Changing of the guards: A new era in commercial printing

By MOSAIC

How MOSAIC is carrying the torch
of industry wisdom forward

There’s a moment in every industry’s evolution when experience meets innovation, when the trusted hands of the past pass the torch to the hungry minds of tomorrow. In commercial printing — an industry steeped in tradition yet constantly reshaped by technology — that moment is here. We’re witnessing a generational “changing of the guards,” a shift that honors decades of craftsmanship while welcoming fresh vision and digital agility.

At the heart of this transformation stands MOSAIC, a second-generation commercial printing company led by Brendan Connors and Joe Fontana. With more than 75 years of history and deep roots just outside Washington, D.C., in Cheverly, Maryland, MOSAIC represents the rare combination of longevity and reinvention. Built on a foundation of trust, quality, and craftsmanship, the company continues to evolve while staying true to the values that shaped its legacy.

As seasoned veterans ease into mentorship roles and new talent enters with fresh perspectives, MOSAIC is proving that wisdom and innovation don’t just coexist — they accelerate success.

Commercial printing has always been more than ink on paper; it’s a blend of precision, creativity, and reliability. Veterans of the trade carry invaluable insights — understanding how paper behaves, how presses breathe, how client relationships flourish over time. But as markets evolve and customer expectations shift, so too must the approach.

MOSAIC recognizes that legacy is not a static relic but a living foundation. Rather than resist change, the organization has cultivated a culture where long-standing expertise informs bold experimentation. Industry veterans have stepped into roles as advisors, trainers, and storytellers — guiding the next generation not just on how to print, but why the craft matters.

The next generation of printing professionals arrives with different strengths: fluency in emerging technologies, comfort with data analytics and automation, and a vision that sees printing as part of a broader digital ecosystem. MOSAIC hasn’t treated these traits as a threat — it has elevated them.

One key initiative has been a structured mentorship program, where experienced print masters partner with younger team members. These pairings are not incidental but intentional, designed to transfer tacit knowledge that no manual can teach. At the same time, the company invests in continuous education — from color management to technology workshops — ensuring every team member is equipped for today’s hybrid print-digital world.

In an era of rapid digitization, the ability to adapt is crucial. MOSAIC has embraced state-of-the-art technologies — from automated workflow systems that streamline production to advanced finishing equipment that expands creative possibilities. Yet the company’s identity remains rooted in quality: every project undergoes rigorous standards, and every team member takes pride in craftsmanship.

This balance between innovation and tradition sets MOSAIC apart. Clients don’t just see a printing provider — they see a partner that understands their challenges, anticipates trends, and delivers excellence every time.

Perhaps one of the most striking outcomes of this generational shift is how it has reinforced MOSAIC’s internal culture. By empowering younger team members to contribute ideas and by valuing the voices of seasoned professionals, the company has fostered a collaborative environment that drives continuous improvement.

This culture isn’t just internal; it permeates client relationships. Customers appreciate working with a team that listens, adapts, and blends strategic insight with operational expertise. In an industry where trust is currency, MOSAIC’s approach is paying dividends.

A Tribute to Greg Hansan: A True Torchbearer

Few people embody this philosophy more fully than Greg Hansan, in photo, who retired on January 30, 2026,  As he concluded 42 years in the graphic arts industry, 35 of those at MOSAIC, we celebrate a career defined by craftsmanship, collaboration and an unwavering commitment to excellence that have shaped our community in meaningful and lasting ways. Hansan has been a trusted colleague to many, a generous educator and a steadfast partner to all.

Hansan has always believed that great work is created through shared knowledge and mutual respect. His passion for the craft — and his unwavering drive to continually elevate the quality of the work — has contributed to many of the company’s award-winning graphic arts projects. His influence is evident in some of the most notable and inspiring work MOSAIC has produced, setting a standard that continues to guide teams across the organization.

Beyond the projects themselves, Hansan’s true legacy lies in the people he has mentored and the culture he has helped build. He represents the heart of the “changing of the guards”: honoring tradition while encouraging innovation, leading by example, and ensuring that excellence remains non-negotiable.

As MOSAIC looks to the future, it does so with confidence, grounded in the wisdom of its past and energized by the promise of what lies ahead. The torch is being carried forward — not away from tradition but illuminated by it.