Leslie Gurland

Published: September 01, 2007

Experience Speaks

How did you get into the converting business?
My entry is a bit unorthodox. For 20 years my responsibilities were to handle US marketing operations for Israeli companies. In 1995 I met the owner of Logotech, the US subsidiary of Israel’s largest packaging group. He offered me a job. I did not take it but told him I hoped we would work together in the future. Fast forward to 2001, he offered me a job again.

The timing was right; I became VP of Logotech, responsible for marketing. I then learned the label business from experts in the industry.

What is the key to retaining good employees?
Be truthful, treat them with respect, and give them an opportunity to grow.

What is the best advice you ever got?
I got two great pieces of advice. My first boss: Do not be afraid to ask questions. My third boss: If you are not making mistakes, then you aren’t working.

What is the worst advice you ever got? “Customers buy from the company; the individual doesn’t matter.”

What advice would you give someone just starting out? Always thank people that help you. Take time to help others in business just for the sake of helping, without expecting anything.

What is the biggest mistake you made and how did you fix it? I followed the management style of some of my bosses, which was to manage by fear, including yelling. I fixed it by making a conscience decision to be patient, listen, process what people were telling me, and applaud them for jobs well done. This has helped me become a better manager and leader.

How have management styles changed over the years?
As women have moved into leadership positions, they have added a new style of management. Sorry to all the men reading this, but my personal opinion is that women tend to listen better, they are more sensitive to customers, and they have a better approach to team building.

Do you have a personal hero?
My husband. He has taught me three important lessons: Never give up, never compare yourself to anyone else, and take time to see the beauty in every day.

What are your hobbies?
I love to hike throughout the US, my favorite being the Arizona desert. I find hiking a mountain to be a metaphor on life. If your goal is to get to the top of the hill and you rush, you completely miss the beauty around you as you go up. You can also use hiking to reflect your business style. If you are leading a group on a hike, you can be in front, charging up the hill, or behind, pushing people to lead themselves. I prefer the second.

What keeps you up at night with regard to your business?
Cash flow.

What are you most proud of in your business?
I am most proud of the people who work here and the products they produce.

About Logotech 18 Madison Rd., Fairfield, NJ 07004 | logo-techinc.com | Founded 1995 | 1 plant; 35 employees | Specialty: Letterpress, flexo, and digital labels