For Gene Cassidy, senior manager, corporate accounts for Lawter, joining the ink industry back in 1976 has been a tremendously rewarding experience, culiminating in his receiving the National Association of Printing Ink Manufacturers (NAPIM) Technical Associate Member Service Award at the 2025 NAPIM Annual Convention.

“This award is a tremendous honor, and I am deeply appreciative of the recognition extended by NAPIM,” Cassidy says. “Receiving this award is a testament to the amazing support system I have had during my career. I am very grateful to everyone who has believed in me and helped me during this 49-year journey.”

Cassidy’s career began in 1976, when, after graduating from Penn State University, Cassidy joined Neville Chemical in sales. He joined Lawter in 1978 as a technical sales representative.
   
In 1980, Cassidy headed to Atlanta as regional sales manager, and in 1985, he was transferred to Lawter’s headquarters in Northbrook, IL as the product manager. In 2001, he was promoted to VP of sales for Lawter International and was promoted to his current position in 2009.

Cassidy is no stranger to receiving industry honors. Aside from this year’s Technical Associate Member Service Award, Cassidy also received the NAPIM Printing Ink Pioneer Award in 2018, as well as the Chicago Printing Ink Club Supplier of the Year Award in 2014. In addition to these awards, Cassidy points to mentoring several new members of the Lawter sales team and contributing to record sales levels for Lawter Inc. in 2024 and 2025 as recent highlights.

Cassidy notes that he has had numerous mentors along the way.

“I owe a debt of gratitude to a long list of teammates and customers,” says Cassidy. “I have had the good fortune to have had many role models and mentors over the years, including industry icons such as Jaap Van den Born, Lud Horn and Jack Baarends at Lawter, Dick Breen at Central Ink, Rick Clendenning at INX, and Chris Parilli at Sun Chemical, to name a few.” 

Outside of work, Cassidy has many hobbies, including golf, home improvement projects, domestic and international travel, following Penn State football and the Pittsburgh Steelers, attending concerts, and spending time with family.

Cassidy has certainly enjoyed his time in the ink industry.

“The ink industry has been like a second family for most of my life,” Cassidy concludes. “Serving this industry for so many years has been very enjoyable and rewarding.”