Doug's background: Doug started in the graphics business in 1976 as a freelance marker comp artist. After graduating from the commercial art program at Jr. College of Albany in 1981, he worked as art director and production engineer for commercial ad agencies, offset, and screen print houses. Doug purchased and operated production equipment such as stat cameras, film processors, typesetters, vinyl cutters, and design stations. He has experienced firsthand the metamorphosis from the days of pre-press paste-up through the current digital era.In 1989 Doug took a position with Hyatt's Graphic Supply as a "Gerber Specialist" and opened up a new territory for them in the MidWest. Over the next few years, he and his partner saturated the Cleveland Market with Gerber Equipment. They also created the only successful members based "Gerber Users Group” for on-going training.In 1994, after writing the E$timator™ software for the Gerber Edge®, Doug and his partner Marjorie established Graphic Marking Systems as a vehicle to sell the software. The company sold over 700 copies, which is still in use today. Other notable innovations Doug has taken a lead role in are: GMS Heavy Duty Rewinders, Armalex™ polycarbonate, Tuff Cover™ and Wet-Look™ UV laminates, High-Bond™ polyesters, Armalex™ Selective Adhesive, CONVEX® vinyl, and ModelMark™ transfer film.Doug comments, “Most of these innovations are products of our direct involvement with our customers, and the value we add before and after the sale.”