In a significant recognition of female leadership in the printing industry, Sara Schaeffner, owner of The Digital Frontier, has been named one of Big Picture Magazine's 2024 Women in Wide Format. The award, announced at the PRINTING United Expo in Las Vegas, Nevada, celebrates women who have made substantial contributions to advancing the wide-format digital print industry.
Schaeffner, who acquired The Digital Frontier in 2020, was one of six winners honored at the ninth annual awards ceremony. Her recognition underscores the growing influence of women in a traditionally male-dominated field and highlights the innovative approaches that new leadership can bring to established industries.
The Digital Frontier, based in Broomfield, Colorado, has established itself as a versatile player in the printing industry under Schaeffner's leadership. The company operates four specialized divisions, covering commercial printing, fine-art reproduction, custom framing, and tradeshow graphics. This diversification strategy demonstrates Schaeffner's vision for a comprehensive printing service that can meet a wide range of client needs.
Schaeffner's background in executive leadership across various industries, including manufacturing, healthcare, and IT, has brought a fresh perspective to The Digital Frontier. Her approach combines enterprise-level management strategies with the deep industry knowledge of her team, who collectively boast over 200 years of experience in printing.
The recognition of Schaeffner and her peers at the PRINTING United Expo is significant for several reasons. It highlights the changing face of leadership in the printing industry, showcasing successful women-owned businesses. This shift could potentially inspire more women to enter the field or seek leadership positions within it, fostering greater diversity and innovation in the sector.
Moreover, the award draws attention to the evolving nature of the printing industry itself. The Digital Frontier's success in combining traditional printing techniques with cutting-edge digital technologies exemplifies the industry's ongoing transformation. Schaeffner's ability to navigate this changing landscape while expanding the company's capabilities has positioned The Digital Frontier as a leader in the field.
The impact of this recognition extends beyond individual achievement. It serves as a testament to the vitality of the printing industry, which continues to adapt and thrive in the digital age. By highlighting innovative leaders like Schaeffner, the awards demonstrate that print remains a dynamic and essential medium for communication, art, and commerce.
For businesses and consumers alike, the emergence of versatile, full-service printers like The Digital Frontier represents an expansion of creative possibilities. The company's ability to print on a wide variety of materials, from paper to metal and glass, opens up new avenues for marketing, advertising, and artistic expression.
As the printing industry continues to evolve, leaders like Schaeffner play a crucial role in shaping its future. Their success stories provide valuable insights into effective business strategies and the importance of embracing technological advancements while maintaining a commitment to quality and customer service.
The recognition of Sara Schaeffner and The Digital Frontier by Big Picture Magazine serves as an important milestone in the printing industry's ongoing transformation. It highlights the critical role of innovative leadership, the growing influence of women in the field, and the enduring relevance of print in a digital world. As the industry continues to adapt and grow, stories like Schaeffner's will undoubtedly inspire the next generation of printing professionals and entrepreneurs.
