To celebrate Women’s History Month, we are highlighting some of the amazing women that make things happen here at Precision Images. Printing has historically been a male dominated field, so it might be a surprise to learn the roles women hold here at Precision Images.

This is our 4^th installment of interviews with the women of Precision Images, today we are celebrating, aka questioning, Heather Brower, as Assistant Production Manager she insures our high-quality standards and fast turnaround are second to none. She’s been here since day 1, coming along with founder’s Phil and Don when they started out.

Please explain what you do at Precision Images.

I have been the Assistant Production Manager since December 15, 2017. I am the liaison between the customer and production technicians and responsible for quality control.

Can you explain what might happen in a day at PI for you?

I distribute incoming job requests to the different departments, field questions from the production staff and if necessary, contact the client, field questions from our clients, provide quotes for upcoming projects, quality control and package outgoing products for delivery or shipping and maintain communication with our dispatcher so we can meet deadlines. I help track incoming supply orders and pull stock from the warehouse for those clients whom utilize that service. There is a LOT of walking involved! At times I can be found at the front counter working through a special request but mostly Amanda Grasseschi and Mary Justice have that covered and do an excellent job! It can get pretty intense at times and I am fortunate to work with a team of people who are well trained and dedicated.

How did you come to work here? How long have you worked here?

In 1988 I started as a delivery driver in a competing firm (working with Phil and Don) and would often work after hours in production, thus my introduction to the World of printing. In 1991 I was asked to join the team of the new company they were founding and in 1992 that became a reality. It was exciting to be a part of the business dream and experience the immediate success of hard work and determination. Around 1996 I worked for a short spell at a different firm but came back in 1997 and by 1988 I was elevated to manager of our Oak Street/Washington Street locations. I held that position for 19 years before moving to the big house. That said, I am on version Heather 2.0 so I cede my title of “longest employee” to the wonderful Patti Hanson.

Favorite things about working at PI? Favorite memory?

I love that we are a small company and that we ALL matter equally as we can’t be successful without all the cogs in the wheel. My favorite memories are of building relationships with my coworkers be it company gatherings or just day to day interaction. I cannot fail to mention bringing my pup (Niki) to work with me for 10 years, or the epic rubber band battles that have been waged throughout the story of Precision Images. I absolutely loved having the face to face interaction with clients in the smaller branch environment.

Printing is a male dominated field, have you ever had issues with that? How does it feel to work in the printing industry?

Most industries are historically male dominated, so printing isn’t unique in that experience. I mean sure, there have been instances over the past 31 years that have been uncomfortable and have only served to stoke self-determination. I don’t set the standard of my excellence based anyone’s opinion and do appreciate all I have learned from everyone who has contributed to my career. Printing can be a very intense industry at times, but it is fun rising to the challenge!

How has the industry changed over the years?

The digital age really upped the ante on what we are capable of producing and the speed with which we can turn around products. The lessening in demand for large quantities of construction sets really cut into our backbone and has altered the shape of the company. We were once four locations and have consolidated back into the original one…you could say we are more streamlined now.

How do you feel about the future of printing?

I think it is going to be fun as we continue to advance more into visual media. We can produce some pretty amazing items and are constantly pushing ourselves to think outside the box. It is going to be an interesting journey as we march into the future!

Favorite food? Favorite band or music? Favorite movie? Favorite book?

I have no favorites! I am partial to well thought out dishes prepared with a lot of heart (bonus points for spicy). I enjoy music that makes me feel happy and want to move around but appreciate many genres, it all depends on the mood. I am not a horror movie fan but enjoy a good scary book but again have no favorites, I am pretty open.