Paper Company Welcomes New Leadership

The Ohio & Michigan Paper Company (O&M) recently celebrated 153 years of business and transitioned to new leadership.

Long-time company president, Alan (Al) Leininger, retired after 43 years of service and passed the reins to his son, Kevin Leininger, who assumed the roles of company president and board chairman. In his more than 40 years at O&M, Al implemented cost-saving measures by modernizing and streamlining inventory management, sales and delivery functions while partnering with leading vendors and manufacturers to drive value for O&M’s customers.

“I believe in the power of process and people over price. The easiest way to gain new business is to be the lowest-priced proposal but the best way to keep business is to provide value, innovation and service far beyond line-item cost,” said Al.

After graduating from Miami University in Oxford, Ohio, Al followed in the footsteps of his father, Ken Leininger, who purchased O&M in 1969. 

The transition to Kevin Leininger is seamless, as the company has been family-led for 52 years. He plans to continue the Leininger legacy at O&M through a commitment to the values set forth by his dad and grandfather -- values that have made O&M successful for more than a century. Kevin graduated from Indiana University’s Kelley School of Business and brings his experience, from a fast-paced startup, in growth, mergers and acquisitions.

“My dad set a strong precedent for business integrity and unmatched customer service. His leadership in the industry throughout the years will serve as a benchmark for me moving forward. Though there are many challenges ahead, I plan to build upon the values of my dad and grandpa as I navigate our business into the future,” said Kevin.

O&M serves customers across Ohio, southeast Michigan and northeast Indiana to ensure they have access to quality, essential products that help their businesses thrive.