John Hrdlick wins NAPIM Ink Pioneer Award
John Hrdlick, chief operating officer (COO) of INX International, was honored with a Printing Ink Pioneer Award from the National Association of Printing Ink Manufacturers (NAPIM) at its annual convention, which was held April 6-9 in Bonita Springs, Florida.
Hrdlick has spent 36 of his 39 years in the industry connected to INX and was promoted to the position of COO a year ago.
After starting in the industry in 1974 with Sinclair Valentine Ink Company, Hrdlick moved to Acme Printing in Milwaukee in 1977 as a third shift worker. Acme later became part of INX International when it was one of the first North American acquisitions made by Sakata INX.
In 1995, he was promoted to south-east region manager before being named vice-president for the same region a year later. In 1999 he was made vice-president of the sheet-fed division, before he was transferred to the INX headquarters in suburban Chicago in 2000.
Over the last decade, Hrdlick has continued to be promoted, including election to the INX board of directors in 2008 and to senior vice-president of field operations a year later.
In 2010, he was handed the responsibility of overseeing INX operations in Canada, before taking over as COO in April 2012 to oversee all INX operating facilities in North America.
INX International president and chief executive officer Rick Clendenning said: ‘John’s career is full of accomplishments and he is very deserving of this award. His hard work and dedication landed him a number of opportunities throughout the years and he responded by making the very best of each one.
‘I think John’s success is due to him being a quick study. He learned our industry and the trade very well.
‘John has helped many people over the years and is one of the most respected executives at INX and in the industry. His management skills and knowledge of our product lines and manufacturing techniques is tremendous,’ added Clendenning.
‘During his career, John has always attended industry conferences, supported the local trade associations and was involved in with the local Printing Ink Production and Litho Clubs in Milwaukee, Charlotte, Philadelphia and Atlanta. His lifelong promotion of the graphic arts industry included participation in college career events where he encouraged involvement in the manufacturing trade.
‘He is a true pioneer and I’m happy to have NAPIM recognize him with this award.’
Pictured (from left): Kitty and Rick Clendenning; Dawn and John Hrdlick; and Rick and Peggy Westrom
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