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“I live in the wonderful city of Belton in
Central Texas,” Breard says, “And I work with
my husband of 27 years, Frank, who is our
director of manufacturing.” Speaking of
longevity, Frank has been with the company
for 23 years after serving in the U.S. Army
during Desert Storm. The couple has two
sons, Joseph, 24, a Baylor University graduate
with a bachelor’s degree in environmental sci-
ence, and Nicholas, 16, a high school senior.
Recently they gained a daughter, Taylor,
when Joseph married last year. Breard also
has four sisters and a brother, three of whom
live in Texas. And then there’s the family’s
faithful and beloved Doberman, Rocky, who
is 10.
With most of her family nearby, life is
pretty good for Breard. “I love to travel and
spend time with my family. We have been
very blessed to be able to see much of the
world over the years. I treasure every
moment,” she says. And she takes the time to
enjoy her passions. “I love working with ani-
mals, horseback riding, reading, studying and
playing Guitar Hero, of course.”
How long have you worked in your present
position and how did it come about?
I took over the family business in 1996. I
grew up in the business and within the indus-
try. My parents worked at a couple of differ-
ent companies within the industry before
starting Custom Printing in Belton. As soon
as I was old enough, they put me to work
helping out everywhere and anywhere. We
moved to Belton in 1987 from Austin and I
was one of the first employees along with just
a handful of other people. Then one day while
I was going to college and working at the
plant part time they mentioned they were
looking for an office manager. I told them, “I
could do that job,” and the rest is history.
What do you enjoy most about your work?
I love working with the people. I appreci-
ate getting to know the employees that work
so hard every day to make Custom Printing
successful. I also appreciate getting to know
our customers as I attend shows and make
sales calls. There are really great people in our
industry and within our company. I also love
the challenges being in business brings on.
Who doesn’t love a challenge?
What was your first job, and what lessons
did you learn?
My first job was with Trendco, an indus-
try supplier of mugs and glassware in Austin,
WHEN YOU HEAR ABOUT SOMEONE who’s been at the same
company for more than 30 years, you pay attention. It’s so rare to see
that type of career longevity these days. Changing jobs and even
careers every few years is today’s new normal. But for Robin Breard,
working from a young age—and then sticking around—at supplier
Custom Printing II (UPIC: CUSTOMCR), the company her parents,
Bob and Judy Carlson, founded more than 30 years ago, has been
worth every minute and has translated into a great quality of life.
ROBIN BREARD GREW UP WORKING IN THE FAMILY BUSINESS. NOW SHE RUNS IT.
By Julie Richie
Committed:
A Career Story
After growing up working
in the family
business, Robin became president in 1996.
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