This series highlights the diverse backgrounds and leadership styles of Taylor’s top executives, providing valuable lessons and inspiration for the entire organization. This month’s Leader of Taylor is John Tenwinkel (JT), Enterprise Group President, Taylor Print and Visual Impressions.
John Tenwinkel—known as JT to many colleagues—leads Taylor Print and Visual Impressions with a deep-rooted passion for the print industry and a career shaped by grit, curiosity, and connection.
Growing up just outside Milwaukee, JT was inspired early on by his parents’ work ethic—his mother, a dedicated home healthcare nurse, and his father, a pharmacist who balanced professional life with family responsibilities. JT’s childhood was filled with sports seasons, road trips in the family minivan, and the kind of everyday moments that later revealed their lasting value.
His journey into print began in high school, when a teacher recognized his talent in a graphic arts class and encouraged him to pursue it as a career. That spark led JT to the University of Wisconsin–Stout, where he immersed himself in the graphic communications management program, building relationships with professors and diving into hands-on learning.
A bold decision to intern in New York City brought JT to Tanagraphics in Chelsea during the summer and fall of 2001—a time marked by the tragic events of 9/11. Witnessing the resilience of New Yorkers and the power of community left a profound impact on him. After graduating, he returned to Tanagraphics to begin his professional career, later earning a master’s degree from NYU in integrated marketing and graphic communications.
JT’s career path has been anything but linear. From Tanagraphics to DG3, from leading educational initiatives at Dscoop to executive roles at Shutterfly and Four Over, he’s embraced challenges and opportunities across commercial and e-commerce-driven print environments. His leadership style is grounded in authenticity, mentorship, and a belief in the transformative power of relationships.
Now at Taylor, JT brings a unique blend of experience from private equity and publicly held companies, along with a vision for shaping the future of marketing communications. He sees Taylor as a company with the strength and scale to define the next 50 years of the industry.
Outside of work, JT is a proud father of four, deeply engaged in his kids’ lives—from dance to club sports—and cherishes the chance to see the world through their eyes. He and his wife, whom he met at Stout, made the move from Brooklyn to Minnesota to be closer to family and build a life rooted in community.
JT’s story is one of purpose, perseverance, and people—an embodiment of leadership that’s both personal and powerful.
Learn more at: https://www.taylor.com
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