22 May Brandon’s Path to Operations Leader
Brandon began his college career as a walk-on football player at Northern Arizona University. When a scholarship didn’t come through, he moved back home and enrolled at Riverside Community College, where he continued playing the sport he loved. Off the field, however, a different opportunity was taking shape.
Thanks to a neighbor and friend, Brandon landed a job as floor help at a printing company. It wasn’t glamorous, but it gave him a foot in the door, and he made the most of it.
As new roles opened, Brandon stepped into them. He became a feeder on a printing press, then a printing pressman, all by showing up, learning quickly, and staying motivated. He didn’t have formal training, but his curiosity and strong work ethic stood out.
Climbing the Ladder
Brandon later joined a folding carton company, taking a step back to a feeder role. It didn’t take long before he was promoted to head pressman, leading operations on a specific press.
From there, he moved into the CAD/CAM department, where he made structural samples, and then into Pre-Press, where he learned to create printing plates. Each role gave him new skills and insight, helping him build a strong foundation for leadership.
Brandon’s education came through real-world experience. What he learned on the job became the key to his growth.
Advice for Future Tradespeople
Now 48, Brandon is thriving in a leadership position and is proud of what he’s accomplished. His advice for anyone entering the trades is simple but powerful:
“Keep your options open to learn.”
In printing and other skilled trades, every task is a chance to grow. Whether you’re feeding paper or managing an entire department, progress comes from staying open, asking questions, and saying yes to new opportunities.
Why Printing Matters
Printing may not be the first trade that comes to mind, but it powers industries like packaging, branding, publishing, and retail. It’s a fast-paced, tech-forward field that blends precision, creativity, and hands-on work.
For people like Brandon, it offers more than a job. It’s a career built on skill, growth, and results.
Ready to Build Your Own Career?
Brandon’s journey proves you don’t need a degree to achieve success. You need determination, a willingness to learn, and the courage to take that first step.
Explore more real-life trade stories at www.tradeworksusa.com