Today we’d like to introduce you to Ike Thaler.
Thanks for sharing your story with us Ike. So, let’s start at the beginning and we can move on from there.
I was introduced to the printing industry in 1997, right after I received my advertising degree from the University of Florida. I got into the industry accidentally when I was promoting special events for nightclubs, parties etc. I used to spend 5 to 6 hours each night passing out flyers when I came up with an idea to publish a flyer that included a daily schedule of events around town. The concept was called: TWIG (The week in Gainesville). I knocked on doors and got some of the biggest establishments in Gainesville at the time to advertise on the flyer. This is when I learned about gang run printing and got introduced to the art of graphic design and Adobe Photoshop (was using Version 4 back in the day).
As I got familiar with the industry, I started selling business cards by going door to door. At the time, my company was called Twig Supercards which was marketed as the Home Of The Double Sided Business Card. I built up my clientele by offering cards that were thick (16pt. Cardstock) and included a high gloss UV coating on both sides. This was before e-commerce and the internet, in general, took off so these were unique cards that were hard to find, especially at the low prices of $99 for 5000 cards.
As I was servicing my new clients, I started listening to their needs and expand our product line to brochures, catalog sheets, catalogs, rack cards, paper place mats and other items. In 1998 we launched our first website which was one of the first printing websites on the web. We then started offering customizable promotional items such as pens, mouse pads, calendars, apparel printing and just about anything that our customers needed to promote their businesses. We changed our company names to Twig One Stop and our slogan was Your One Stop Promotional Stop: Over the years we continued to offer a complete line of services which included graphic design, offset and digital printing, direct mail services, large format printing, over 500,000 unique promotional items and more. Years later, we started a new division called Discounted Printing & Direct Mail (www.discountedprinting.com).
Over the past few years, we continued to expand our product line and created new websites called www.customplacematprinting.com as well as www.videoprints.net which offers cutting video brochure which combines traditional offset printing with built-in video screens which can display client videos.
We’re always bombarded by how great it is to pursue your passion, etc – but we’ve spoken with enough people to know that it’s not always easy. Overall, would you say things have been easy for you?
Like most businesses, we have experienced many growing pains and bumps in the road. Challenges ranged from not growing too fast, hiring the right sales and later production staff. Over the last 10-15 years, the biggest challenges seem to be the fierce competition from the internet. Giant online print companies and trade printers with huge budgets have made it very difficult for smaller print companies to survive. Like many businesses, we have had to redefine ourselves during recessions and changes in the market. Other challenges included introducing new products and services to keep our clients happy and grow our business.
So, as you know, we’re impressed with Discounted Printing & Direct Mail – tell our readers more, for example what you’re most proud of as a company and what sets you apart from others.
As I mentioned previously, we specialize in a full range of printing and marketing services. Our bread and butter have always been offset and digital printing as well as One-Stop direct mail and mailing list services.
I’ve found that the most important way to earn new business and maintain relationships is by providing customers great service by bending over backward to keep them happy. We have found that offering a One Stop shop type solutions have helped us grow. Customers Service is what defines a company and create long-term relationships and friendships. A good mix of competitive prices, prompt service and continuing to listen to our customer’s needs have helped us stay in business for over 20 years.
These days we are known as a One Stop print shop and mail house which can provide clients with unique products from complete mailing campaigns., video brochures, place mats and large format printing.
So, what’s next? Any big plans?
On the printing and direct mail side, our plan is to continue to expand into new markets and develop new products that meet our clients needs.
Over the past couple of years, I started pursuing a long term dream by starting a new clothing company called Infinite Soldier Apparel, Jewelry and Music. With a Slogan of: Everything Is Possible!, our mission is to spread awareness about the impact of our language and positive thinking in creating a positive life. Although, we will continue to expand our printing capabilities, I have found a greater purpose and passion with our clothing line and unique music project.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.discountedprinting.com , http://www.customplacematprinting.com , www.videoprints.net , www.infinitesoldier.com
- Phone: (855) 375-4637
- Email: [email protected]
Image Credit:
Melanie Valentine
Getting in touch: VoyageMIA is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you know someone who deserves recognition please let us know here.
