Meet Andy Cowles, Director of Manufacturing at Aradius Group (aradiusgroup.com).
Tell us a little about your business. – Aradius Group is a commercial printing company that specializes in print, direct mail and creative services. Our facility utilizes all facets of print technology from conventional offset to digital inkjet web production to produce print materials and direct mail for customers nationally.
How did you get started in the business? – I attended college for graphic design, then after graduation I immediately started working in the print world. Starting in digital production, I worked my way up into management and in 2016 had an opportunity to utilize my skillset as one of a few to start on the ground floor of a new printing company.
What has been your most important achievement professionally? – I would say my most important professional achievement is introducing new printing technology to Aradius Group. My background in digital print has allowed me to implement new technology into already existing workflows. The most recent addition to Aradius Group is our new Canon ProStream 3133. This inkjet printer will help revolutionize our print environment and usher in a new, streamlined way of print production for us. I am thankful for the team I work with and their dedication to the project, without them, we couldn’t have done all we accomplished in such a short time.
Tell us a little about your family. – I have two biological children and my partner has five children – our house is full of kids! We also have four cats, two birds, several fish and a snake. It’s a crazy life with a lot going on, and it keeps us all on our toes!
What is the most unique or interesting thing about you that most people probably don’t know? – I recently started Jujitsu and have competed in two competitions. It has been a great source of stress release and an activity that strengthens mental clarity. I encourage everyone to try it. I always look forward to afternoon training, it helps to hit the mat after a long day at work. Bonus, it’s a great workout out too!
What is your favorite quote or the best piece of advice you’ve ever received? – We’re all just walking each other home – Ram Dass. This resonates with me; it means that we are all in this together and we are all equally important in this world.
Who inspires you? – My girlfriend and our children. This one is simple, they have all shown me how to slow down and remain in the moment. Each one of them is so incredibly different and I can learn so much from each of them. I am grateful for their presence in my life.
What is your favorite thing to do on a day off? – On my days off from work, I like spending it with family and just relaxing. I might pick up an extra day at jiujitsu or lunch with the kids. Honestly, I am quite the homebody so it’s nice to just not have any plans and to stay home!
If you could choose any other profession to be successful in, what would it be? – Since I was a child, I always wanted to be a Paleontologist and I still think that if given the opportunity, I would pursue that career. There is something about being involved in the learning and understanding of these animals that were here millions of years ago that has always intrigued me. How cool would it be to discover the next great dinosaur from 65 million years ago!
If our readers would like to contact you, how should they do so? – acowles@aradiusgroup.com | aradiusgroup.com