Fast-Track Firms: Bucking the Trends

"The markets we serve represent some of the fastest-growing print markets in our industry," notes Ed Garvey, president of The Garvey Group. "Our 'to market' value proposition distinguishes us because our products are complementary, enabling customers to use us for a broad range of services."

While The Garvey Group doesn't have any capital expenditures on the immediate horizon, the company has spent $37 million since 2005. In the last 18 months alone, it acquired a six-color, 81˝ KBA Rapida press with interstation UV capabilities, a Screen Truepress digital device and a Zund router for cutting digital sheets.

Still, Garvey won't rule out jumping on an acquisition if he feels the time is right. "We have been affected like most companies," he says. "However, we believe that our markets are reasonably unique and, as a result, allow us to retain clients and position ourselves well for future growth."

HGI Co.
Burlington, WI
Most Recent 
Fiscal Year Sales: $42.29 million
Previous 
Fiscal Year Sales: $34.60 million
Change: 22 Percent

HGI is an invention of solid leadership, planning, engaged employees and a well-calculated mixture of acquisitions and a startup. Craig Faust bought the assets of web printer Hi-Liter Graphics in 2003, added commercial printer and book manufacturer Inland Graphics in 2005, then digital capabilities with Plus Digital in 2007. The following year, Tempt In-Store Productions—which specializes in the design and manufacture of point-of-purchase (POP) materials—was born.

"Our 2008 sales growth was organic, coming from a continued goal of attaining new customers and expanding relationships with existing clients," says Tom Sikora, vice president of sales and marketing. "All target market segments achieved positive growth. Our sales focus was on providing value to the marketplace through the utilization of our diverse printing platform...truly providing clients a single-source solution for their printing and finishing needs."