Coffee Corner with Lindsay Hujsak, MBM Corporation CEO & President

This month, we took a moment to have a virtual coffee with President and CEO of MBM Corporation Lindsay Hujsak. In our interview with the 17-year printing and finishing pro, we covered everything from the state of the industry to what innovations to look out for and what the future may hold. 

Say “Hey” to Lindsay Hujsak 

Lindsay started her professional and industry journey as a sales representative at MBM Corporation (MBM) 17 years ago. She has since grown herself as a printing pro, eventually becoming the company’s CEO and President in 2022. Lindsay is truly fascinated by print and how it affects the world around us. Her passion for her work at MBM primarily lies in how “[print] is a powerful link in the chain, transforming ideas into something we can hold, interact with, and be influenced by.”  From packaging to pamphlets, Lindsay loves the way print can impact the world and how the machines she sells at MBM facilitate the process. 

About MBM Corporation, in Lindsay’s Words 

“MBM Corporation has served the print finishing world for a remarkable 88 years! Founded back in 1936, we got our start in the heart of New York City. (Fun fact for you – a young Barbara Streisand even graced our front desk before launching her legendary career – goes to show we all start somewhere, right?).  

In 1987, we set down our roots in sunny South Carolina, where we've thrived ever since. Here, we've built a close-knit company culture that feels like one big, happy family. It's no surprise we have numerous employees who've dedicated over 30 years to MBM – there's a running joke that ‘once you join MBM, you never leave!’.” 

Our Interview with MBM 

Below you can find our interview with MBM. Lindsay brings us through some of her favorite print and finishing innovations, some of her company's priorities this for this year and years to come, as well as providing her answer to the question, “is print a dying art?” 

What is it about your current industry that spoke to you and enticed you to join?  

“While I may not have come from a print finishing background, my passion for sales has always drawn me to industries where I can truly believe in the products I represent. That's exactly how I feel about MBM!  

When I first learned about our Destroyit Shredders and Triumph Cutters, I was impressed not just by their functionality, but by the legacy of quality behind them. These German-engineered machines are renowned within the industry for being top-of-the-line. Sure, they might come with a premium price tag, but here's the thing: you're not just buying a shredder or cutter, you're investing in a workhorse built to last. It's a one-time purchase that delivers years of reliable service, saving you money in the long run.” 

How do you feel the health of the industry has been in the last few years?  

“The ‘paperless office’ myth? Busted! Sure, some things have gone digital, but there's still a mountain of paper out there, and that means our industry is far from dead.  

Think about it: all that printed information, from legal documents to financial records, needs a secure end. Sending it out for shredding? Risky business! That's where in-house shredders like Destroyit come in. They're not just machines, they're personal security agents for your confidential documents. Plus, who can resist the satisfying "Garr-chomp" of a Destroyit shredder devouring a stack of paper? It's a mini stress-relief session every time! Stand up, get those steps in, watch your documents disappear – it's a win-win!  

Now, let's talk about the cutting industry – buckle up because it's about to take off! Businesses are realizing the benefits of bringing cutting jobs in-house, and Triumph Cutters are the perfect partners for this mission. They're compact powerhouses – safe, easy to use, and built to last. But the real game-changer is our VRCut software! It takes the guesswork out of cutting, eliminates blade anxiety, and ensures perfect results every time. It's like having a personal cutting assistant in your software!” 

What are your future predictions for the industry?   

“I see a world where technology and software become even more sophisticated, transforming our machines into intelligent assistants. These advancements won't just make machines more powerful; they'll empower our workforce. With streamlined workflows and intuitive interfaces, current staff will become efficiency ninjas! It's an exciting time to be in this industry, and I can't wait to see what the future holds.” 

What’s the biggest current challenge in the industry? How did your team address this?  

“The print finishing industry is a competitive landscape, that's for sure! There are plenty of excellent players out there, all fighting for a piece of the pie. But here at MBM, we rise to the challenge by focusing on what we do best: delivering exceptional quality and unparalleled customer support.  

We understand that exceptional service is equally important. That's why we boast lightning-fast shipping, keep inventory of machines and parts fully stocked, and have a team of in-house service technicians ready to tackle any challenge. Our dedicated inside and outside sales representatives are your personal guides through the entire process, ensuring you have the right equipment and the knowledge to use it effectively.” 

What changes have you seen in your industry that have surprised you the most? How did your team pivot?  

“One thing that genuinely surprises me in this industry is the influx of new, inexpensive paper cutters and shredders. It can be tempting to save money upfront, but safety should always be the top priority.  

At MBM, we take safety very seriously. That's why our [machinery] is built to the industry's highest safety standards. We believe in peace of mind, and that starts with knowing your equipment is designed with your well-being in mind. Our team has always prioritized educating our customers on the importance of safety over initial cost.” 

What advice do you have for someone new in the industry? Advice for someone experienced?  

“For Someone New: 

Embrace the Transformation: The print finishing industry might not be what it once was, but that's exciting! It's evolving into a world of innovative technology and automation. Embrace this change and see it as an opportunity to gain experience and grow alongside the industry. 

For Experienced Professionals: 

Stay Ahead of the Curve: Technology is constantly evolving. Dedicate time to learning about new advancements in machinery and software. This will keep you sharp and make you an asset in the industry.” 

What product does your company currently sell that’s quickly becoming a favorite of yours?  

“I'm truly fascinated by the AeroDieCut! It's a game-changer for short-run digital print finishing.  Think about it – traditionally, die-cutting requires bulky, complex machines. The AeroDieCut takes those old "windmill" units and injects them with modern sensibilities. It allows you to keep using your existing dies, but in a safe and user-friendly environment – that's a win-win!  

The AeroDieCut is designed with ease-of-use in mind. Anyone can operate it safely and efficiently, opening new possibilities for smaller businesses and print shops.  

The AeroDieCut is still taking flight here in the US, but I have a feeling it's going to soar. It represents the future of print finishing – safe, efficient, and accessible. I can't wait to see how it transforms the industry in the years to come!” 

Where do you see your company in the next year? In the next five?  

“I see MBM continuing to rise in the Print Finishing Industry over the next couple of years. Our [equipment] has long been industry leaders, renowned for their German engineering and exceptional durability. This commitment to quality will continue to be a cornerstone of our success. 

The AeroCut Slitter, Cutter, Creaser line is poised for a breakout year.  With the user-friendly Intellicut Software, even those new to design can create professional-looking projects with ease. This combination of innovative machinery and intuitive software is a game-changer for short-run print finishing, and I believe it will be a major driver of our growth. 

Looking ahead five years, I see MBM at the forefront of the print finishing revolution. We'll be at the cutting edge (pun intended!) of technological advancements, constantly refining our products and developing new solutions to meet the evolving needs of our clients. I can imagine using real-time data to optimize cutting jobs and minimize waste. That's the future we're working towards! By staying true to our core values of quality, innovation, and customer service, MBM is positioned for a bright future. I'm excited to be part of this journey and witness how we continue to shape the print finishing landscape.” 

What goals does your company have for the year end?  

“At MBM, we're all about exceeding expectations, and that means finishing 2024 on a high note. MBM has always been a leader in the print finishing industry, and we plan to solidify that position in 2024. We'll be actively participating in industry events, sharing our expertise, and fostering strong relationships with our partners. 

These are just a few of the goals that are keeping us motivated and energized here at MBM. We're confident that by working together as a team, we'll not only finish 2024 strong, but also lay the foundation for even greater success in the years to come.” 

Do you have anything else you would like to share?  

“Absolutely! At MBM, we're passionate about empowering businesses of all sizes to achieve their print finishing goals. We don't just sell machines; we offer a complete solution, from pre-press all the way to post-press. 

Think of us as your one-stop shop for everything print finishing! We have industry-leading shredders and cutters, innovative software solutions like Intellicut and VRCut, and a dedicated customer service team that's always there to support equipment. So, whether you're a seasoned print professional or just starting out, MBM has you covered. We're here to help you turn your ideas into reality, with confidence and efficiency. Join us on this exciting journey, and let's transform the world of print finishing together!” 

Conclusion 

It is clear from our conversation that innovation and optimization are going to continue to be at the core of MBM Corporation. As the industry continues to make new hardware and software for a safer, faster, and more intuitive printing and finishing process we are proud to make MBMs support and are excited to see what they will do next!