A long career in paper

Glenn Johnson’s first job was that of paper handler, and that led to a career in printing

Kootenay Kwik Print, in Cranbrook, B.C., is owned by Glenn Johnson. — Marie Milner photo

Glenn Johnson’s first job, at the age of 15, was as a paper handler at Pacific Press in Vancouver, B.C.—his dad was a pressman there. Johnson is now the sole owner of Kootenay Kwik Print & Copy Centre, taking over the family business from his father.

In early August, we talked to Johnson about his business.

How did you come to own this business?

I started working here, for my dad, in May of ’78 when I was 16. About 10 years ago I bought my sisters out, so I’m now the sole owner.

What’s one of the best things about this business?

It’s never boring. We’re always getting new projects and there’s always new technology and something to learn—it continues to be interesting.

Do you have a passion outside of work?

Travel. Right now I mostly do motorcycle journeys to meet my family members at various motorcycle events. We also have a condo in Vegas and we go to the Caribbean or some other warm place in the winter. I’d really like to visit Asia some day.

What’s something most people may not know about you?

I like to cook, mostly ethnic-inspired food.

What do you think is important for a beginning business owner to know?

They need to be prepared to work a lot of hours and they should make sure there’s a need in the market for whatever they’re offering. And they need to be good communicators.