Envision3: Strong Vision for the Future

The company was founded in 2000, when Kevin Franz and his brother, Greg—then print brokers—bought out Bensenville, IL-based Courtesy Litho. In 2004, the business was moved to a new, 50,000-square-foot plant in Bloomingdale, its current home. In a procession of tactical moves that have proven fruitful thus far, the company migrated into digital printing, mailing, marketing services, fulfillment and online storefronts.

Bucking Economic Trends

Despite the fact that its first 10 years in business were marked by the awful 2001 recession and the monstrously-crippling 2008-2009 economic funk, Envision3 has continued on its merry growth path, from annual sales of $6.5 million in its debut campaign to a projected $18 million when the final 2014 receipts are counted. Its employee base is just shy of the century mark.

Diversity is key here, as the firm hasn't overloaded any one customer or market segment. No single customer represents more than 9 percent of Envision3's business, and the second biggest checks in at 4 percent. The company's client roster numbers 330, representing verticals such as agriculture, medical, pharmaceuticals, nonprofits, education, retail, associations and brokers. On the product side, the shop produces pocket folders, catalogs, post cards, brochures, direct mail, portfolio pieces, diecuts and UV work.

Tim Itano, director of marketing and creative services for Envision3, notes that clients in the travel and food specializations have a distinct need for high quality standards that are color-critical. "Clients come to us because they need the food to look appetizing and ready to eat," Itano exclaims. "Same for the travel side, too. The destinations pictured have to make you want to jump on a plane and go there.

"I come from the advertising agency side, and we did a lot of hospitality work. We'd buy printing from Envision3. We appreciated the way they ran their business, as well as their level of excellence. Joining the team was a natural progression for me."