Member Spotlight on Ash Abbott
Member Spotlight on ASH ABBOTT
Owner of Mpress and Recipient of the 2007 Marshall Klein Award
Interview conducted by Winnie Hart, Communications Director
Please tell us briefly about your company.
Mpress
is a printing firm created from the merger of three of New Orleans'
most long-standing printing companies, resulting in one dynamic,
nationally competing printing firm. It is currently the premier
full-service print provider in our region, competing effectively in the
national arena. Over 25% of our revenues are generated from
non-regional customers.
So why did you join EO and how long have you been a member?
Because
it's an instant network - being with peers and getting knowledge from
being around people like me. I joined in January 2005 through Kevin
Langley and Jude Olinger's passion for EO.
How did you come up with an original idea for your business?
I majored in Graphics and worked for a printing company for 12 years and then Monahan (now Mpress) was for sale...
What do you like best about your business?
I love that we manufacture a product and seeing the final product and customer satisfaction.
How much money did you have to invest to start your business?
$1,000,000
What are your current annual revenues and number of employees?
$8.1 million in 2007; 63 employees
What is your proudest accomplishment(s) to date in your business?
Putting
3 long-running businesses together and reinvesting in the city, moving
forward, and jump-starting a $3 million company to $8 million.
When did you first realize you were going to be an entrepreneur?
After college, I bought a house and had 2 renters. We also had a family-owned business, a travel agency from 1970-1987.
What is your proudest accomplishment in your entire life?
My family - my wife and kids. She supports me in every business decision and we have two great kids.
Why do you think you have been successful?
My employees. They are people that want to be here and want to make it succeed. I have good people around me.
What is something that most people don't know about you?
I am into video games - especially Zelda and Nintendo.
What is something you hope will be written about you in your obituary?
That I was a good friend to anyone and everyone.
On a lighter note, what do you do for fun these days?
I play softball and soccer with OTMAC athletic club.
Got anything big coming up on the horizon for you personally or with business that you want to share?
Set up a BHAG of $50,000,000 within 20 years.
Who has the biggest influence on your life?
Besides my wife, Kelley - Professionally: Bill Dent, General Manager of Walle Corp.
If you could spend an entire day with one person, who would it be?
Any NFL owner during football season.
What advice would you give to young entrepreneurs?
Dedication is part of it; relationships is the majority. My success is from relationships.
How long has your company been in operation?
Since 2003 (a collective 60 years plus with existing businesses - since 1947)
