Tell us about your company and/or your products.
Ecological Fibers is a world leader in manufacturing premier, Environmentally Sound, cover and bindery materials for the digital and specialty print, book, packaging, stationery and label industries. Through innovative and sustainable technologies, and water-based acrylic coatings, our paper and cover materials create vibrant, solvent-free prints that come alive through color and texture.
Designed to give the look of authentic products and fabrics, each item is produced under the strict quality standards and in accordance with our customers’ highest expectations. Rainbow® cover materials are available in an amazingly wide variety of prints, embossings, decorative finishes, and gloss levels. With our extensive capabilities for coating, laminating, printing, embossing, and converting, we are capable of fulfilling almost any design creations and goals.
Both FSC certified and committed to exceeding environmental, health, and safety standards, we take pride in offering the largest array of premier and sustainable cover materials to the packaging, book, and multimedia industries.
What’s your role at your company?
I currently serve as an Account Manager for the Mid-Atlantic states plus NY state, Ohio and Michigan. I work with customers in various industries. My entire career has been spent in the Graphics Arts industry in both the printing and finishing spectrums. I have been onboard with Ecological Fibers for six years this June.
Why did you become a GCA member and tell us about your GCA experience so far.
I was asked by our VP of Sales to take over our involvement with the GCA in 2020. We wanted to explore this industry to see what potential existed for our company. My first real involvement was volunteering to be on the Workshop & Retreat Committee. Admittedly, I had no idea what I was doing or what I was getting myself into. I knew no one on the committee but was intrigued enough to want to be involved. I was somewhat intimidated by the closeness and strong, long-standing relationships that existed within the Association. I knew the only way to break down my insecurities was to fully immerse myself in the GCA as best I could. I decided to go to a few live events as the opportunities presented themselves post pandemic. I also made it a point to visit members businesses that existed in my territories. Before I knew it, I felt like I was becoming a viable part of this organization. This year I was a Louie Judge and I am now the GCA Board Chair for the Associate Members. I feel blessed to be able to contribute and serve the GCA members in this awesome and dedicated community.
What inspired you to get involved in the greeting card industry?
I did not even know the GCA existed until my company asked me to be involved.
What's something about you (a fun fact) that not many people know?
My wife Jane and I have literally known each other all our lives. We were born a month and a day apart and our parents were best friends growing up. We were baptized together on the same day in the same church. We held hands walking down the aisle of our kindergarten graduation. Despite her family moving away after fourth grade we continued to send “puppy love” letters to each other. When we were in high school we would get together a few times a year with her sister and my sister and brother. On one of these occasions while she was in college and I was in the Navy we decided to try dating. Even after a few bumps in the relationship it seemed apparent we were meant to be together and this year we will celebrate our 33rd Anniversary.
Is there anything else you’d like to share?
To get the most out of your experience as a GCA Member I strongly encourage you take advantage of all the opportunities that exist through various social media, Town Hall meetings, trade shows, Noted, Louie Awards and Workshop & Retreat. Volunteer and get involved! This Association not only exists for you but needs and is made stronger by your participation and input.
Dan Deardorff
Ecological Fibers
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