ABOUT PIONEER PRINTERS

Cortny Spears

With more than 32 years of experience in the printing industry, Cortny Spears brings both expertise and deep-rooted passion to her role at Pioneer Printers, Inc. As a fourth-generation member of a family-owned business that began in 1966, Cortny’s journey in printing started in childhood—collating, stapling, burning and cleaning plates, and helping with hands-on production alongside her family.

At 18, while attending Niagara County Community College, Cortny stepped into the business side of printing by working in the front office at Pioneer Printers. At 19, she was recruited by BCO, a wholesale printing company, where she began as a part-time receptionist and quickly advanced to a full-time role. She later graduated with both a Liberal Arts degree and a Business degree, bringing a strong academic foundation to complement her hands-on industry experience. Over the next 11 years, she gained valuable experience in customer service, operations, and industry processes that prepared her for future leadership.

In 2005, Cortny returned to her family’s business when her uncle, then-owner of Pioneer Printers, invited her back. In 2009, the company acquired Gardei Manufacturing - the very print shop where her grandfather began his career - marking a full-circle moment for the family. Cortny was instrumental in integrating Gardei into Pioneer Printers, creating streamlined order entry, invoicing, and workflow systems.

Since then, she has served as manager of Pioneer Printers, overseeing day-to-day production and ensuring that the business continues to thrive in a constantly evolving industry. Her commitment to both tradition and innovation has been essential in carrying the company’s legacy forward while preparing it for future growth.

Beyond her professional achievements, Cortny is married to her husband, Michael, who serves as Art Director at Pioneer Printers/Gardei Manufacturing, and is a proud mother to two children—Aubrey, 20, and Colton, 7. She is very proud to carry on the family’s tradition of hard work, creativity, and dedication to the printing craft.

Cortny Spears is a fourth-generation printing professional with over 32 years of experience. Her family has proudly owned and operated Pioneer Printers, Inc. since 1966, and Cortny has been involved since childhood—helping with collating, stapling, and plate work before officially joining the office team at age 18.

She earned both a Liberal Arts degree and a Business degree from Niagara County Community College, providing a strong academic foundation to complement her hands-on experience. At 19, she joined BCO, a wholesale printing company, where she advanced from part-time receptionist to full-time staff, gaining 11 years of valuable expertise in operations and customer service before returning to her family’s business in 2005.

When Pioneer Printers acquired Gardei Manufacturing in 2009—where her grandfather began his career—Cortny played a key role in integrating the two companies and streamlining order processing and invoicing. Today, she manages daily production, ensuring the business continues to grow while honoring a four-generation legacy.

Cortny is married to Michael, the company’s Art Director, and is a proud mother of Aubrey and Colton.

Cortny Spears is a highly accomplished professional with more than three decades of expertise in the printing industry. As the fourth generation of her family to lead within Pioneer Printers, Inc., she combines extensive hands-on knowledge with proven management experience to ensure operational excellence and long-term growth.

Her career began at a young age, working in various production roles at Pioneer Printers before transitioning into administrative and customer service positions. After more than a decade at BCO, a wholesale printing company, Cortny returned to Pioneer Printers in 2005. She has since played a pivotal role in shaping the company’s operations, particularly following the 2009 acquisition of Gardei Manufacturing, where she developed streamlined order entry, invoicing, and workflow systems.

Currently serving as manager, Cortny oversees daily production and drives efficiency, quality, and customer satisfaction. She is deeply committed to preserving her family’s printing legacy while positioning Pioneer Printers for future innovation and continued success.

1. Professional & Straightforward
   Printing industry leader with 32+ years of experience, carrying forward a proud fourth-generation family legacy at Pioneer Printers, Inc.
2. Approachable & Personal
   Fourth generation printing professional passionate about blending tradition with innovation at Pioneer Printers, Inc.
3. Executive & Forward-Thinking
   Seasoned printing industry professional specializing in operations, workflow efficiency, and business growth at Pioneer Printers, Inc.

LinkedIn Headline

1. Legacy + Leadership
   Printing Industry Professional | 32+ Years Experience | Fourth-Generation Leader at Pioneer Printers, Inc.
2. Expertise + Growth
   Printing Industry Leader | Operations & Workflow Efficiency | Driving Growth at Pioneer Printers, Inc. | Fourth-Generation Family Business
3. Approachable + Personal
   Passionate Printing Professional | Blending Tradition & Innovation | Carrying Forward a Four-Generation Legacy at Pioneer Printers

Cortny C. Spears

Owner / CEO | Pioneer Printers, Inc.

📍 1087 Erie Avenue, North Tonawanda, NY 14120

📞 (716) 692-8492

✉️ cortny@pioneerprinters.com

🌐 www.pioneerprinters.com

Proudly carrying forward four generations of printing excellence.