Connecting for Results: A 2024 Year in Review

Dec 29, 2024 | News

As 2024 comes to a close, we at Connecting for Results (CFR) reflect on a year marked by growth, collaboration, and continued support for the print and packaging industries. This year was not only about milestones but also about partnerships, achievements, and positive changes that drive our industry forward. Here, we highlight the key events, initiatives, and people that made 2024 such a defining year for CFR.

Strengthening Leadership with Key Appointments

CFR started the year by bolstering our leadership team with two strategic appointments:

  • Mike Suter joined as Managing Partner, Mergers & Acquisitions, bringing over two decades of experience in senior leadership within both the print and financial sectors. Mike’s expertise in strategic planning, succession management, and operational efficiency has strengthened our M&A advisory services.
  • Alan Zel, President & CEO of Zel Human Capital, became a key figure at CFR as we launched CFR Recruitment, a joint venture aimed at tackling the industry’s growing talent challenges. Alan’s reputation as a leading executive search specialist has been instrumental in matching top talent with organizations across the print and packaging sectors.

Mike Suter

 

Alan Zel

Spotlight: Learn more about Mike Suter and Alan Zel.

A New Era for Talent and Expertise

This year, CFR welcomed two experts to our growing team:

  • Joe Campbell, a Sales Development and Operations Specialist with extensive experience in flexographic and packaging industries. Joe’s leadership and operational insight provide clients with tailored strategies for sales growth and efficiency.
  • Julie Anne McLaren, a Mergers & Acquisitions Specialist, who leverages her deep sales and leadership expertise to facilitate successful deals and strategic plans across the print space.

Together, these professionals enrich CFR’s ability to deliver unparalleled solutions to our clients.​

Joe Campbell

 

Julie Anne McLaren

Learn More: Joe Campbell and Julie Anne McLaren are set to make a lasting impact on our industry.

Celebrating 5 Years of Connecting for Results

In 2024, CFR proudly marked its 5th anniversary, a milestone reflecting our growth as a professional services firm in North America for mergers and acquisitions, recruitment, and strategic consulting. This celebration was more than just a reflection of success; it was a reaffirmation of our commitment to serving and advancing the print and packaging industries.

Celebrating Together: CFR’s 5-Year Anniversary.

Supporting Education and the Next Generation

Our commitment to fostering the next generation of print leaders saw remarkable progress in 2024. This year, we celebrated record-breaking success in the Print Wisdom mentorship program at Toronto Metropolitan University (TMU):

  • The program received its highest number of student applications to date.
  • CFR hosted two in-classroom mentorship events and actively participated in the GCM Colloquium.

We also supported students through scholarships, presenting awards to five deserving students at TMU in partnership with Canadian Print Scholarships. Investing in education remains a cornerstone of our mission to sustain and grow the print industry.

Spotlight: Celebrating Future Leaders.

Industry Insights: Sharing Knowledge Through Surveys

In collaboration with the Canadian Printing Industries Association (CPIA), CFR conducted the 2024 Industry Insights Survey. This initiative provided valuable data on the state of print in Canada, highlighting trends in revenue growth, staffing challenges, technological investments, and emerging opportunities. The survey’s findings serve as a roadmap for print businesses to navigate a dynamic and evolving landscape.

Read More: 2024 Industry Survey Results

Introducing Our Association Program

2024 saw the launch of CFR’s Association Program, aimed at supporting industry associations across North America. Through active participation in association activities, we aim to strengthen the print and packaging communities by fostering mutual success, knowledge sharing, and collaboration.

Making a Difference Through Community Support

At CFR, we believe in giving back to the community. This year, we proudly contributed to Eva’s, a Toronto-based organization that supports youth experiencing homelessness. We also highlighted the talents of Michael Okechukwu, a skilled print apprentice, whose journey underscores the importance of providing opportunities to emerging talent.

Read More: Giving Back with Eva’s Print Shop.

Looking Ahead

As we close the chapter on 2024, we remain committed to supporting businesses and individuals in the print and packaging sectors. Our focus on talent, leadership, and innovation drives us to deliver results that matter. We extend our gratitude to our clients, partners, and team members for making this year one of collaboration and growth.

Here’s to a prosperous 2025 filled with new opportunities and continued success!


About Connecting for Results: CFR is North America’s leading firm for mergers and acquisitions, recruitment, and strategic consulting in the print and packaging industries. Our team of experts is dedicated to helping businesses achieve success through tailored solutions and industry expertise.

Have a question or need some help? Contact us directly here.

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