On Monday, January 13, Ira J. Strack, founder of Custom Printing Co., Inc. (now CustomXM), peacefully passed away. While his printing career began in 1951, he leaves a legacy that will endure for many years. Known to so many as a dedicated, meticulous printer and business owner, a true craftsman of his trade, others knew him as a softball and baseball coach, a wonderful, loving husband, their favorite uncle, the baby of eight siblings, a fun-loving Papa, and so much more. My siblings and I simply knew him as Dad. And I was among the fortunate few who had the privilege of experiencing his wisdom and leadership as an employer.

I joined Mom and Dad at Custom Printing Co. in 1990. By then, the business they had started in 1966 was already a successful, well-established entity. When Dad hired me, after I had spent five years in public accounting, he wanted me to get out there and sell!

“Pound the pavement,” he’d say. Selling was something I had absolutely no experience in. But Dad saw something I didn’t. He’d been preparing me for this all along. Dad knew people. He understood the value of honesty and integrity. He knew that treating people with respect and fairness led to good things. These qualities became the foundation of my success.

As a young salesman, I wasn’t prepared for the reactions I encountered while calling on Dad’s customers. Before a formal introduction could even occur, people would greet me with, “You must be Ira’s boy.” This happened quite often. The Strack physical traits, it seems, are pretty recognizable. While my larger nose likely came from Mom’s side of the family, there’s something unmistakable about the Strack facial structure that made people instantly know who I was.

While I didn’t take objection to being known as Ira’s boy, I wanted to make it clear that I was my own person. But over time, I came to understand the profound compliment behind those words. As I matured and worked closely with Dad for over 25 years, I realized how much of an honor it was to be recognized as Ira’s boy. It wasn’t just about a familial resemblance; it was a hopeful acknowledgment that I carried his values—his honesty, integrity, and fairness—traits that defined his character.

Dad was more than just a talented craftsman; he was also a natural comedian. Long before “dad jokes” became a thing, Dad had mastered the art of witty humor. He loved pranks, practical jokes, and making people smile. His broad, contagious grin was a trademark. And then there were his Oreo cookies. Though Hydrox cookies were his first love, Oreos became his longtime favorite. I’ve inherited his humor and his Oreo obsession, but I certainly hope that I’ve also acquired his unwavering honesty, integrity, and love for humanity. It’s my hope that others will continue to see me and think, “That’s Ira’s boy.”

In the printing world, a “chase” is a steel frame that holds all the type together, ensuring everything stays aligned during the press run. Dad was like that chase—the steady, reliable framework that kept everything and everyone in order. While the chase may now be over, the impression he left behind remains.

Now please excuse me while I go enjoy a tall glass of milk and some Oreos.

In celebration of the life of Ira Strack, our offices will be closed Thursday, January 23.

You can find Ira Strack’s full obituary here.