Plum Grove Printers Inc., celebrated its 35th anniversary on December 1, 2015.
On December 1, 1980, Jimmy Carter was the lame duck president, “Lady” by Kenny Rogers was No. 1 on the pop charts, “The Empire Strikes Back” was the top grossing film, and Plum Grove Printers was born.
“That was a pretty big day for me,” CEO Peter Lineal remembers, “I got the keys to the building, and my first child was born.” From modest beginnings in a 917-square-foot space on Plum Grove Road (hence the name), Mr. Lineal’s little startup has expanded into the bustling 9,600-square-foot facility of today.
The entrepreneur cheerfully recalls Plum Grove’s first job. “We were called ‘quick printers’ back then, printing letterheads, invoices, forms, and more. As a struggling new businessperson, I convinced my father-in-law that he needed 500 envelopes. They were just one color, but it was my first order.”
“We were just a tiny little business with a staff of one and a baby in the back of the shop,” says Mr. Lineal. “My take-home salary was $172 the first year. Sales for year one barely reached $50,000. But we eventually grew into a valued marketing partner to our clients.” The projected sales for 2015 are $4.4 million.
The Plum Grove of today offers offset and digital four-color printing, mailing lists and mailing services, wide-format printing, trade show displays, and promotional products “with powerful execution.” Mr. Lineal is proud to point out that three of his employees from the 1980s are still part of the Plum Grove family today, including Kim Doering, president of the company.
Plans for a yearlong celebration are in the works and will be shared at a later date.
About Plum Grove
Founded in Chicagoland in 1980, Plum Grove (http://www.PlumGrovePrinters.com ) is a Top 100 business printer based in Hoffman Estates, Illinois. Specializing in direct-mail marketing, promotional products, printed marketing materials, signage, and point-of-sale graphics, Plum Grove offers the expertise of 35 years in the industry. Plum Grove is also a leader in eco-friendly printing with wind power, environmentally sustainable papers, and extensive recycling and waste reduction. The State of Illinois recognized Plum Grove with its highest award for environmentally friendly businesses. In 2014, Plum Grove merged with Tradeshows And Displays, adding complete trade show and event marketing to its repertoire.