pP's 2002 TLMI Converter of the Year

Upon his discharge from the Air Force, Martin started in earnest back in the printing industry. As is the case with many of his contemporaries, he started on the ground floor, running a label printing press for $1.25 an hour.

The desire to run his own business struck quickly and after just two years, he and two partners founded Cal Tape & Label in 1960. The timing of this first venture was risky as he and his wife had a first child on the way. Setting up in a warehouse that housed war-surplus equipment outside of Los Angeles, he bought a used Mark Andy three-inch, two-color press for $2,500. This press was set up on the top of a desk, and the business got its start making labels for price tags.