Account Executive Gary Firak didn’t choose the wide-format printing industry; it chose him. After earning an Integrated Marketing Communications degree from Illinois State University, Gary worked in the mortgage industry for several years before switching to wide-format graphics. He became an account executive for multiple large printing companies, coordinating an average of 20+ installs a week. “I really didn’t have a background in this industry, but I have really come to enjoy it,” he said. “The mortgage industry was very much by the book and extremely repetitive.”
Gary has no such problems at ER2. He never knows what his day will be like when he arrives at work, and he likes it that way. “The only constant is that each morning will bring more opportunities to help our customers achieve their goals,” he said. “A strong attention to detail helps me pull this off, but I couldn’t deliver on my promises without the solid team of professionals I get to work with in the office, the shop and the field.”
Big Jobs. No Problem.
To say that Gary takes things in stride is an understatement. One memorable project that Gary recalls as especially challenging, but particularly rewarding, was a graphic rollout for a major multinational retail corporation. He was in charge of monitoring all the installs for 300 stores nationwide on a tight deadline. When asked about the pressures involved in such an enormous project, he just shrugged. “It was fun,” he said.
Print-Free Pastimes
Asked what he does away from the shop, Gary said:
I like to spend time with my wife and kids (playing games and Nintendo with my oldest boy), go to the gym and anything sports related. I am a HUGE Chicago Bulls and Bears fan. Basketball of any kind is a joy to me; I can watch no matter what team is playing.
Speaking of joy, I love spending time with my two boys, Caiden and Bennett. I also enjoy serving at our church with my wife, Liz. We work with the young people, specifically junior high and high school students. My family and I are also avid Disney fans. We have been to Disney World five times in the past three years.
We got the addition from my in-laws, who practically live at the park.
If you have a grand-format project that could use Gary’s special attention, contact us for a consultation.
