From Stacker to Specialist: Anton’s Label Journey & Why Quality Always Wins

When you walk down a store aisle and pick up a perfectly printed, precisely cut label, you probably don’t think about the person who made it. But behind that product’s presentation is a story of skill, problem-solving, and, in this case, unexpected career growth.

Anton Concepcion didn’t enter the printing world with dreams of mastering the pressroom. In fact, in 2006, his plan was to become a paramedic. But life had other ideas. At 19, broke and looking for something that paid more than his current gig, he spotted a job posting for a position in a print shop. The work? Stacking sheets coming off a flexographic press.

Learning from a Mentor
That entry-level job came with an invaluable bonus: a mentor named Colin. Recognizing Anton’s curiosity and quick learning, Colin encouraged him to master the machinery. Soon, Anton was running the presses himself, learning the nuances of CMYK printing, plate changes, registration, and how the slightest pressure variation could make or break print quality.

“I picked up a book called Flexographic Printing 101 from Chapters,” Anton recalls. “That’s when I realized this wasn’t just a job - it was interesting.”

Rising Through the Ranks
Over time, Anton became a jack-of-all-trades in the shop - handling press maintenance, organizing jobs by substrate and finish to reduce costly setup times, and ensuring maximum efficiency. He eventually managed entire shifts, overseeing both people and machines.

Efficiency, Anton says, is just half the equation. “It’s also about quality. I always tell my team: put yourself in the customer’s shoes. If you were buying it, would you want it to look like this?”

The Technical Side of Excellence
Running high-quality digital printing isn’t just hitting the ‘start’ button. Anton explains the three-step process - printing, finishing, and rewinding/quality control - and the pitfalls at each stage, from oil dropouts in HP Indigo presses to lamination wrinkles. His team’s goal: catch and correct defects before they ever leave the building.

Finding Satisfaction in the Work
For Anton, the real reward comes when he’s out shopping and sees a product with a label he helped produce. “Your work is on that shelf helping someone sell their product. You were part of their success story.”

What began as “just a job” turned into a career because Anton embraced learning, took pride in craftsmanship, and stayed focused on both speed and quality.

Takeaway for Businesses:
A strong mentor, continuous learning, and a focus on both efficiency and quality can transform an entry-level employee into an irreplaceable expert. And when that expert is running your label production, your product - and your brand - stand out.