Star City Six: Andy Neil
Cartridge World (www.cartridgeworld.com) is your first choice for top-quality printing products, local service and expert advice. With a winning combination of home and business class print solutions, the team of professionals at Cartridge World can help you save up to 30% off big box store prices while you enjoy the brand selection you want, the quality products you need, and the unsurpassed value you simply can’t find anywhere else. Andy Neil is the President and owner of the local Cartridge World franchise.
Tell us a little about your business.
Cartridge World is your local expert for anything printing! It’s all we do, allowing us to specialize in printers, printer repair and service (maintenance to extend the life of your equipment), and what most associate us with, printer cartridges. We’ve been in Lincoln for almost 13 years and expanded into Omaha last year. By understanding our customer’s specific needs, we’re able to develop solutions for them. Whether you’re a large or small business or a consumer and occasional printer, we work hard to earn your business and save you money. Environmentally friendly, quality driven and service proud!
How did you get started in the business?
I was looking for a new challenge and started to research different business options. Cartridge World was new to the U.S. (they started in Australia) and through my due diligence, I discovered an unmet need in our market.
What is the biggest challenge you’ve faced professionally?
Fighting the ‘after-market’ stigma. Many of us grew up hearing if it’s too good to be true, it is. So when potential customers hear we can save them money, provide the same quality while keeping harmful plastics out of the landfills, they are skeptical.
What has been your most important achievement professionally?
Staying true to my values and beliefs in all aspects of my professional life. I’ve always felt it’s important to treat everyone you meet with respect – employees, customers, competitors – the way you want to be treated.
Tell us a little about your family.
I have a beautiful, very caring and compassionate wife, Dee Dee. We have three wonderful daughters; Devin, who stays home with our extraordinary grandsons Lane and Lawson and is married to our great son-in-law Buck; Miranda, who’s studying in London right now and attends Wash U in St. Louis; and our youngest, Mia, who will be starting UNL this fall and is responsible for every family pet we have – Sadie and Jack Jack!
What do you see as one of the biggest turning points in your life?
Losing my son Adam at 15 to juvenile diabetes.
What is your favorite thing to do on a day off?
Spending time with my family.
If you could choose any other profession to be successful in, what would it be?
A commercial pilot.
What local non-profit organization(s) are you passionate about or involved with, and are there any special reasons why?
Chapter 25 (formerly Lincoln Kids Against Hunger, www.kahlincoln.org). Our family co-founded the Lincoln satellite. It’s a great organization driven by volunteers who put together simple, nutritious food packs that are distributed locally, nationally and internationally to orphanages, schools, churches for those suffering severe malnourishment. It’s a hands-on opportunity to really make a difference with just a little bit of your time.
If you could have dinner with one famous person from the past or present, who would it be?
Leonardo DiVinci. I want to know how he tapped into the full power of his brain!
If our readers would like to contact you, how should they do so?
Email: andy@cwlincoln.com; Website: www.cartridgeworld.com.