Unleashing An Idea

One Sunday in 2003, Bill was reading the paper (remember those?) and came across a print shop for sale. He turned to Debi and said, “What if you could print all the things you design?”

Debi thought he was crazy. All she could picture was a noisy, messy print shop filled with paper scraps and the smell of ink. Not to mention, neither of us knew a thing about running an offset press! Still, Bill convinced her to at least take a look.

At the same time, Debi was working on benefit books for the NFL—32 teams, each requiring different information for players and coaches. She kept thinking, “There has to be an easier way than creating 64 separate documents.” Around then, a new technology was beginning to gain traction in the industry: digital printing.

When we evaluated the existing print business, we saw an opportunity to integrate digital printing into the client base. However, the numbers simply didn’t support continuing to run the offset equipment. We looked at each other and said, “Let’s just start our own print shop!”

Here Spot! Or Bingo? Or Rover?

The wheels were set in motion. Equipment was leased. Office space was secured. Paperwork was filed.

The only problem? We didn’t have a name.

With very opposite personalities, agreeing on one felt nearly impossible. Bill’s ideas were “too boring.” Debi’s were “too out there.” On the night of our seventh wedding anniversary, while out to dinner at Duling Kurtz, Debi declared, “We are not leaving this table without a name!” Let’s just say the bar bill reflected the seriousness of the mission.

Debi suggested “DigiDog,” and Bill said, “I kind of like that…” WAIT. Could Bill possibly like a name Debi came up with? Then Bill said, “What about Blue Dog?”

In that instant, we knew. It was perfect. What better inspiration than the pup who stole our hearts simply by standing out from the rest?

Your Best Friend

From the beginning, we’ve believed in running our business like a family—treating our employees and customers that way, too. Our daughter has watched Blue Dog grow since she was just two years old. Now an adult, she still pitches in—stuffing envelopes and shrink-wrapping (sometimes even without complaining!).

We are committed to providing marketing, graphic design, and printing solutions that not only meet your immediate needs but also allow your message to evolve as your company grows.

We look forward to working with you...