When the owner of RJ’s printing, the only Black-owned printer in Southwest Michigan, was ready to step down, he didn’t want to pass on the business to just anyone. With the support of a $150,000 LISC acquisition loan, a local graphic designer who got his start on RJ’s Printing’s founding team in 1995 will make sure the printer will serve the community for years to come.
Kalamazoo, Michigan has long been known as “The Paper City” for its producers of book-quality paper in and around the Edison neighborhood, dating back to the 1800s. While today the paper mills are no longer king, Edison still has a robust publishing and printing scene that traces back to its economic roots.
Ralph Jones and his father started RJ’s Printing in 1995, offering high-quality printing services at affordable prices. Today, it is the only Black-owned printing establishment in Southwest Michigan. Ralph takes pride in building a business that has served a wide range of local customers, from nonprofits and churches to small businesses throughout the region. Even more than that, Jones hopes his work as a Black printer can “inspire Black men and women to follow their passions.”
Count Sean Hollins as one of those who has been inspired. Sean started his career as part of RJ’s Printing founding team, working as a graphic designer. He started his own business in 2001, Fortitude Graphic Design and Printing, striving to help make his customers’ vision come to life, whether for a book cover or website.
Sean has remained connected to the Kalamazoo community and RJ’s over the years. When Ralph was ready to retire, he knew he also wanted to keep the company local, and he had just the person in mind. He invited Sean to bring his expertise back to RJ’s to take over the reins and ensure it continues to serve the neighborhood and beyond.
With a $150,000 loan from LISC, Sean funded the acquisition of the RJ’s Printing building. He also received a $25,000 grant from the City of Kalamazoo, which is providing additional business acquisition financing funds.
Sean is a Kalamazoo native, with deep relationships with local businesses, nonprofits, and churches in the area. In 2020, he and his wife—also a small business owner and community figure—were jointly honored with an award for their contributions to the local arts in Kalamazoo.
“RJ’s Printing is a tightly held, legacy business with deep ties to the neighborhood and a commitment to serving the broader community,” says Sonja Dean, LISC Kalamazoo senior program officer. “LISC Kalamazoo is excited to support the transfer and maintenance of successful, locally owned small businesses like RJ’s.”
This purchase helps build wealth and assets for the new owner in addition to keeping the printer in established, local hands for years to come in The Paper City.