Q10: Excel Printing

Excel Printing, Inc.
3374 S. Kinnickinnic Ave.
Stacy & Debbie Leszczynski
(414) 769-6950
dfraser@wi.rr.com

1. What type of printing do you do? What types of printing projects do you do?

We offer a variety of services. We do digital and offset multicolor printing. Typesetting and design. Bindery and finishing. Our range includes letterhead, envelopes, and business cards to raffle tickets, carbonless forms, brochures, newsletters, custom wedding invitations, and menus. We also offer black-and-white copies and a fax service.

2. Was the building always a combined storefront and home?

As far as we know, yes. The former owner had a business here called Chic Hosiery Shop. The daughter was here a few years back. We had questions. She gave us answers. Part of our lobby was actually her bedroom and the other part was a small shop.

3. How did you get started in the print trade? How did you learn your trade?

My high school math teacher suggested I take the printing course at Pulaski High School in 1975. After high school, I worked at three different local printing companies before opening Excel Printing in 1989.

4. What is unique about your service?

Extremely personalized service. You always work with an owner on any order.

5. What do you like most about digital era printing? What do you miss about the old analog era of print technology?

Digital-speed and accuracy. Analog-the challenge of creating and completing jobs from scratch.

6. There are many empty storefronts in Bay View. What do you think it will take to bring more businesses to the vacant storefronts on KK, Delaware, Howell?

Tax incentives for people starting small businesses, better parking arrangements, services that people need to stay in the community.

7. What do you like most about being in business?

Controlling our own destiny, being able to grow along with our customers.

8. How do you market your business? What methods work best for you?

Initially we did door-to-door advertising with business cards, notepads, and pens. But our best advertising is word-of-mouth and the company truck with our signs all over it. People have followed me back to the shop after sitting behind me at the bank or a red light.

9. If you could change anything about the Bay View business environment, what would that be?

I would suggest a business association with all business owners, whether it be a storefront or a home-based business, not just a select few.

10. What is the most common mistake customers make when they prepare jobs for you?

They create something on their screen and it looks great, but it’s just not printable. It might be oversize or maybe the margins are off. My suggestion would be to design the project first and then bring it to us for a proof before printing. Then we can help them with alternatives and solutions for their finished product.