Employee Spotlight: Joe Whitton
We pride ourselves on delivering top-tier service, and that wouldn’t be possible without the dedication of our team. This quarter, we’re excited to shine the spotlight on Joe Whitton, our incredible Automation and Systems Engineer.
When someone has been part of a company for two decades, their story becomes woven into the fabric of its culture. That’s exactly the case with Joe, who first joined Ai in 2004 as a Prepress Technician and has since grown into the role he has now. Over the years, he’s worn many hats (and still does!)—solving complex technical challenges, championing storefront innovations, and leading with a collaborative spirit. We’d honestly be lost without Joe.
We asked Joe a few questions about his role, his perspectives on Ai, and even a few personal questions to learn more about who he is outside of the office. Read on to get to know more about Joe’s career journey, favorite aspects of the job, the impact he’s made here at Ai, and how he loves spending time away from the team.
—Introductions—
Can you tell us a little about your role and what you do here at Ai?
I manage and maintain our online storefronts to ensure customers have a smooth and accurate ordering experience. I also develop and support automation workflows using Enfocus Switch and Autoflow to streamline our prepress production processes. A big part of my role is making sure files move efficiently through our systems with minimal manual touch points. Additionally, I provide IT support across the company, helping resolve hardware, software, and network issues as they arise.
How long have you worked at Ai?
I have worked for Ai for 20 years. I started in October of 2004.
What’s your favorite part of your job?
My favorite part of my job is when someone comes to me with an idea or request for the storefront—especially when they’re not sure if it’s even possible. I really enjoy the challenge of figuring out how to make it happen and seeing it come to life.
—Work & Professional Growth—
How has your career grown or evolved since joining the company?
I was hired by Ai in 2004 as a Prepress Technician, and since then my career has evolved through a variety of roles. I’ve worked in Prepress, served as the Storefront Administrator, provided IT Support, taken on the role of Digital Production Manager, and now serve as the Workflow Automation Engineer. Each role has helped me grow and gain a deeper understanding of both the technical and operational sides of the business.
What has been your most memorable project or achievement here?
One of my most memorable projects was back in 2008 when we received our first job from a large financial institution. It was a variable mailing campaign where the customer wanted each recipient’s name written in the sky using airplane smoke—at least visually. To pull this off, we purchased a program called DirectSmile, and I worked alongside two other team members through the night to figure out how to make it work. The mailer was a success, and what makes it even more special is that they’re still a client of ours today.
Has there been a memorable moment or event at Ai that stands out in your mind? If so, we’d love to hear what made it special!
One memorable event that stands out is our recent Christmas parties in the handwork area. What makes them special is how relaxed and genuine the atmosphere is—everyone gets to hang out, have fun, and just be themselves. It’s a great reminder of the strong sense of community we have here at Ai.
—Fun & Personal Insights—
What’s one fun fact about you that most people don’t know?
One fun fact that most people don’t know about me is that I played ice hockey for the Philadelphia Junior B Flyers from 1993 to 1995.
How do you like to spend your time outside of work?
Outside of work, I really enjoy spending time with my family. I love going to Longwood Gardens with my wife, fishing with my son, and talking with my daughter about her latest design projects. Those moments mean a lot to me.
—Team & Culture—
What do you enjoy most about working with your team?
What I enjoy most about working with my team is knowing that I can always reach out for help when I’m stuck on a project. Everyone brings different skill sets and perspectives, which really helps us solve problems and come up with better solutions together.
If you could describe the company culture in three words, what would they be?
Relaxed, driven, and above-the-curve. The culture at Ai strikes a great balance—we work hard and stay ahead of the game, but the environment remains supportive and low-stress.
What qualities or mindset do you aim to bring to your team and work each day?
I try to bring a strong work ethic every day—I’m always willing to learn something new, help out wherever I’m needed, and be honest and reliable. My mindset is to do the best job I can each day and contribute to the team’s success however I can.
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