This month, we’re taking a moment to celebrate someone who has played an important role in Coughlin’s story for more than three decades.

While our newsletters typically highlight company updates, educational insights, community involvement, and nonprofit partnerships, this edition is dedicated to honoring a valued team member whose dedication, craftsmanship, and commitment have helped shape who we are today.

Since its founding in 1886 with the launch of the Watertown Herald, Coughlin has built a legacy of quality, innovation, and exceptional service throughout Northern New York. Over nearly 140 years, the company has continued to evolve through advancements in technology, strategic leadership, and key acquisitions, including West Side Printery, AMF Printing, Benjamin Printing, and Ferguson Printing.

Today, Coughlin provides a wide range of solutions, including commercial printing, websites, print and digital marketing services, mailing solutions, graphic design, business coaching, and team outstaffing services—all designed to help businesses grow and succeed.

Behind every chapter of Coughlin’s history are the dedicated employees who have helped carry those values forward. Team members like Mike Farney have been instrumental in preserving the craftsmanship, quality, and customer commitment that continue to define Coughlin today.

Celebrating Mike’s Career & Retirement

After nearly 35 years with Coughlin and approximately 50 years in the printing industry, Mike Farney is officially beginning his retirement journey.

Although we’ll miss seeing him around the shop each day, we’re incredibly grateful for the years of knowledge, hard work, and dedication he brought to our team.

Mike’s printing career began in 1976 through a Jefferson County internship program, where he first discovered his passion for the trade. Over the years, he witnessed the printing industry transform dramatically—from hot-lead type and offset aluminum plates to today’s modern digital printing processes.

Rather than shy away from change, Mike embraced each new advancement. His ability to adapt while maintaining the highest standards of quality earned him the respect of his coworkers and customers alike.

Like many lifelong printers, Mike developed a special appreciation for the equipment that became part of his daily work. The Kluge hand-feed press held a special place in his career as the first press he learned to operate. He also had a fondness for the Itek 985 Duplicator Press, which he described as a reliable “workhorse with envelopes.”

Looking back on his career, Mike says he is most proud of his ability to “go with the flow” as the industry changed while still ensuring quality from the first sheet of paper to the last. He also credits mentors Earl Robinson and “Beanie” Spagnoli for encouraging his interest in printing and helping guide him early in his career.

As Mike begins this next chapter, he’s looking forward to spending more time bowling, working on projects around the house, and staying active with driveway sealing work.

His advice to younger team members is simple:

Keep an open mind, embrace change, invest in yourself, and don’t let challenges discourage you.

Thank You, Mike, for Your Dedication

From everyone at Coughlin, thank you, for your decades of dedication, craftsmanship, and commitment. Your contributions have left a lasting impact on our team and our company.

Congratulations on your retirement, we wish you all the best as you turn the page to this exciting new chapter! 🎉