January 2024: Eric Barshak, Director of Scheduling for Fox Group in Hatfield, PA, husband, Dad to two daughters

What do you do now for work? 

Eric: I am in the print finishing business and have been for 20+ years after about 20 years in the print end. I am now Director of Scheduling for Fox Group in Hatfield, PA. I love what I do and the people I get to work with daily. I scheduled 150,000 square feet of machinery and coordinated up to 125 people. We are the largest print finisher east of the Mississippi. We foil stamp, emboss, die cut, cut, fold, stitch, perfect bind, fold/glue, image, mail … and anything else you can possibly think of in print finishing. 

 What has your career path been since graduating from PW?

Eric: As most of you who know me know, I was not the “student.” I attended Susquehanna University for one year. I had a GREAT time, but didn’t hit the books. When I left, my Dad said, “If you do not want to look for a job, I will give you one. It won’t be pretty. It is how you learn.” So, I worked as a warehouse assistant and driver in the printing business. I left the industry for a bit and, for about eight years, worked locally for Crompco Corporation, an underground tank and line testing company. It involved some travel, but once my first daughter, Amanda, was born and started talking, I quit and returned to the print-finishing business.

Tell us about your family. 

Eric: I met my wife Dana on a blind date at Fridays on City Line Avenue in the summer of 1990. We got married on September 6, 1992. She is my rock and just an amazingly strong person. Those who know know she has her hands full with me. We have two awesome girls, well, young women. Amanda, soon to be 29, is getting married in October. She graduated from Towson University and received her master’s in clinical counseling from LaSalle. And is currently a  mental health therapist at West Philadelphia High School. Our 2nd daughter is Sarah, 21, who graduated from Harcum with a degree in Veterinary Business Management. She is a manager at Delco House of Dogs. Bailey is our dog rescue of 10 years; our new grand dog is Rocco. 

What did you dream of becoming when you were in high school?

Eric: At that point in my life., I honestly just wanted to make it to graduation. 

What advice would you give to your high school self? 

Eric: Listen more, believe it or not, you don’t know it all. ASK, or you won’t learn. Be smart enough to know when you don’t know 

What advice do you have for others about creating your best life?

Eric: Do you. Be honest. Work hard. 

What would you like to say to all of your classmates today? 

Eric: I would not trade 1 second for the time I spent with you all. Best of luck to everyone, and I hope they are healthy and happy. 

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