Each month, our senior staff convenes, allowing the management team to review the previous month’s performance metrics.

During these meetings, we also select an employee to commend for outstanding contributions based on this data. The Employee of the Month (EOM) receives their recognition in the subsequent month.

Earlier in December, I received a call from Steven, the son of Richard Trinh, one of our long-time employees. Steven delivered the devastating news that Richard had tragically passed away in a car accident on December 10th, and his mother was severely injured and recovering in the hospital.

Richard had been gradually reducing his hours, stepping in when required, and mentoring others in the operation of his press. I promptly informed the team and began exploring the benefits JP Graphics offers, including any pending checks and PTO payments. I invited Stephen to our holiday gathering to collect Richard’s holiday gift and encouraged him to inform us of any memorial arrangements. I also offered him plenty of giveaways like our creative coloring books, which the nurses love and appreciate in exchange for their care.

We were already planning to honor another long-serving salesman, Mike Day, by retiring his shirt to the shop’s rafters. Amidst the mix of emotions, I felt immense pride in my team when Claudia Rubio proposed during our meeting that we also pay tribute to Richard for his remarkable contributions. It was a heartfelt suggestion, and all managers unanimously agreed that it was the right course of action. Joe Hasselman ensured one of Richard’s branded smocks was placed alongside Mike Day’s. We each took a moment to reflect on Richard, and it was genuinely moving.

Richard had been a part of JP Graphics since December 2006, dedicating 19 years to the company. He was the go-to expert for operating our Itek perfector, a crucial machine in the early days of print. Even when the tech bubble burst, he mastered medical and pharmaceutical documentation. Richard had an exceptional skill for handling lightweight 40lb paper, expertly balancing ink and water to prevent offset or bleed-through. He was a quiet force, consistently excelling and maintaining his press. While we were aware of his two wonderful, college-educated, married children, his funeral unveiled his connection to a large, loving family with ten siblings.

The managers’ comments about Richard were straightforward but spoke volumes about his character and work ethic.

• “Richard was diligent, whether he was working with metal or digital plates. He never complained and was unobtrusive, except you couldn’t miss him as his press was near the prepress window.” ~ Dave
• “Richard was ever reliable. If he said he’d be there, he was. He was meticulous with his paper cuts and marked his signatures clearly for bindery.” ~ Joe
• “Richard’s printing was top-notch. He consistently checked his registration and folds, ensuring nothing left his press without perfect backup. We seldom found issues and always had the right number of overs.” Norbi
• “We didn’t interact much, mainly because Richard never had problems. He clocked in, clocked out, and completed jobs punctually and on the correct stocks.” ~ Michelle/Debbie
• “I once asked Richard to back up on the 72’ press, at least for the offline AQ if needed. He wasn’t thrilled but did it because of his dedication and loyalty. He also trained others on his press, which was invaluable, as the press is being run by another pressman even now. Richard was a great guy and raised a wonderful family, whom I was lucky to meet.” ~ Joan

Richard’s son, Stephen, attended our holiday celebration and provided an update on his mother’s condition. He even joined in the festivities of “Let’s Make a Deal,” hosted by my son, Chris Chang. Stephen captured a photo of his father’s shirt proudly displayed and took home the holiday gift for his mother in the hospital, along with a bag of goodies for the nurses. Once again demonstrating that EVERYTHING IS BETTER WITH PRINT!