Doing Good, Doing Right: The Business Philosophy Of Dick Vokins It's Time For Success: The Business Insights podcast

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Doing Good, Doing Right: The Business Philosophy of Dick Vokins

3d ago 22:52

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Sharon talks with respected business leader Dick Vokins as he shares his philosophy on leadership, integrity, and doing business the right way—even when no one’s watching. With decades of experience behind him, Dick offers candid insights into the role of humility, high standards, and trustworthiness in customer relationships. He talks about the dangers of overselling and highlights the value of providing only what the client needs. From the importance of reputation to the impact of ethical decisions, Dick reminds entrepreneurs and business owners that long-term success is rooted in integrity, not shortcuts.

While faith plays a quiet but powerful role in his leadership journey, Dick doesn't preach—it shows in how he leads. He explains how his Christian beliefs shaped his work from the very beginning, offering him clarity during stressful times and grounding his commitment to serve clients, employees, and the broader community. His advice to entrepreneurs? Prioritize faith, family, and community. Success in business, according to Dick, isn’t just about profits—it's about people, purpose, and doing what’s right.

About Dick Vokins

Image Press Founder, Co-Owner and Chief Happiness Consultant, Dick Vokins brings his printing expertise and infectious joy to all who step through our printing shop doors. He’s been a part of the printing industry since he was 16, learning how to print on his grandfather’s hand-fed platen press. Dick began printing using lead type and linotype, handpicking and setting (which may be why he’s perpetually happy).

Starting Image Press in 1988, Dick—30 years later—continues to love the creativity and tangibility of bringing people’s visions to life through print. Remaining up to date with the latest in printing, copying, and creative design, Image Press utilizes the very best digital printing solutions to deliver outstanding products alongside stellar customer service.

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Transcript

Sharon DeKoning: [00:00:16] This morning, I have the honor of sitting down with someone I deeply admire, the one and only Mr. Dick Vokins from Image Press. Dick is the kind of person I hope to be in life. He doesn't chase the spotlight. Instead, he chooses to lift others up, to serve, and to give back without ever asking for recognition. My hope is by the end of this conversation, you'll learn from Dick, as I continue to do, about leadership, faith, integrity, humility, and building a life and business that truly matters. He is a reminder that doing things the right way still matters. So welcome, Dick, and thank you so much for joining me today.

Dick Vokins: [00:01:26] Pretty flowery, Sharon. Pretty flowery.

Sharon DeKoning: [00:01:29] Oh, you are amazing.

Dick Vokins: [00:01:31] If you only knew the truth.

Sharon DeKoning: [00:01:36] I should have added in there 'and extremely hilarious'. I missed that. Because you're always joking and making everyone laugh, so thank you.

Dick Vokins: [00:01:46] I love humor.

Sharon DeKoning: [00:01:47] Dick, you're someone who leads, I say, quietly because even though we lead the same circle in business, our paths never really crossed until recently. So I'd say quietly and powerfully because everybody knows you. No matter who I talk to, everybody knows Mr. Dick Vokins. Tell me, how have you approached leadership throughout your life and business career? What's your take on leadership?

Dick Vokins: [00:02:16] I'm not sure I like that term. I think to be a good leader, you need to be a good follower. If you don't have someone that you're following that has the highest standards, you can be easily led astray. You mentioned my faith, that's paramount in my life. My faith is paramount. If I'm following God and accountable to him, it allows me to be a leader with similar qualities to what I admire in the one I serve. And when I say God, I'm a Christian by faith, so I follow the teachings of Jesus. Jesus only really gave us two commands. Command one is to love God. Command number two is to love others. If you follow Christ's example and just follow him, I think others will be attracted to that style of quiet, gentle focus.

Sharon DeKoning: [00:03:23] Thank you, Dick. I have written down here, it says 'your faith seems to be woven into everything you do'. And it is. As I got to know you, and you just said it does, are you able to share how all that started, or how it has influenced your business decisions? Can you give us some examples?

Dick Vokins: [00:03:41] I grew up in a religious organization, but I didn't come to faith in God until I was 20. It was my boss at a printing company here in Lloydminster, Fred Bayton. You might know some of the Baytons, they were a name in Lloydminster. G.F. Bayton was the president of the rotary years and years ago. His son Fred led me to faith in God. Rod and Peg Bayton owned a business in town here. Doug Bayton, Fred's son, is the pastor at the Baptist church here in town. Wonderful, solid guy. He led me to faith in God through Christ and that changed everything, Sharon. And over the course of time, God never gets you to change things too rapidly in your life. He is the most gracious leader that you could ever follow. One with compassion and kindness, understanding our struggles, leading us quietly through, identifying with our pain, rejoicing when we rejoice, grieving when we grieve.

Sharon DeKoning: [00:04:51] One thing I've learned from you is your faith is strong, which is great, but you can have a conversation with anybody and there's zero judgment. You're not preaching to them. You walk in and that's just your belief and you can resonate with everybody, right?

Dick Vokins: [00:05:09] There's a saying, honey attracts more flies than vinegar. In the world you're going to find judgment. Let me give you an example. Jesus, he's a good example. He didn't sin once in his life. He loved people in all walks of life, and he was accused of eating and drinking with sinners. I want to be that guy. The religious leaders are the ones that actually condemned him.

Sharon DeKoning: [00:05:41] As a business owner, we get very stressed out, we get very busy, we've all been there and done that. How do you get through those times? Because it's been a lot of years, Dick. Tell me, what's your thought on those crazy times?

Dick Vokins: [00:06:03] It comes back to my faith again. I'm pretty single-focused. I believe God will never give me ...

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