Mike DuBose has been leading the charge since 2006.
Named the chairman and chief executive officer of Vertis Communications at the beginning of last year, DuBose used his position to turn things around. A Baltimore-based print advertising and direct marketing firm, Vertis needed to strengthen its services and refocus priorities.
DuBose relished the chance to step in.
“Focusing the company on performance, continued improvement and focus [is the key] to turnaround and transformation,” DuBose said. “First stabilize ? which we have done ? and create a foundation for improved service and quality for our customers that will drive growth in our timeline that will ultimately flow through to the bottom line.”
Best known for printing inserts for magazines and newspapers, Vertis also branches into other marketing and advertising markets. These include research into consumer behavior and trends, direct mailing initiatives, and Internet and electronic-based campaigns. The firm also specializes in the design and implementation of ads on coverings, polybags and wraps.
DuBose wants to keep Vertis focused on its goals and local roots.
“Baltimore has always been a strong part of our presence here, and it?s important to us,” DuBose said. “There tends to be a bias that we are focused on printing, yet we have a very rich product offering that includes Internet services and e-mail, media placement and media technology.”
Founded in July 2000, Vertis employs about 5,800 in 100 locations. According to Vertis, its reach is so extensive, 95 percent of the U.S. population lives within 200 miles of a Vertis facility.
On July 23, Vertis signed a letter of intent to acquire American Color Graphics in Brentwood, Tenn.
Through the addition, Vertis not only expands its operational footprint, but it believes it will be able to better serve its clients, a statement indicated. DuBose is slated to run the combined operation.
“We will have a presence in Brentwood but won?t diminish our presence in Baltimore,” DuBose said. “The employees of American Color Graphics are really going to complement Vertis, and the merging of the cultures is going to be very successful.”
