The Association of Independent Printing Paper Merchants (AIPPM) announces that Rick Zaffiro from Leader Paper Products has been named the recipient of the 2024 Peyton Shaner Award. The award will be formally presented at the 2024 AIPPM Annual Conference in New Orleans March 14, 2024.
Peyton Shaner was responsible for bringing together a consortium of independent paper merchants in 1992 that would become incorporated as AIPPM. He was a passionate spokesman for the paper and printing industry and his enthusiasm for the business was contagious. The association created the Peyton Shaner Award in 2005 to honor the memory of its founder and to recognize individuals who have demonstrated the same passion and commitment to the industry.
Rick certainly has exhibited these attributes throughout his career which began at Williamhouse, Dallas in 1983. Rick arrived at Leader Paper in 1987 when the dynamics of the envelope industry had already begun to shift. His persistent positive, never give up attitude forged alliances at all levels of the Leader organization and helped drive the business forward. Early in his career, Rick developed the “Celebrate” line of announcements where he formed strategic relationships with vendors as well as developed the packaging and marketing plan for the product line. Later on, Rick established the Atlanta and Philadelphia distribution centers and was single handedly responsible for the creation of Leader’s discount and rebate system. Most importantly were the relationships and confidence Rick built with customers through the years. David Wilke, fourth generation owner of Leader Paper, stated “Rick’s commitment and devotion isn’t just to Leader Paper but the entire industry, bottom line is that Rick loves the paper business and the people who move it forward!”
Please join the AIPPM in congratulating Rick Zaffiro for earning this worthy recognition that honors its founder.
AIPPM today consists of 21 independent merchant shareholders in the continental US, Canada, Mexico, and Puerto Rico. The purpose of AIPPM is to bring growth and value to its shareholders by leveraging its purchasing and marketing opportunities, sharing and encouraging the uses of best business practices, and promoting the healthy exchange of ideas.