Ron Smith has been a loyal employee of AMA Design & Print since 1989. And after 25 years of dedicated service to the company, he’s calling it a career.
Smith has been in the print and design industry ever since he graduated from Ball Sate. His degree was in physical education, but he began cutting his teeth at a relative’s print shop in Gary after being drafted for the Vietnam War shortly out of school.
Since joining AMA, Ron has watched the industry change with times and adapted accordingly, but he never wavered on his commitment and dedication to treating his customers and the community the right way.
“The industry has changed, a lot,” Smith told Ideas in Motion Media (IIMM). “But I’ve always appreciated the people I met (in sales) and the friendships I have grown out of that. I’m going to miss those.”
Ron tells IIMM that while he’ll miss his friends at AMA, it was time to start his next chapter in life.
“I’m at the right age,” Smith said about his retirement. “I appreciate everybody I have worked with over the years. Ernie (owner Ernie Darr) has been my boss these whole 25 years, and he’s been real good to us.”
Smith says that while the next chapter of his life is an open book in terms of what he is going to do, he plans to spend more time traveling, visiting family, and playing more golf.
Ron says he plans on keeping his roots planted in the Valparaiso area after retirement, but hasn’t necessarily closed the door on warmer pastures entirely.
“These winters certainly aren’t helping,” Smith joked.
Congratulations on your retirement, Ron. May your spirits be high and your golf scores be low.