Briegel puts final stamp on 50-year career

Briegel Retires Jack Briegel, co-founder of McNaughton & Gunn, Inc., retired on June 1, 2001 after nearly 50 years in the book manufacturing business. Jack began working in book manufacturing at Braun-Brumfield, Inc. in Ann Arbor in 1952. He left in 1975 to become a founding partner of McNaughton & Gunn, Inc. From humble beginnings, Briegel has seen the company grow to sales of $31 million in 2000. In addition to his responsibilities as Vice President of Manufacturing, he has also been successful in instituting an exemplary safety program and numerous pace-setting environmental initiatives at the company. Through his leadership, McNaughton & Gunn has been recognized repeatedly for their environmental efforts.

Co-founded Saline's book manufacturer McNaughton & Gunn

When the time for retirement arrives, most people will look back and feel either proud or regretful ­ or both.

John "Jack" Briegel is only proud. He enjoyed his last day on the job and had a great time at his retirement party.

After nearly 50 years in the book-manufacturing business, Briegel, co-founder of McNaughton & Gunn in Saline, has retired and thinks he accomplished what he had planned.

"We went from starting a business from scratch to having it become a $31.5 million business. (It) was pretty fun," Briegel said. "Sometimes it was even growing a little too fast, but it all worked out."

Briegel began his work in book manufacturing in 1952 at Braun Brumfield, Inc., of Ann Arbor. He left in 1975 to become a founding partner of McNaughton & Gunn, which today has sales of $31 million.

"I'm pretty happy with how things went," he said. "I figure, over 49 years, I only changed jobs once, and it was nice because through all that time, I was never laid off or sent home without a paycheck. I had a check every week."

In addition to his responsibilities as vice president of manufacturing at McNaughton & Gunn, Briegel also instituted a safety program and numerous environmental initiatives at the company. During his leadership, McNaughton & Gunn has been recognized several times for its environmental efforts.

"Some of my proudest moments, by far, are the number of awards our company has won over the years for environment, safety. We were recently awarded the Best Workplace in America from The Printing Industries of America," he said.

And while he was helping his company win those awards, Briegel had fun. Briegel recently sponsored a steak dinner for the McNaughton & Gunn employees upon the completion of the company's 100,000th job.

"A corporate culture reflects the leadership of an organization. I believe you have to have fun while you work," he said. "Celebrating milestones is a good way to help build teamwork and camaraderie among team members."

The local book printing industry in general is something that Briegel supports and is very happy with. "There is a nice stable book manufacturing business in the Ann Arbor area that sometimes doesn't get the recognition it needs," he added.

After so many years at one company, it seems there might be a big hole to fill. But Briegel said it won't be an issue.

"I've spent the last seven or eight years delegating my responsibilities to others," he said. "We phased this position out, knowing that I would be retiring. Bob (McNaughton) and I started planning that years ago."

At his retirement party, Briegel spent no time wondering how the company would fill his shoes. He said he is confident in McNaughton & Gunn's abilities. Instead, he had a good time with the 250 people who came to see him off.

"There were a lot of people there to wish me well," he said. "It was a very happy day."

He is very proud of The Jack Briegel Wildlife Habitat Restoration Project, a parcel of land next to his property that has been dedicated to him by McNaughton & Gunn for his vision and commitment to the company, efforts in establishing a friendly and safe workplace and for his environmental initiatives he has established.

Briegel is known for his contributions outside of McNaughton & Gunn as well.

Since its inception in 1993, Briegel has served on the Executive Steering Committee for the Michigan Great Printers Project, a state-sponsored effort in preventing pollution in the printing industry. The Michigan Department of Environmental Quality has used McNaughton & Gunn's environmental record as a case study.

Briegel has made contributions to the printing industry at the local, state and national levels. He is a founding member of the Ann Arbor Graphic Arts Memorial Foundation and has served as its president since 1982. To date, the foundation has helped more than 230 students fund their college education through graphic arts scholarships.

In 1998, the Michigan Printing Week Association awarded Briegel "The Ben Franklin Award" for his commitment to excellence and dedication to the graphic communications industry and for his involvement in the community.

He has been an active member of the Ann Arbor Litho Club since 1959 and served as its president in 1974. He was named "Outstanding Member of the Year" in 1987.

In addition, Briegel has been appointed to, and will remain active on, advisory boards for the Ferris State University Graphic Arts and the Eastern Michigan University Communication Technology Programs.

Briegel will remain active as an advocate of the book printing industry and will serve as docent at the Margaret Dow Towsley Sports Museum at Schembechler Hall.

Briegel and his wife of 44 years, Jeannette, plan to travel and spend time with family.

By Jennifer Beasley, IBJ