CFBC: What year was your company founded?
BG: 1953

CFBC: Tell us a little bit of the history behind the company?
BG: Corporate Graphics of America, Inc. actually started as Printing Inc. by my grandfather William Goers. It was a small letter press shop that mainly made stationary, business cards, etc. Printing Inc. was on the first floor of my grandparents building, while the family lived in the apartments above. When my grandfather died my grandmother assumed control of the business while my father ran it. In 1992, my father purchased it, and it then became Corporate Graphics of America, Inc. a fully customized commercial printing company. Years later my mother (Mary Goers) would join it, and I would become a full time employee when I graduated in 2008.

CFBC: What family members work with you in the business (if any)?
BG: There have been a variety of family members that have worked there over the years. As of today, it is my parents and I.

CFBC: How did you hear about the CFBC and what motivated you to join?
BG: My parents were members when the organization was at UIC. I did not really know anything about it until Judy Hogel stopped by our office. That was the first time I really learned anything about it. While sitting down with Judy and my mom I was “informed” I would be joining. Looking back at the first year I am very happy that I did join.

CFBC: How has CFBC helped your company succeed?
BG: Through forum and a few of the events, I have gained valuable advice on how to handle relationships, people, and processes. In addition, they have introduced me to other members where business relationships are beginning to grow.

CFBC: What has been the most rewarding aspect of your experience with your forum and the CFBC?
BG: I believe that the most rewarding part of being a member is the other members of my forum. They are all highly intelligent people that offer great insight while being very supportive. I have learned many things from each of them and I greatly value them as professionals and as people.

CFBC: Is there one thing you have learned from being a member of CFBC that has impacted your business or your life the most?
BG: Probably that it is not the fact that you need to react, but how you react to situations that occur in business.

CFBC: What do you enjoy doing in your free time?
BG: Well, I am an avid Bears and Blackhawks fan, so watching the games with family and friends is always fun. I enjoy craft beer, so I am always looking to try whatever is out there. When I am not thinking about improving the Corporate Graphics brand I am experimenting with brewing beer. If I can make something good enough maybe we will switch from printing and graphics to brewing beer.

CFBC: What one book would you recommend to your fellow CFBC members?
BG: The Fountainhead by Ayn Rand. I am currently in the middle of it but it is very good so far.

CFBC: Name one person who had the biggest impact on you as a leader?
BG: I would have to say my father. He has shown me the best and not so best aspects of being a leader. In addition, a good leader is not above any task and he has demonstrated that time and time again.

CFBC: Describe your ideal customer?
BG: My ideal customer is any business owner or business, looking to market their business, build their brand, and keep themselves “top of mind” of their target audience. I typically work with marketing/communications professionals, graphic designers, sales departments, etc. My job is to provide unique experiences for a business/brand’s target audience establishing it as the premium brand in that particular marketplace.

CFBC: How does your Company celebrate successes?
BG: We are big fans of the pizza party.

CFBC: What are your plans for the future?
BG: I am currently trying to build the company to improve our status as a printing company, but I would also like to transform us into a marketing/advertising firm.

CFBC: What was your first job?
BG: My first job was being a lifeguard. Technically, my career began at the age of three where I learned to count by counting press sheets.

CFBC: Do you have a favorite song?
BG: “Jumpin’ Jack Flash” Rolling Stones
“Just a Friend” Biz Markie
“One Bourban, One Scotch, and One Beer” George Thouroughgood.

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