Brings 40+ years of industry experience and a vast network of contacts to leading mergers & acquisitions firm 

PHILADELPHIA - New Direction Partners, the leading mergers & acquisitions resource for the printing and packaging industries, announces that industry veteran Joe Polanco has joined its team of M&A experts as a Director. Polanco is the former president of Printing & Imaging Association of MidAmerica (PIA MidAmerica), a position he held for twenty years prior to his retirement this spring.

“We are delighted to have Joe as part of the team,” said Paul Reilly, Partner at New Direction Partners. “With his 40+ years of industry and association experience, he has an in-depth understanding of the dynamics of the print industry. He is a welcome addition to our diverse and experienced team.”

Polanco spent nearly 15 years in operational roles in the industry after receiving a Printing Management degree from Cal Poly, San Luis Obispo and subsequently joined the Dallas-based Printing Industries of America Affiliate in a leadership role.  He is well-known for his insights into industry trends and his financial management expertise.  He has authored dozens of articles on various industry topics and was also a contributing author to the industry’s highly acclaimed textbook, Printing Estimating, by Phil Ruggles.

“I am looking forward to helping business owners with the challenges of succession planning and their exit strategies,” Polanco said. “I have known and worked with the principals of New Direction Partners for many years and am thrilled to be part of the team.”

Polanco, who also holds an M.B.A. from California State University, Long Beach, makes his home in Plano, Texas with his wife Liz.  They have two adult children, both of whom live in Southern California with their spouses.