As Chief Operating Officer, Andy Billett plans and directs all aspects of the organization’s strategy and operational policies, objectives and initiatives. With 25 years in the print industry, Andy brings extensive leadership experience and opportunities to Walsworth.
Thank you. I’ve been in this business in various capacities for nearly 25 years, starting my career at Taylor Corporation. I began with them in Pennsylvania and relocated several times, leading different business units, companies, acquisitions and turnarounds. I have led everything from sales, marketing, operations and IT to production. My roles often involved setting up operations both domestically and internationally, among other responsibilities. I led various operations that produced fine stationery, greeting cards, business cards, letterhead, envelopes, food and beverage labels, forms, books, presentation folders, 3M Post-it Notes® and much more, from which I gained extensive experience with numerous printing processes and techniques.
During my tenure at Taylor, I focused primarily on their scholastic business, which encompasses everything from yearbooks to class and championship rings, diplomas and covers, announcements, accessories and regalia. I’ve always had a passion for the school market and felt honored to be part of some of our customers’ most cherished memories.
After Taylor and during the pandemic, I joined Chewy.com, where I helped launch two of their new second-generation, highly automated fulfillment centers. These operations were 1 million square feet with over 1,200 team members and operated 24/7. I helped develop the leadership and shift structures, standard work, key operational metrics and essentially everything necessary to launch these new sites.
While I learned a lot at Chewy and would not trade that experience, I did not have the same passion that I had for printing and serving the school markets. After a little less than four years, I had the opportunity to join Jostens and led their yearbook plant in Clarksville, Tennessee, for the last two yearbook seasons.
After being contacted about a possibility at Walsworth, and then visiting the Marceline area and meeting Don Sr., Don, and the team, I felt an immediate connection. Everything just felt right.
Meeting Don Sr., Don, and the team at Marceline made me feel at home. Unlike the private equity environment at my previous employer, Walsworth reminded me of my days at Taylor – genuine, honest and sincere. The values and culture at Walsworth are very strong, and Don Sr. and Don have a compelling growth strategy for the future. Discussing this strategy and my potential role, and how I can help the team achieve it, drew me in.
Walsworth is known in the industry for solid delivery, communications and relationships with their schools and commercial customers. They are also known as a financially stable, family-owned company with high values, morals and ethics. They are not owned by private equity like the major competitors, which sets Walsworth apart as the company can consistently focus on customers and make good business decisions with a long-term horizon.
I see a company with good people and numerous opportunities for improvement, especially in terms of equipment, hard assets and technology. The yearbook business is challenging, akin to trench warfare at times. I was also surprised by the size of the commercial business, which constitutes about 50% of the company. This steady commercial business is another attractive growth opportunity.
In the yearbook market, the dynamics are shifting with some of our major competitors, presenting unique opportunities that come along once a decade. Additionally, there’s potential for growth in the commercial sector both organically and through acquisitions. Digital inkjet technology, AI and other innovations can help transform sales, marketing and the customer experience.
I love the print business because it allows you to create something from scratch. Printing is a blend of art and science, requiring creativity and expertise. There are many ways to achieve the same result, but there’s always one best way, and aligning around that is key.
My first 30 days will focus on getting to know the team, leaders and employees. I plan to visit all locations to understand current operations, key projects and initiatives. I also need to understand the current key metrics for each business location, etc. Walsworth is solid and well-performing, which is great. My approach will be to learn, ask questions and then formulate a plan in partnership with key leaders.
Teams are essential, and a dysfunctional team is painful. I value relationships, engagement and involving others. Leaders don’t have all the answers; the answers lie within our teams across various departments. We need to foster an environment where people feel comfortable challenging the status quo and sharing ideas, followed by responsive action. Building strong relationships and teams has always been a priority for me.
As COO, I will focus on Operational Efficiency, Quality Control, Financial Performance, Technology and Innovation, Employee Engagement and Development and the overall Customer Experience.
Andy and Heather
My partner Heather and I appreciate small-town life. Heather is originally from a smaller town in south central Minnesota and over the years we’ve both lived in bustling cities; however, we find the tranquility of rural areas much more appealing. After visiting Marceline and the surrounding communities, we found the residents here very warm and welcoming. There’s a sense of hometown pride in the area, and we love to see the family businesses and slower pace of life. We’re looking forward to calling this area home for many years to come.
Andy’s rescue cats Lovie and Bella
I am originally from Pennsylvania and my parents and brother still live there. I have one son, Grayson, who is a senior at Arizona State University, majoring in Actuarial Sciences. Heather and I met in Minnesota and have been together for seven years. We have two rescue cats.
I like to cook, garden and do outdoor activities like hiking and backpacking. Every other year, I try to go on a surfing trip. I grew up near the coast and have always loved surfing. I also play the drums. I have been a drummer since middle school and still enjoy cranking it out.
We typically visit Avalon or Stone Harbor in New Jersey, Rehoboth Beach in Delaware, or Hilton Head, South Carolina.
When Andy isn’t working, he loves to surf.
I grew up in York, Pennsylvania, about two hours from the beach. My grandparents lived at the beach, so we visited often, and I spent many summers there as a child. I attended Clemson for its top-rated horticulture program, earning a degree in horticulture with an emphasis in genetic engineering. As a collegiate research project, I contributed to the gene sequencing for the strawberries that are used in every jar of Smucker’s strawberry jam.
Initially, yes. However, advancing in horticulture typically requires an advanced degree and I was ready to enter the workforce. Upon graduation, I managed a large commercial greenhouse but eventually transitioned to Taylor, where I applied my process improvement skills from horticulture (the scientific method) to printing. This transition marked the beginning of my long and fulfilling career in the print industry.
I designed, manufactured and delivered the World Championship Rings for three of the WNBA’s Minnesota Lynx Championships.
My favorite is The Travels of William Bartram, with The Innovator’s Dilemma a close second.
I don’t watch much TV, but I occasionally enjoy streaming. Recent favorites include Kim’s Convenience, Colin from Accounts, Killing Eve (Seasons 1-3), Band of Brothers and The Pacific.
I grow a lot of different things: numerous herbs, tomatoes, cucumbers, watermelon, squash, brussels sprouts, peach trees, blueberry bushes, pollinator flowers and native plants, to name a few.
Heather and I enjoy making Mexican food, Italian food and various from scratch soups.
It would probably say, “I prefer tea.”
I’m most proud of the leaders and people I’ve mentored who have ascended to significant leadership positions. Developing people and helping them achieve their goals is something I enjoy and is a highlight of my career.
I am truly looking forward to getting to know everyone, and Heather and I are excited to be part of the community. I’m ready to start and help the Walsworth team succeed.
