Jan Steiner is a visionary leader, entrepreneur, and advocate for workforce development whose career has been defined by innovation, mentorship, and a commitment to excellence in the printing and packaging industries. As former President and CEO of Thoro Packaging, Jan transformed her family’s folding carton company into a modern, industry-leading operation—growing it from $1 million to nearly $40 million in revenue—before successfully negotiating its sale in 2018.

Guided by her personal motto, “If you don’t make dust, you eat dust,” Jan became known not only for bold innovation, such as investing early in advanced Heidelberg printing technology, but also for her trailblazing leadership as a woman in manufacturing. Her work has earned her numerous accolades, including Executive of the Year (PIASC), the Spirit of the Entrepreneur Award, and induction into the prestigious Ben Franklin Honor Society, and the 2025 Sternberg Innovation Award.

Since retiring from Thoro, Jan has focused on giving back. She’s donated over $1 million in printing and supplemental equipment, as well as curriculum resources, to advance technical education—including a 2023 Heidelberg SM 52 press to Riverside Community College. Her contributions inspired Heidelberg USA and Autajon to launch scholarships in her honor.

Today, Jan channels her energy into MakeDust, her speaking and mentoring platform, and Trade Works USA, a nonprofit she founded to elevate skilled trades as respected career paths.

She mentors students and women entrepreneurs, speaks nationally on leadership and workforce engagement, and continues to shape the future of the industry—one bold idea at a time.