 That same year, the 8x10 school portrait was introduced to the school photography market, becoming vital to NSS’ success in the late 1960s and early 1970s.Upon the sudden death of founder Eldon Rothgeb in 1972, Richard P. Erickson, a NSS territory manager, was named vice president of sales and marketing to develop plans for consistent growth and profitability.Erickson integrated the company's first two acquisition in 1973 and 1974, respectively—Universal Publications, based in Kansas City, Missouri, a company specializing in school yearbooks; and Prestige Portraits, based in Muncie, Indiana and specializing in senior portraiture.