John Kramer

Print Shop Supervisor

About John

What do you do at MPIC?

Print Shop Supervisor   

What are your credentials/education/experience for working in your position?

I grew up in the printing industry. My maternal grandfather was a hot type setter during the great depression and during that time he had a house built. When I was about 9 or 10 years old, he told me that, “people will always need printing, in good times and bad” and that has always stuck with me. My father just fell into printing and that is when I started to get my hands on training. His forte was in plant print shops and managing them, he retired from managing Sears in plant shop. I would go to work with him from the age of 12 on, that’s when I knew that would be my career. So, me, myself have been in the field for 40+ years doing everything from delivery/bindery to production manager to owning and operating my own shop.

What is something people in your industry must deal with that you want to fix?

Education, I believe in educating the customers on the process it takes to fulfill their needs. Educating them makes both are jobs easier and the process smoother.

What do you like about working at MPIC?

The people, from everyone in corporate to working with the inmates has been a great working atmosphere!

What’s your background?

I grew up in the Midwest (Chicago). What I remember the most as a child was playing in the allies, everyone in the neighborhood knew you and your family. Playing sports was big, leaving the house when the sun came up, and not going home until the street lights came on. My favorite food is all Chicago food, there is nothing else like it!

Favorite Quote:

“Creativity is contagious, Pass it on”-Albert Einstein

What are the values that drive you?

I believe in honesty and truth. Don’t lie, cheat or steal. Always be honest and tell the truth! People may not like it all the time, but they will respect you for it. All you have in life is your word and what it represents.

Your top favorite Podcasts/Books?

I mainly only read articles on wood working and the printing/graphic arts industries to keep in touch of this ever changing field.

What do you enjoy doing when you are not working?

When I’m not working… I spend as much time as I can with my 4 year old grandson. If and when he is not occupying my time, I am always doing/creating something with my hands. I enjoy wood working, graphic design and vinyl cutting, home repair from electrical to drywall to plumbing. I enjoy working on cars and motorcycles to small engines. I like taking things that are broken and making them work.