Our next staff spotlight is George Montebruno, our Prepress Specialist! George has been instrumental to ALP's growth and is a great asset to our Art Department!

1) How long have you worked at Associated? 

I've been working at Associated for four years and three months.

2) Describe your journey at Associated so far?  

How would I describe my journey so far? Constant learning. Learning is definitely an ongoing journey. I studied Graphic Design, and I've been in the printing industry since 2005. But I've never worked anywhere to this scale. I was kind of overwhelmed in the beginning. Not to toot my own horn, but I was usually the best anywhere I worked at. And I ended up feeling like a big fish in a small pond. Until I joined Associated. I was definitely not the biggest fish anymore. But I am growing every day, and so is the pond.

3) How would you describe the work environment?

The work environment at Associated is so friendly and supportive. In fact, after my first few weeks, I remember thinking, where's the catch?? Turns out there was no catch! It's just that way, really. That's what I always wanted as a professional, to find a workplace where I can call my coworkers friends or family. 

4) What is your favourite thing about working here?

If you're going to spend 40 plus hours of your week somewhere, make sure you're surrounded by good people and make sure you're happy. It's also very exciting to work on different types of jobs, products and different printing processes. I have become that guy that goes into a supermarket, and I'll be pointing out like: "hey, we did that, we printed this!" One time I was actually standing at the supermarket by myself and I saw something we printed. I then looked at the guy beside me, a complete stranger, and said: “I printed this!”

I then walked away. I was proud, there's a lot of pride in what I do here. 

5) What's been your best day at work so far?

That's a hard one. I have so many! But if I had to pick one, it would have to be the first time I came up with a good idea at one of our earlier Art Department meetings (Pre-Covid), and it made a difference. It changed things for the future, even if slightly. That, and the time I sang at our Christmas party.
 
6) What are you most proud of since working here?

I think bringing my voice and input into the mix. Making a difference. I consider myself a problem solver, so whenever someone says there's something that can't be done, I'll be the first one to say, “Hold my coffee.”
 
7) Do you have a particular moment or memory at Associated that stands out for you?

When I have been specifically requested by Shaun to work on a creative project. That means a lot to me. That means that I'm doing something right.

8) What does a typical day look like for you, and what are you currently working on?

The first thing I do is check my emails for any panics or fires to put out, and then coffee! Then coffee again. Next is going through the priority list of proofs or approved jobs that need to go to the press. Every day, there are tons of different kinds of projects that get done. I feel like if I don't go home knowing that I finished every project that day, I feel like I failed!

9) What else do you do in your spare time?

I am a singer songwriter in a band called 2 Days & Counting.

10) Do you see any similarities/crossovers between the music and office life?

I think there's passion in both. I'm very passionate when it comes to my music and when it comes to my work. So, for me, if there's no passion in it, then it's not worth it. 

11) Top 3 bands? 

I think I have two “top threes”. One top three would have to be my lifelong favourite bands. They’re like "my boys", right? So for that, I have to say my favourite bands have been U2, Radiohead and Pearl Jam. But the top three bands that I listen to right now are The National, Interpol and Dave Matthews Band.

12) What is next for you?

Musically… Our next show is at The Roxy, on November 10th. Yes, it’s a school night, but I promise I'll have everyone in bed by 10! Also, I’ll be working on my first ever solo album. I’ve been writing and recording some demos to eventually go into the studio. It’s going to have more of a folky sound to it. So I'm pretty excited about that. 

Professionally, I'm going to continue doing what I do here at Associated, and more. I'm still learning every day and Denny has been excellent as a supervisor and showing me the ropes for four years now.  I'm also comfortable being the go-to guy when he is away and doing what I can to help things run smoothly, may that be making executive decisions or taking responsibility. Basically getting things done. And with this amazing team beside me I feel there’s nothing I can’t do.

Comments from ALP Staff : 

"Very fortunate to have George on our prepress team!! Having such an outgoing person surely makes our team environment a much happier, relaxed place to be. Glad to have him on board! " - Denny Lee

"George is very well rounded in everything he does. Very detailed and fun individual both inside and outside of the office! George is the James Dean of Associated." - Shaun Ashworth