Susan Moore joined Dumont Printing in 1991, rose through sales and executive leadership, and became the company’s owner in 2014. The Fresno County native leads a commercial printer whose services now range from offset and digital printing to packaging, direct mail and fulfillment. For 60 Ideas in 60 Minutes, hosted live Sept. 29, 2026, she reflected on learning to lead in an industry shaped by deadlines and changing technology.
Moore took over day-to-day operations in 2001 as a 36-year-old woman in a male-dominated industry. She discovered that commitment to the company did not automatically translate into leadership skills. She had to develop her own style, trust her judgment, listen and set an example.
Clear goals help employees see where the business is headed, she says, but a leader must also allow room to adjust. Printing requires constant responses to changing schedules, customer demands and technology. That makes learning an everyday responsibility, including for the person in charge.
During the COVID-19 pandemic, Moore’s team shifted some production from printing to face shields and acrylic products. Employees worked seven days a week, and the company kept everyone employed. She sees the experience as proof that optimism is not denying a difficult situation; it is finding practical ways forward.
She also stresses that growth involves the entire company, not just the sales department. Customer service, quality and problem-solving all influence whether clients return. Likewise, a workplace culture is built through the way people communicate, recognize effort and handle pressure.
With longtime employees reaching retirement, Moore sees knowledge transfer as a pressing issue. Experienced workers bring decades of production know-how, while newer employees contribute different strengths, including with technology. Mentoring and training can connect the two.
One of Moore’s guiding sayings captures her broader message: “What got us here won’t get us there.” She believes leaders must respect the history that built a company while preparing its employees and operations for what comes next.
