Print Consulting Services - Client Testimonials

Strategic Transactions

"Last Friday I received the second payment from the new owners of DiCarlo Printing and I began to consider how thankful I am that it is all behind me and how it all came about. When our daughter, the manager and only family member who really understood the industry, let me know she had a great job offer that she wanted to pursue, I knew we would need help. She recommended we contact NAPL and, within a few days, I had a contract describing services and fees in my hands with an action plan. . . . I feel very fortunate that. . .we had the professionals at NAPL beside us during what surely would have been a fretful and confusing time alone. My family and I thank you and your staff for all your efforts in bringing this transaction together for us."

--John DiCarlo, DiCarlo Printing

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"John Hyde and Bruce Perlstein of NAPL Consulting Services were a tremendous help to me in the recent sale of my business. Their experience in the 'ins and outs' of the graphic communications industry, their understanding of the true value of my company, and their ability to help me separate my emotions form the practical concerns that needed to be addressed played a pivotal role in the smooth completion of the sale. They also helped me keep the buyers on track by offering 'gentle' guidance that kept the transaction moving to a successful conclusion. I couldn't imagine having to go through this complicated and emotional process without them."

--Allan Griswold, Griswold Printing

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"I was very pleased with the way John Hyde of NAPL steered us through the process [of acquiring a firm] from our initial inquiries through the close. They recommended legal and CPA resources to us and did an excellent job of keeping the process moving and seeing that buyer or seller issues and questions were deal with quickly and appropriately.

They were realistic and practical and kept negotiations moving and productive. They were a patient liaison between us and the sellers and acted to keep sometimes difficult negotiations on track and cordial. Their experience coupled with a realistic and practical approach kept to a minimum what could have become very high legal and accounting costs. I would be very comfortable dealing with NAPL in the future were I planning either to sell my business or acquire another."

--John Winter, The Ink Spot

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"When I sold my holdings in my company, Data Communiqué International, three years ago, I had been growing the business through a series of successful acquisitions for a number of years. John Hyde and Bruce Perlstein provided invaluable help to me through every phase of this process, from determining the strategic fit of potential targets to structuring the best possible terms. John particularly shined at handling the 'people side' of the equation--a critical component of any transaction. He smoothed the way by anticipating my concerns and those of the companies being acquired, resolving any issues that arose before they became crises, paving the way for a successful conclusion to the transaction."

--Jeff Riback, former owner and CEO,

Data Communiqué International

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"John Hyde's and Bruce Perlstein's guidance in the liquidation of our family business was invaluable. It's not easy to entrust someone with 50 years of your life, but they quickly earned our trust. Their attentiveness, support, and patience, coupled with their in-depth knowledge of the graphic communications industry, gave me peace of mind and helped see me through a difficult time with the best results possible."

--Arthur Maranian, Jr., Maran Printing

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"As all too many printers today know, closing a business is never a welcome prospect, even when the decision to close is well-founded. When that business is a family business, as mine was, the process is even more difficult. But I was fortunate to find the guidance I needed to make an organized, graceful exit from ownership of my family-owned publications printing company through NAPL Consulting Services.
"John Hyde and Bruce Perlstein helped me navigate a clear course through the dizzying array of issues involved, making a difficult time a little easier and a lot less confusing. They earned my trust and confidence by using their in-depth understanding of the graphic communications industry to answer by questions, ease my concerns, and ultimately make a smooth exit from ownership. I can recommend them with confidence to any graphic communications company seeking guidance in evaluating and implementing strategic options for their business."

--Robert Gray, Gray Printing

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"I have known John Hyde for a number of years and have found him to be one of the most knowledgeable and networked financial advisors in our industry. The experience John has specific to our industry is unique. There is nothing more frustrating than dealing with financial advisors who have no experience within the printing industry."

--Jim Stiles, Velocity Print Communications

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"Not too long ago, our once-successful company was on a downward spiral with no end in sight. We knew we had to do something but didn't know what. The best decision we made was to engage John Hyde and Bruce Perlstein of NAPL Consulting Services. They assessed the situation immediately and used their vast experience and contacts in the graphic communications industry to show us strategic options we would not have considered otherwise.

"Within just 43 days, they implemented the sale of our intangibles, guiding us through every step of the transaction process. Their unparalleled contacts in the industry enabled them to work effectively with potential acquirers, our bank, and vendors in arranging a 'graceful exit' for us. Thanks to NAPL Consulting Services, we were able to preserve some of what we had worked to hard to build and become part of a successful company in the region."

--Trudy Schliefer, Contempo Press

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"My search for a business consultant with the expertise and know-how to guide me through the sale of my family printing business led me to the right choice--NAPL Consulting Services. The guidance and assistance of John Hyde and Bruce Perlstein surpassed anything a general business analyst could have provided. Because they are industry veterans, John and Bruce know the problems--and opportunities--facing today's printing companies.
"They used their in-depth knowledge of the graphic communications marketplace in pointing out how to preserve value in the company and identifying areas where more value could be derived from assets I hadn't even considered.
"Once potential buyers were identified, they guided me through the minefield of issues--both financial and emotional--entailed in selling a third-generation family business. As a result, a smooth transfer of ownership was made to the appropriate buyer, and I am confident that the right choice was made for my employees, customers, vendors, and my family."

--John Walczak, Star Press, Inc.

Operations

"I am pleased to provide this letter of recommendation for the consulting services. . .the NAPL team provided in answering some critical strategic questions in analyzing our print operations. For several months, the NAPL team visited our various plants and worked remotely with out staff. Howie [Fenton] performed the operational analysis and was the team leader. .The final report [on continuing internal print operations vs. outsourcing] exceeded our expectations in the depth of its findings, the crispness of its recommendations and the ability with which to make an informed business decision. . .I would highly recommend Howie and the consulting service of NAPL to help solve any print operation problem you face. We are a very satisfied client."

--Robert E. Puissant, School Specialty

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"Without hesitation, I recommend NAPL's Howard Fenton for his consulting and training services. Howie has been working with us for over a year on various projects, and the results of each interaction have been very beneficial."

--Edward Lackman, Page Imaging

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"NAPL presented us with some out-of-the-box solutions which we have already implemented. we would highly recommend their high-caliber consultants, whom we plan to call upon again as we continue our growth process."

--Ann Mitchell, CBS Music

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"Howard Fenton of NAPL completed a short consult for us. His style and ability to communicate substantially enhanced his delivery of the technical 'stuff' he's so good at. He understands egos, turf, and personality differences. . .all part of the consultant's daily challenges. He was able to work with our Tech folks as well as with our Sales Team on helping us grasp and capitalize on technology."

--James A. Adams, West Lawn Printing

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"It is a pleasure to recommend NAPL's Howard Fenton as an electronic prepress consultant. We were very impressed with his knowledge, the speed with which he responded, and the thoroughness of his report and plan to use him in the future so that we can concentrate on designing and publishing with the assurance that someone familiar with our operation and our politics is keeping an eye on technological advancements for us."

--Mary Lockney, International Foundation of

Employee Benefit Plans

For information on how NAPL Print Consulting Services can help your company achieve its strategic objectives, contact Tim Fischer at 800.642.6275, ext. 6376, or tfischer@napl.org.