By Ed Avis
Successful reprographics shops often stand out by providing better service than their competitors. Megan Ryan, owner of new APDSP member firm Best Blue Print in Houston, takes that idea to the max: She gives customers her cell number and tells them to call anytime, even Sunday afternoon.
“I always say I run a small-town business in a large city, that’s my deal,” Ryan says. “I have my cell phone on my card. How many customers in a big city can call the owner of the print shop?”
Best Blue Print was primarily a traditional reprographics shop until about six years ago, when they added a custom order side of the house. Their equipment now includes a Scitex 750 flatbed printer, a Canon inkjet printer, an HP latex printer, and a Graphtec cutter.
“We thought a great way to expand the business was to find other things our customers – who are in the trades and GCs – would need,” Ryan says. “Now we have several customers who need MDO boards (medium density overlay) in full color, which we also install. We also do signage on aluminum or Sintra for construction sites, and mesh fence banners. We also do vinyl banners.”
Eventually, Ryan found new clients outside her traditional AEC base. Best Blue Print now serves individuals, lawyers, restaurants and other businesses seeking services such as business stationery, flyers, brochures, window decals, vehicle wraps, banners, back-printed plexiglass and more. She’s currently working on expanding her laminating business.
COVID signage rolling off the press at Best Blue Print
During COVID the company stayed reasonably busy because construction in Houston continued. And she found some clients who needed banners, floor decals and other signage related to COVID.
“A lot of times it can be slow, but I have not ever sent any of my five employees home because we’re slow,” she says. “I let them stay on the clock and pay them.”
It makes sense that Ryan treats her employees well considering how well she treats her customers, even after hours.
“If a customer is running late and we’re about to close, I say, ‘I’ll wait for you,’” she says. “That’s happened a couple of times and they appreciate that. I’ve even said, ‘I’ll meet you somewhere and deliver your job. Where do you want to meet?’”
With service like that, it’s clear that Best Blue Print’s success will continue!