JP Graphics has never fully bounced back to pre-COVID sales levels, but the lessons we’ve learned have become the real light at the end of the tunnel. (Yes, I still joke that someone keeps moving the train farther away, but I can genuinely see the progress.)
The improvements we’ve made in our processes, our relentless focus on being the highest-quality printer, bringing fresh young talent into the industry, and cross-training everyone have truly paid off.
When business was cut in half and the tradeshows that vanished never really returned, we pivoted hard into medical and pharma print and packaging. We stepped back from the flashy embellishments we loved—like foil sleeking, dimensional UV, and digital die-cutting—reserving those for Idyll Time Wines labels, our monthly sales giveaways, and Etsy stores. Instead, we upgraded our die-cutting with two Kluges and boosted our gluing and folding capabilities.
But the smartest investment by far has been in our youth—the seeds we’ve planted that promise a strong future harvest. We brought on several young team members in bindery, turned a former intern into a full-time hire while he finishes college, added a new customer service representative, and even expanded shipping.
I’ve learned over the years that once you’re in print, you don’t leave. With that in mind, I wanted JP Graphics to thrive long after I’m gone—maybe even become employee-owned one day.
So, I started teaching “Print 101” to our new hires, helping them understand the full business from the ground up. That knowledge has raised the bar for everyone, including our veterans. When sales rebound to the levels we want in 2026, we’ll be more than ready.
This brings us to why Jonathan Barrientos, our October 2025 Employee of the Month, is already a legend in the making.
Jonathan joined us in January 2022 and caught on lightning-fast under Norbi’s guidance in bindery. He was voted EOM in February 2022—after just two months on the job! He’s been nominated by at least one manager every single month since, and selected every year: October 2023, December 2024, and now October 2025. This is his fourth time.
Jonathan has mastered nearly all the bindery equipment and has started spending time in press. He understands that you don’t have to run every machine yourself—you just need to know what each one can do to get any job finished perfectly. He follows our processes religiously, holds others accountable, and steps up wherever needed. With great pride, Norbi has begun handing over the reins of bindery to Jonathan, with Claudia’s support.
We truly have a franchise player here, someone who can lift JP Graphics to new heights in 2026. Just listen to what his managers say:
- “He is everywhere, learning and getting things done.” ~ Claudia
- “Jonathan works well with others. He is truly the right-hand man with a get-it-done attitude.” ~ Debbie
- “He is really stepping up. I now work with him on layouts for bindery—as we always start from the finish and work our way back here at JP Graphics.” ~ Dave
- “Jonathan is always smiling, nice, and never has issues with timeclocks or anything.” ~ Michelle
- “”With Jonathan working on the production side the veteran employees have become more accountable.” ~ Joe
- “I see a future with Jonathan. He is someone that could run the whole show one day—all he needs is a sales team to feed production, and he will get it done! More importantly, he is lifting up the other young employees, helping them learn more so they can do more.” ~ Joan
It’s often said, “The best way to predict the future is to create it.”
Jonathan’s impressive track record of achievements and the exceptional caliber of leader he’s becoming make this quote feel tailor-made for him. He’s doing precisely that—for himself, for our team, and for our industry.
Keep leading the way, Jonathan—and reminding us all that everything is better with print!
