FAST TRACK FIRMS -- Sailing Against the Wind
Graphic Press
Los Angeles
2003 Ranking: 123
Most Recent Fiscal Year Sales: $50M
Previous Fiscal Year Sales: $32M
Not many three-year-old, startup shops exist in this industry—certainly not with a spotless plant filled with shiny new equipment.
There's only one Graphic Press.
John Zamora used his own resources to fund the dream of becoming a print shop owner in the printing hotbed of Los Angeles. It has grown to the $50 million range, concentrating on products like marketing collateral, direct mail, catalogs, annual reports, promotional materials and inserts for vertical markets such as automotive, retail, communications, financial, fashion, travel and healthcare.
Its growth platform is based on the aggressive hiring of premier sales representatives, a customer- focused culture, premium quality product and the latest in printing technology, according to Pete Stein, executive vice president.
In the coming year, Graphic Press plans to expand its bindery, a project that began in 2003 with the addition of a saddle stitcher. On the press end, a double web and a sheetfed press are also on its wish list.
In 2004, the company anticipates the addition of more top-flight sales reps, geographical expansion via select regional acquisitions, and continued investment in value-added technologies and services.
Suttle-Straus Inc.
Waunakee, WI
2003 Ranking: 189
Most Recent Fiscal Year Sales: $29.41M
Previous Fiscal Year Sales: $19.41
The merger of the two companies in 2001 allowed the new concern to not only maintain the existing sales base of each company, but enhance its efforts, as well, reveals President John Berthelsen.
"We have continued to grow because we continue to listen to our customers and provide them with the products and services that they need to be successful in their own businesses," he says.
Suttle-Straus embarked on a major equipment acquisition initiative in 2002, adding both sheetfed and web equipment to increase its print capacity and capabilities. Berthelsen also reports that the company's non-print, ancillary services are growing at an accelerated clip.
