Book Manufacturers’ Institute Announces 2025 Rising Star Award Winner
The Book Manufacturers' Institute (BMI) is pleased to announce that Matt Kennell of Versa Press has been honored with the prestigious 2025 Rising Star Award.
The honor was established to recognize book industry professionals who may not be long-standing industry veterans, but are making a positive impact on their companies, in their communities, and in the industry. The award was first given in 2019.
This year’s Rising Star Award was presented at the 2025 BMI Spring Management Conference on April 28, 2025, in Nashville, TN. BMI Cased-In Club Member and event sponsor Andy Fetherman of Muller Martini presented the award.
As the head of sales, customer service, and estimating departments with 25 team members, Kennell has strategically driven organic revenue growth and expanded the sales team from 6 to 10 representatives while implementing an innovative territory model that increased customer meetings by 18% without additional travel days. His commitment extends beyond business success to community service, where he serves as Treasurer on the Open Arms Food Pantry Board of Directors and as an Elder at Metamora Mennonite Church.
Kennell's industry involvement is equally impressive as the youngest member of the Book Industry Study Group (BISG) Board of Directors, now in his third year of service. His philosophy that "a rising tide lifts all boats" drives his dedication to modernizing the book supply chain model by eliminating data silos and unnecessary labor tasks—work he believes will help manufacturing companies increase operational efficiency as labor-intensive industries face growing challenges. Through active participation in organizations including BMI, BISG, and ECPA, Kennell continually advances both his company's interests and the broader book manufacturing ecosystem.
“It was an honor to receive the 2025 Rising Star award at BMI’s Spring Management Conference,” Kennell said. “To be among so many other individuals that are among the next generation of leaders in book manufacturing was an encouragement to me. It was a reminder for all of us about the value of meeting together as an industry, and that we need to continue to think about the future. Receiving this award is not the finish line, but a validation that continuing to work to support our publishing customers through our continued efforts to make North American Book Manufacturing a more sustainable, efficient and technologically resilient supply chain.”
Nominees were evaluated for their sustained excellent job performance; contributions to their company, community, and/or industry; continued training/education/learning within the industry; and demonstration of exemplary customer service, community service, and/or industry service.