It’s been a whopping 30 years since, which makes Owen reflect on how time flies: “Throughout my career I’ve had the privilege of working with some of the top names in the print industry, gaining invaluable experience in various print forms such as digital, litho, web, DM and POS. This diverse exposure has equipped me with a comprehensive understanding of the industry.” He has worked at Citipost since April 2022, when he was tasked with establishing and expanding its print services division, a job he describes as “the highlight of my career so far”. He’s happily married with three grown-up children and a delightful four-year-old grandson “whose existence still feels surreal at times”.
How did you get into printing?
It was in my family. My father owned a small B2 printing company which specialised in printing book covers and jackets for publishers. I remember going into his factory as a child at the weekends while he caught up with some work and I remember that familiar smell of printing ink. It takes me back every time I pick up a piece of print we have produced and flick through the pages to release that familiar smell
What would be your dream job?
I would love to work in the sports industry. I have worked with the European Tour golf and the ECB during my time in print and there is something about combining your livelihood with my passion for sport that made me enjoy it all the more
Who would play you in a movie about your life?
Ryan Reynolds. I like his sense of humour and he doesn’t take himself too seriously
What would you most like to print?
The matchday programme for Everton, as a lifelong fan I would probably deliver them myself
What is your favourite film?
The Wolf of Wall Street and The Gentleman. Not sure what that says about me?
What is your favourite TV programme?
Ted Lasso. I have probably watched it three times now and I am sure it won’t be the last
Sweet or savoury?
Sweet. It’s my Kryptonite!
Who or what do you dislike the most?
The lack of common sense I come across at times frustrates me like you can’t imagine
Who do you admire most in the industry?
That’s a tough one because I have worked for and with some amazing and brilliant people. But if I had to pick one, I would say Simon Moore. I worked for Simon at Eclipse and admire what he built there. His firm but fair management style combined with his need for efficiency and cleanliness was driven throughout the whole business
What is your favourite phrase or saying?
There is a great phrase on the wall of my gym which is ‘Progress over perfection’ I think it instils the drive in me to keep improving and striving for better both personally and professionally
What is your favourite album?
Foo Fighters' Greatest Hits. A great album and reminds me of when I went to see them at the Olympic stadium
What is your favourite book?
I am a big reader and love a whole range of books. I am currently reading Shoe Dog by Nike founder Phil Knight. It’s a brilliant book and I would highly recommend it. Other than that I love any book by Steve Cavanagh when I fancy a bit of fiction
Cat or dog, or…?
Dog, in particular my dumb Rottweiler ‘Watson’
What is your greatest luxury in life?
My boat, a Bayliner 245. It’s nothing flash but is a luxury to me and is very much my happy place
What is your greatest ambition?
To be a good father and to be respected and remembered
What’s your greatest fear?
Failure. I will put myself under more pressure than anyone else could. I am just driven to succeed at whatever I undertake
Who or what makes you laugh?
A good comedy night once a month at my local pub
Where would you like to be right now?
The Maldives or anywhere where I can feel the warm sun on my face
What’s your worst fashion disaster?
I like to see myself as a fairly fashionable guy, and following trends over the years there have been a few! When I first started selling print at the age of 17 I remember having a Disney tie! (What was I thinking…)
Which superpower would you like to have?
That’s a no brainer… time travel
Who would be your favourite party guests?
All our close friends, they are a great bunch of people and have been a constant source of support, encouragement and are people I have shared some great times with
What was your childhood obsession?
Sport and computer games
What is the worst kind of print?
I am way too much of a lover of print to answer this question. I just like to see print done well and produced to the highest quality, there is very little excuse for poor print quality these days.
What advice would you give to your teenage self?
Relax, don’t put yourself under so much pressure and enjoy every moment of what you do or you will never be any good at it
How would you like to be remembered?
Fondly, as someone that would do anything for those that were close to me and put a smile on people’s faces
Life is…?
Unpredictable, full of twists and turns that can lead us down unexpected paths. It’s a constant evolution, a journey of self-discovery and transformation as we navigate the endless possibilities and opportunities
