Interview with Shelly and Russ Houston, owners
Q: How did you get involved in this business?
A: Russ and I have been involved in the printing industry for nearly 30 years. Russ handles the production and management, and I take care of the graphics and design on projects. I worked as the graphic designer for the previous owner, and Russ was working for a commercial printer in Denver when the owner decided to retire. It was a natural for us to buy the business. (Plus, we have less than a mile commute to the office!)
Q: What distinguishes you from other businesses in your category?
A: We are the only true full-service print shop in the mountain community. We have printing presses, copiers, design services and a full-service bindery so we can turn jobs around quickly and cost-effectively. The other advantage to working with us is that we are owner-operators. We are here every day meeting with customers, taking orders, designing and producing the jobs. There is never a time that any project goes through our shop without one or both of us having our hands on it. We have a vested interest in every job being produced to the best of our ability because it is our name behind each project.
Q: What do you like best about your line of work?
A: Most days our work is both creative and challenging at the same time. We love the wide variety of projects we get to work on. On any given day our work can range from designing a wedding invitation, reproducing an out-of-print book, outputting custom home plans to brainstorming ideas for a customer who needs to create seminar materials. Plus, the technology in our industry is always changing, which really keeps us on our toes. We also never tire of hearing, “I’m so glad you are here in Evergreen!” Our customers are truly grateful that they don’t have to venture “down the hill” to access the type of services we provide.
Q: What is your business’ biggest challenge?
A: Like many brick-and-mortar stores, we fight the challenge of competing with online providers. We can’t compete with online low prices, but once customers experience working with us, they realize that the hassles and lack of customer support from an online retailer isn’t worth saving a few dollars. One of the best things about working with Rising Graphics is that we don’t expect you to be print experts — that’s what we do.
Q: Something people might be surprised to learn about you or your business:
A: The space our shop occupies was originally the local movie theater back in the 1970s. When longtime residents of Evergreen come in to the shop they remember the theater and usually comment that they saw the original “Star Wars” here. In fact, the ticket booth is still in use as paper storage in the front of our shop.
Profile
Business: Rising Graphics + Printing
Address: 27985 Meadow Drive, Evergreen
Hours: 8 a.m.-5:30 p.m. Monday through Friday, 9 a.m.-noon Saturday
Founded: 2007
Contact: 303-674-7604;
Employees: 4
