PaperChain Chats: Bobby Nolen, Vice President and General Manager of Clampitt Paper, Oklahoma City

Mark Swets, NPTA executive director, connects with Bobby Nolen, vice president and general manager of Clampitt Paper in Oklahoma City, following the 2026 NPTA Emerging Leaders Summit. Nolen reflects on his first summit experience and the value of stepping away from day-to-day responsibilities to connect with peers, hear from industry leaders, and bring new perspectives back to his team.

“Your mindset really can control your entire location,” Nolen says. “If you can just be positive, it can really change your whole environment.”

Swets and Nolen also discuss the importance of communication, patience, and company culture in developing strong leaders, as well as current business conditions and growth at Clampitt Paper. Nolen shares his experience with Clampitt’s Paper School program, including its expansion to college students in Oklahoma City, and how education, networking, and exposure to the print and paper industry can help engage the next generation.