Operations Manager and Purchasing Manager
With 39 years in the printing industry, Jan brings a rare combination of technical knowledge, operational experience, and practical problem-solving to Lellyett & Rogers. She joined L&R in 2014, and today keeps the print shop’s complex operation moving smoothly and efficiently—all with her warm, winning style.
How did you get your start in printing?
Actually, my career began at Belmont, back when it was still just Belmont College. They had a small print shop then, and I was doing camera work, film development, working on projects for their School of Music and the museum. That was my introduction to print and media, and it all just took off from there.
What does your role look like today?
I serve as both operations manager and purchasing manager. Each day starts with checking in on the plant team and making sure everyone has what they need to produce the day’s work. I also walk the warehouse, monitor inventory, and order supplies as needed. I have it organized so I can usually see quickly when something is running low. A strong crew makes the whole operation run much more smoothly—and we have a really good one here.
What makes L&R’s production operation distinctive?
I think it’s the range of work we can produce—and the attention we give to every project. We can deliver high-quality commercial printing for polished marketing materials to large-format graphics and high-volume production runs. We also pay attention to how each piece will ultimately be used. For example, we create materials for nursing homes, so we make sure those are glue-bound rather than stapled to eliminate exposed stitches. We have special machines, custom-built for us, that allow us to meet the specific needs of each of our clients.
How would you describe L&R’s relationship with its customers?
We have many longtime, repeat customers, and I think the atmosphere has a lot to do with that. People feel comfortable coming in, talking with us and asking for help. It is an open-door kind of place. We try to be accessible, friendly, and useful whenever a customer needs us.
What stands out about the L&R team?
Our team is very versatile. People here are willing to step beyond a single job description and help wherever the work requires it. That flexibility is a big part of how L&R operates.
How has printing changed over your career?
The change has been enormous. When I started, film and hand calibration were part of the process. Offset printing once made up a much larger share of what we did, but now production has turned digital. Barcodes carry job information, presses make automated adjustments, plate handling can be automatic. It’s been remarkable to see both the technology and the nature of the work change over my career.
What do you enjoy outside of work?
I enjoy sports, discovering new restaurants, and spending time outdoors. I support all the Nashville teams, and generally root for the SEC, though the Kentucky Wildcats are my top team. I also like to hunt, to fish, to hike.
Any favorite local places to eat?
It depends on the mood. For seafood, I like Catch Land & Sea in Hendersonville. For Italian, Café Nonna in Sylvan Park is a favorite. Salvo’s and Midnight Oil are good pizza choices, and Tenfold and East Nashville Brew Works are great when I want a brewery.
What is still on your travel list?
I am only six states away from visiting all 50. The Mountain West remains my favorite part of the country, especially Colorado, Wyoming and Montana. I love the mountains, the dry air, the streams and the wildlife.
Watching anything of interest lately?
Well, since you know I like the West, I really like a lot of Taylor Sheridan’s work, and am really into Lioness. That kind of storytelling is right up my alley.
