At Craftmaster, we have four decades of experience behind us, but we continue to look to our future. We hope you will be a part of it.
Craftmaster Printers, Inc. was established by a local group of Opelika businessmen in the mid 1960’s. In 1972, George Murphy became the primary owner and started the company on a pattern of steady growth. The original facility was located in Opelika and was expanded several times before it moved to its current location in Auburn. In 2000, the company was purchased by a group of businessmen, and today is owned by a group of four.
The impressive 65,000 square foot facility from which the company currently operates represents the long distance the company has come from the modest store front where it began. Our dedication to our craft has positioned us as a leader in the southeast commercial printing industry for over 40 years. We have a widely experienced team of individuals dedicated to serving your design, printing, bindery, and mailing needs.
Barry Whatley — President
Barry Whatley serves as President of Craftmaster Printers, Inc. An accounting graduate of Auburn University and a masters in business administration graduate of The University of Alabama, Whatley started his career in sales with ThermoPac in Stone Mountain and later joined Verizon Communications in Norcross. In 1998, while working at Verizon, Whatley was awarded the national award “Account Manager of the Year”.
After 10 years in the Atlanta area, Whatley’s desire to move back to Lee County served as the catalyst to join the Craftmaster team in October of 2000. He concentrates on the sales team where he also serves as Sales Manager. He resides in Opelika with his wife, Leigh, and their four children Mary Landon, Ellie, Thomas and Wyatt.
Philip Cole — Chief Operating Officer
Philip Cole serves as Chief Operating Officer of Craftmaster Printers, Inc. He has 28 years of experience working in the corrugated industry where he performed many different duties, attaining a position as high as Regional Vice President. The father of two daughters, Cole and his wife, Renee, reside at Lake Harding.
Mike Hubbard — Investor
Mike Hubbard serves as President of Auburn Network, Inc. A 1983 broadcast journalism graduate of the University of Georgia, Hubbard joined the Auburn Athletic Department staff in January 1984 and served six years as Associate Sports Information Director prior to joining the network.
Hubbard is currently serving his second term as a member of the Alabama House of Representatives representing District 79, which includes portions of Auburn and Opelika. He was elected by his Republican colleagues as the House Minority Leader in 2004 and also serves as Governor Bob Riley’s House Floor Leader.
Hubbard’s wife, Dr. Susan Hubbard, is a faculty member in Auburn University’s College of Human Sciences where she directs the Hotel and Restaurant Management program. They have two sons, Clayte and Riley.
Pat Dye — Investor
Pat Dye is a retired career college football coach most notable for his tenure as the head coach at Auburn University (1981-92). An investor at Craftmaster, he currently resides in Loachapoka and manages his hunting preserve. He has four children.