact are you looking to leave on the world:

Leaving an impact on the world—wow, that is a question. A little while ago, I came across a statement that really stuck with me. It’s too long to put here but the summary is: have the courage to live a quiet life all for God’s Glory and soon be forgotten.