Milling equipment is critical to the successful manufacturing of printing ink. Herman Hockmeyer, president of Hockmeyer Equipment Corporation, has played a leading role in developing state-of-the-art mills for inks since he joined the industry when he was 21.
   
“I became involved in the industry through our machinery business,” Hockmeyer said. “I have run the business since I was 26 years old. I was working in the business for five years prior to the death of my father and his partner.”
   
Even with his accomplishments, Hockmeyer was caught off guard when he received the Pioneer Award, as his wife Susan and his colleagues kept it a secret.
   
“The Pioneer Award was a complete and total surprise when announced at the 100th NAPIM meeting this past March in Jacksonville,” he said. “I am deeply flattered to be recognized by so many individuals who are the leaders and visionaries of the ink industry. My sincere ‘thanks’ to each and every one of them for helping me along the way. Susan and some of our ‘Hockmeyer’ people knew about this well in advance but never told me nor was I suspicious. I just never considered the possibility.”
   
While Hockmeyer has served on numerous boards, both public and private, family life is of primary importance to him.
   
“The most significant accomplishments have been through Susan and the reward of seeing our children grow into adulthood, respectfully and successfully,” he said. “After that, expansion of the business into North Carolina from the New York/New Jersey area, the licensing of our technology to Oliver & Batlle of Spain for southern Europe and North Africa, and the continual reinventing of the business to lead the way through new technology are some of the highlights of my career.”
   
Hockmeyer said he learns something from everyone he meets. “Everyone I meet has an influence on how I think,” he noted. “Some of the most influential have been through YPO (Young Presidents Organization), which I was invited to join when I was 37 years old and left when I turned 50, the maximum allowable age for membership.”
   
All in all, Hockmeyer remains passionate about his business.
   
“Hockmeyer Equipment has been my passion and primary hobby since I was 21 years old,” he concluded. “However, I do enjoy golf and my membership at a farm club.”