Ripon, Wis. – The future success of every printing company lies in its ability to delight customers. Ripon Printers responded by promoting former Director of Customer Care, Julie Newhouse, to company president. She brings nearly 30-years experience in the graphic arts industry, including management roles in prepress, manufacturing, sales, and customer support.

Prior to joining Ripon Printers in March 2016, Newhouse worked for two years at Service Litho-Print, Inc. (Oshkosh, WI) as an estimator and then as estimator-customer support manager. She also previously spent 23 years at Independent Printing Company (De Pere, WI) where she worked her way up from composition coordinator to vice president of manufacturing, and then general manager–custom products value stream.

Newhouse began her graphic arts career at Western Publishing Company (Racine, WI) in 1987 after graduating from the University of Wisconsin­Stout with a Bachelor of Science in Industrial Technology. She also earned a Master of Business Administration degree from the University of Wisconsin-Oshkosh.

“I am honored to help lead Ripon Printers into the future,” says Julie Newhouse. “I look forward to working closely with our customers, understanding and finding creative ways to fulfill their business needs. I also look forward to working closely with the entire Ripon Printers team, nurturing the tremendous potential that exists here. Our employees are the reason we will achieve great things in the years to come.”
Julie Newhouse will replace current company President and CEO, Andy Lyke, who has served in that role since 1999. Previously, Lyke was the company’s controller, returning to the family’s business in 1985 after working in the Chicago office of Arthur Andersen. Following a short transition period to help acquaint Newhouse with her new position, Lyke will remain at Ripon Printers in a financial management position.

“I am excited to see how Julie can further elevate Ripon Printers,” says Andy Lyke. “We’ve always strived to please our customers by providing timely, quality printing at a fair price, and to make the process as easy as possible. Julie has the necessary background to continue moving our company forward and has already made a big impact during a short period. Employees appreciate her fairness, innovative thinking, and willingness to listen. The company is in good hands with Julie at the helm.”

In her role as president, Newhouse will be responsible for managing Ripon Printers’ executive team, as well as further developing a forward looking and customer-centric business strategy that will propel the company well into the future.