Trustee Focus: Jeff Ekstein
As a Trustee of Canadian Print Scholarships, Jeff Ekstein brings a steady, forward-looking commitment to students and to the wider printing industry. His leadership reflects both pride in where print has been and clear purpose about where it needs to go next, with education, mentorship, and opportunity at the centre of that vision.
Celebrating Jeff’s Leadership
Jeff is the third-generation owner of Willow Printing Group, a 72-year-old company built on long-term relationships and practical expertise. As President and CEO, he has guided Willow through strategic acquisitions and shifts in business models, keeping pace with changing customer expectations while staying focused on what clients value most, reliable execution and customized solutions that help them achieve real results.
Beyond the day-to-day work of running a commercial printing organization, Jeff has consistently shown up for the broader graphic communications community. He has served in volunteer leadership roles across the sector, including as an Officer on the Printing Industries of America Board and a member of its Executive Committee, later serving as Chairman. He has also supported excellence and education as a Premier Print Awards judge for many years, and he continues to contribute to post-secondary learning through his involvement on the TMU GCM Advisory Council. His industry recognition, including induction into the Ben Franklin Honor Society and receiving the Lewis Memorial Lifetime Achievement Award, reflects a career grounded in service and sustained contribution.
In Their Own Words
My belief is that if you take out you must give back. My family has made a living in this industry for three generations. The brightest best young people are the future of our industry. We must invest in them if we plan to be here long term. Being involved with Canadian Print Scholarships is a way to ensure our future for generations to come.
Supporting the Next Generation
Jeff’s involvement with Canadian Print Scholarships is a natural extension of how he leads. He understands that a strong industry depends on capable people entering it with confidence, current skills, and a clear sense that they belong. Board leadership and scholarships help reduce barriers for students while also affirming that the print community is willing to invest in their potential. As Past Chair and an engaged Trustee, he supports a practical approach that connects donors, educators, and industry partners to outcomes students can build on throughout their careers.
Inspiring Industry Involvement
Leaders like Jeff set a tone that others can follow, giving back is not a side project, it is part of responsible stewardship. When companies and individuals support scholarships, they strengthen programs, encourage innovation, and signal to students that there is a welcoming place for them in print. Jeff’s example also highlights how community-minded organizations can contribute beyond the plant floor, through fundraising, volunteering, and consistent advocacy for education and career pathways.
Support Students with Leaders Like Jeff
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Image by Jeff Ekstein
“The mission of Canadian Print Scholarships is to attract the brightest and best students available to the graphic communications industry by providing financial assistance to enroll and continue in a post-secondary management or technical program at an approved institution.”
