Steve Young

AICC, The Independent Packaging Association, was established in 1974. Now in its 42nd year, it continues to not only endure, but thrive. Many would assert that one of the main reasons for its prosperity is that the association has a very sturdy foundation—a foundation based on the undying pursuit of integrity, the notion that members should always be a priority, and a passion for the independent entrepreneur. AICC President Steve Young serves as a tireless crusader to keep this foundation rock-solid, and his hard work and dedication are being honored with this year’s AICC and Paperboard Packaging Magazine Hall of Fame award.

This prestigious award annually recognizes those who have made significant contributions to the independent sector of the paper and board packaging industry through active membership in AICC and broader involvement in the industry as a whole. In Steve’s case, however, the word “significant” doesn’t really do proper justice. Steve has served as president of AICC since 1995, but has been involved in the association in some capacity since 1983. That’s more than 30 years of service! Needless to say, if anyone in the industry is worthy of such an honor, it is Steve.

Old School Meets New

It could be said that one of the things that makes Steve such a great leader is his ability to balance tradition and innovation. He understands that the personal touch—a handshake, a warm smile, a handwritten note—is still as vital today as it ever has been, while recognizing the need for growth and adoption of new ideas to remain relevant in today’s changing technological landscape.

Keith Umlauf, executive vice president of sales at Haire Group and AICC associate board chair, says, “I really appreciate that Steve operates from such a place of integrity. His word and handshake are his bond, and in this day and age, that is so rare. Despite his immense expertise and standing in our industry, he is always focused on people—still sending handwritten notes, of which I have received a few. He is truly a class act.”

Going out of one’s way to show true appreciation for employees and peers alike is the hallmark of any great leader. Steve seems to have this down to an art.

“Steve and I walked into the industry within weeks of each other 33 years ago,” explains Ralph Young, technical adviser for AICC. “From that first journey together came the first in a series of thank-you notes. I have kept every one of them, and I cherish them all. They represent a huge mutual appreciation for each other and the contributions we have made to independents and associations for more than three decades.”

As for association growth and development, Lee Shillito, president and CEO of Triad Packaging and former AICC Chair, had this to say: “Steve has led the association through a number of five-year plans over the course of his 33 years with the association. One occurred during my term as Chair. As an association, we needed to find other revenue streams to continue growing, and Steve has been right in the middle of those efforts. In addition, Steve has worked to form alliances with other associations. He has been instrumental in setting goals for the association and working with the board to achieve them.”

Steve has seen the association through great and difficult times. He brings this unwavering belief in what AICC does and how it can help out members be successful. — Virginia Humphrey, AICC

Knowledge Is Power

To be an effective leader, one must know the business inside and out. After more than three decades with AICC, it’s safe to say Steve Young is the authority on the independent paper and board industry.

Richard Flaherty, president of the International Corrugated Packaging Foundation, can attest. “Steve has had almost 35 years of exposure to the industry from a global perspective at AICC. He is an encyclopedia on the changes that have occurred within the industry and at individual AICC member firms.”

We’re not just talking about industry jargon and awareness of state-of-the-art equipment; no one knows the association members quite like Steve either.

“Steve has an uncanny ability to remember names,” Umlauf asserts. “These are people that he might see once or twice a year, and to be able to recall literally hundreds of names—even spouse’s names—is remarkable.”

Chelsea May, member services coordinator at AICC, is also thoroughly impressed by Steve’s ability to retain such details. “Steve has such great knowledge about our members, to the point where he can tell you their address right off the top of his head! It’s incredible!”

Laura Mihalick, meeting manager at AICC, agrees. “Steve could probably list every member company, including their employees, location, and what they do, off the top of his head. His passion for the members extends beyond the workplace environment; he genuinely cares about the members and wants them to succeed on both a personal and professional level.”

Standing Firm in Faith

Steve is a man of great faith, and that shows through in his unfailing guidance and direction. As Cindy Huber, AICC’s director of meetings and conventions, says, “He has a strong devotion to his faith and the courage of his convictions.”

It is this strong sense of faith that allows Steve to revel in the triumphs and weather the storms that come with being the head of any association.

“Steve has seen the association though great and difficult times. He brings this unwavering belief in what AICC does and how it can help our members be successful. So much of who he is comes from his faith,” says Virginia Humphrey, AICC director of membership and marketing.

Scott Ellis, partner at P Squared, perhaps says it best: “Steve is a servant leader. There is a seamless boundary between his work and his faith, though he never mistakes his desk for a pulpit. He exemplifies the phrase attributed to Francis of Assisi: ‘Preach the gospel continually; use words when necessary.’ ”

Marching to His Own Drum

Something that may come as a surprise about Steve is his drumming ability. Taryn Pyle, director of marketing and communications at AICC, had this to share: “One moment I remember well of Steve was his participation in a band at the National Meeting for an ICPF fundraising event. Steve rented a set of drums for a few months to perfect the skill he had learned in high school. We as staff had shirts made with his picture on it, and a message that said, ‘We are here for the drummer.’ It was a side of Steve many of us never see, and he was an excellent drummer.”

Steve Young laying down some beats!

Steve has proven he can literally march to his own drum, and this translates to the unique traits that make him one in a million. While remaining true to his own beliefs and convictions, Steve manages to meet every situation with a sense of diplomacy and openness.

Pyle recognizes this fact. “Of course there is always conflict within an organization when someone disagrees with a concept or feels strongly about their position. I have always found Steve willing to listen, consider the other side, look at things differently.”

“The membership is made up of confident individuals, entrepreneurs, and owners of companies with strong opinions,” says Mark Williams, president of Richmond Corrugated Box and current AICC Chair. “Steve is adept at keeping peace and being diplomatic. In the board meetings, there can be differences of opinion—sparring going on—and he is good at processing all of these opinions and keeping things productive. Steve is always a couple of steps ahead with the ability to see what’s coming.”

Jim Porter, president, paper solutions, at WestRock, echoes this sentiment. “I think Steve is an incredible leader, and he is really outstanding at building a consensus around complex topics with diverse individuals and constituents. He’s a great listener and one who can pull out the involvement and input of others, while also respecting the strong egos and Type A personalities that are often at the table.”

Brian Kentopp, vice president of business unit sheet fed at Bobst North America Inc., agrees. “Over the years, Steve has been a conscientious listener, hearing and addressing all member concerns equally. In addition, he has been running successful AICC meetings for a diverse group of individuals. The job that Steve has done is exceptional.”

Steve is a genuinely kind person that loves this industry and represents us all well. His name is synonymous with AICC. —Jeff Pallini, Fosber America

Steve Young has touched so many lives during his tenure with AICC, and as he continues in his role as president, he will remain a champion of both the members of the association and the independent, corrugated, and paperboard industries. His compassion, tenacity, and vigilance have served as the backbone of this organization, and this honor could not be bestowed upon a worthier recipient.

“He’ll be a hard act to follow,” says Dave Burgess, North American sales director at JB Machinery. “Steve’s a giver. He cares about the business, the industry, and the independents. He puts his heart into it.”

David Goch, partner at WC&B, LLP, agrees. “The association is his legacy. AICC is a product of Steve.”

As Jeff Pallini, president, Fosber America, explains, “Steve is a genuinely kind person that loves this industry and represents us all well. His name is synonymous with AICC.”

“As an advocate for AICC and the industry in general, there is no other who compares with him!” affirms Maria Frustaci, AICC’s director of Latin America. “Steve is articulate, a true, ardent advocate, and is absolutely passionate about AICC’s mission, its preservation, and future legacy.”

Ashley Reid is managing editor of BoxScore.