WHEELING — From humble beginnings, TaylorMade Printing has grown into one of the most respected printing companies in the Ohio Valley, through cutting-edge techniques, reliability and personal touch.
The company’s founders believed in good, old-fashioned hard work and a belief the area would respond to high-quality production from friends and neighbors. TaylorMade Printing celebrates 50 years of business, with a feeling of gratitude and pride for all their customers.
“We’ve loved every minute of serving the Ohio Valley and beyond,” said company president Debbie Taylor, who is now retiring and passing the torch to her son Scott. “It’s truly been a labor of love serving all our friends. As I look back on the last 50 years, I’m amazed at the changes in services and technologies we offer and am proud of what we’ve set up for TaylorMade’s next 50 years.”
TaylorMade sprouted when, in 1972, Debbie’s husband and former company president Jim Taylor called on Chuck Fortney, who ran a small print shop out of his home. They became friends and formed a partnership.
This partnership was renamed Copies Inc., and it operated at 1618 Jacob Street for a few years before moving to its current location at 1909 Jacob Street.
“We started our business with an SBA loan of $25,000,” Debbie Taylor said. “We spent many nights worrying about how we were going to pay back the loan, but our customers didn’t let us down.”
“I remember those early years were frustrating, but exciting,” Jim Taylor said.
“I knew from the beginning if we offered honest pricing and top-rate service we’d have a good chance of success. And that’s still our credo.”
The company name eventually changed to TaylorMade, yet that didn’t mean the change was easy.
“At first, we were afraid to change it from Copies Incorporated,” said Jim Taylor. “It had grown into a recognizable brand. Our equipment and capabilities made us more than just quick-printing. We were full-service.”
The beginning of the growth spurt was upon us.
After six years as a partner, Fortney (who has since died) moved to Florida. Jim and Debbie then took the business over with their son Scott and production manager Jim.
They also added a Komori Press with two colors, a Ryobi Press with two colors, a Davidson Web Press, and a Multilith Press with two colours. Image Setting equipment was offered for jobs that were more complex.
The changes continue.
“Now,” said Debbie Taylor, “the printing industry is geared more toward digital printing rather than offset printing. The Canon ImagePress C8000VP prints the files electronically. We are also a ‘Union’ shop offering political printing and mailing services.”
Taylor Family has always made it a priority to meet the needs of customers. The Taylor family has always been proud to ensure that their customers’ needs are met.
Debbie Tayor stated that her son Scott will be sure to keep up the work ethic.
“He’s very knowledgeable and loves the printing industry,” she said. “He’s been with us for 30 years, starting with making deliveries to learning how to operate the equipment, from cutter, collator, folder and several printing presses. He’s well-versed in management. We have no doubt our friends will continue to have a superior customer experience.”
The current location has a total of 10,000 square feet with two indoor loading bays. The space is not just for storing materials but also to provide a comfortable work environment.
TaylorMade is a local marketing agency that serves more than 300 accounts.
Jim and Debbie Taylor have also been proud of Jim, their son who is a Linsly grad and holds a Ph.D. and is a Professor at the University of Florida. Crystal, another Linsly grad, majored fashion merchandising in Kent State, and currently lives in Colorado.
TaylorMade Printing’s hours of operation are 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday. The office’s phone number is (304) 232-1166