In the late 1980s, Tom Gwizdalski joined Magie Bros. as a lab manager, quickly becoming a leader in the field of hydrocarbon solvents. Throughout the years, he has been dedicated to his customers in the ink solvent segment, joining Bigler and then Resolute Oil, LLC, where he is currently MaxSol business manager.

At the same time, Gwizdalski has also been exceptionally dedicated to numerous ink associations. He is currently a board member of the National Association of Printing Ink Manufacturers, where he is also on the Management Information Committee and Strategic Planning Committee and has given numerous presentations. Closer to home, he has also served as president of the Chicago Printing Ink Production Club.

His leadership in the ink solvent business and his dedication to NAPIM and the ink industry earned Gwizdalski the prestigious Printing Ink Pioneer Award in 2012, and now he has received the coveted Technical Associate Member Service Award during the 2023 NAPIM Technical Conference.

“There are many deserving folks that have been dedicated suppliers to this industry and I’m quite honored to have been recognized for this year’s award,” Gwizdalski said. “Receiving a Pioneer Award in 2012 and now the TAM Service Award are both very special to me.”

His colleagues say that Gwizdalski is a humble, hardworking person and is the perfect choice to receive the TAM Service Award. Gregg Dahleen, president of Central Ink, noted that he has had the privilege of working with Tom for close to 30 years, both as a partner to Central Ink as well as their time together on the NAPIM board.

“As a partner, his product knowledge, directness and commitment to us as a customer has always been beyond reproach and truly appreciated,” added Dahleen. “As far as our industry, it would be hard to match his commitment. This is shown through his multiple year involvement with the NAPIM board and his involvement with CPIPC, which includes a term as president. Congratulations my friend on a much-deserved honor.”

“Tom is one of the most helpful salespersons I have dealt with,” said John Jilek Jr., president of inksolutions. “He always went the extra mile to ensure his customers were satisfied with his company’s offer and performance.  Tom is a person who has developed many relationships by simply being genuine and hardworking and is a true representative of our industry.”

Ron Gallas, VP sales – dispersions, resins, chips for Flint Group, has known Gwizdalski since his time at Magie with Rich Hoster.

“Having Rich Hoster as his mentor says it all,” Gallas added. “Tom is a man with patience, integrity, thoughtfulness and cares 100% for every customer he has brought in for any of the businesses he has been associated with. He is a friend first, then colleague. He has brought a lot of his own time to the NAPIM world and his technical excellence makes him very much deserving of winning this award.

“I sat next to Tom when he heard his name called as the winner,” Gallas noted. “He was very humble winning it, and seemed relieved when walking up to receive it, as if he knew the hard and consistent work he has put into this industry over the many years has been recognized. Only good things can be said about having a Tom Gwizdalski in the ink industry, and I have the privilege of saying I have worked with him.”

Bill McPartland, VP, Wise Technical Manufacturing, said that Gwizdalski is very deserving of all the awards he has hanging on his wall along with this new one.

“Tom’s honesty and integrity has always guided him throughout his career,” said McPartland. “His knowledge of the industry and willingness for improvement has been very apparent to all that has worked with him over the years. He has a willingness to jump in and walk the talk and not just phone in.  Tom is truly caring about the people and companies he deals with and works hard to make decisions that are good for all parties, not just one-sided. Tom is a ‘class act’ we can all work hard to mirror.”

Gwizdalski said he has seen plenty of changes during his three decades plus in the ink industry, but there is still a lot of room to grow.

“I’ve seen a tremendous amount of M&A over the past 30 years that have greatly reduced the number of ink companies for suppliers to partner with,” Gwizdalski said. “While the publication market in particular is not what it was years ago, it still offers plenty of opportunities for those with the right product mix and vision for the future.”

Outside of work, Gwizdalski has numerous hobbies.

“I enjoy golf, fishing, biking, traveling, and most important, time spent with family and friends,” he said.

Gwizdalski said that he has truly enjoyed working in the ink industry throughout his career.

“It’s been a wonderful and rewarding career, starting back in the late 1980s at Magie Bros, to the current support of Resolute Oil, allowing me the freedom to establish and manage all facets of our ink solvent business,” Gwizdalski noted. “Helping to build the Resolute Oil brand as a key supplier of high-quality solvents into the offset ink market has been extremely gratifying. We have a great team and are very fortunate to have the support of long-term relationships with our customers.”

“This is a unique industry to work in with so many great and talented people, many of whom have become lifelong friends,” he concluded. “I am truly grateful for all this industry has provided me and my family and I’m honored to be a part of it. “