In 1996, John Petrovskis made a decision that would shape the next 30 years of his life. He and his business partner purchased The Printing Factory in Mundelein, beginning a journey that would turn a small printing operation into a trusted partner for businesses throughout northern Illinois and beyond.
John didn't start out with plans to own a printing company. His career began with an entry-level job in the industry shortly after high school. Over the years, he learned the business from the ground up working in bindery and production, operating presses, estimating jobs, working with customers, and eventually moving into management and sales.
That experience still influences the way John runs the business today. With more than 45 years in the printing industry, he understands that successful printing isn't just about equipment or technology. It's about listening, solving problems, meeting deadlines, and caring about what the finished piece represents for the customer.
Growing Without Losing the Personal Touch
As The Printing Factory grew, so did its capabilities. The company eventually expanded into a larger Mundelein facility and continued to add equipment and services to meet changing customer needs.
Growth also came through relationships with other local printing businesses. The Printing Factory acquired Contemporary Graphics, Stark Printing, Hainesville Printing, and Holly Press, allowing John to welcome their customers and employees while expanding what The Printing Factory could offer.
For those customers, the transition wasn't about starting over. It was about continuing the relationships they already trusted while gaining access to additional capabilities and resources. Today, customers can turn to one company for everything from everyday business printing and direct mail to large-format graphics, signs, stickers & decals, promotional products, finishing, fulfillment, and more.
The Technology Changed. The Commitment Did Not.
John has watched the printing industry transform dramatically. Processes that once relied on film, darkrooms, and manual production have been replaced by digital workflows, sophisticated presses, wide-format equipment, and advanced finishing.
Through all those changes, one thing has remained constant. John wants the finished product to be something the customer is proud to put their name on.
That's also part of what makes The Printing Factory unique. It's a small business with the experience and capabilities to handle surprisingly complex projects, but customers still get the personal attention that can disappear at a larger company.
The team knows its customers. They answer the phone. They help when a deadline suddenly moves up. They look for solutions when a project doesn't go exactly as planned.
Looking Ahead
Thirty years after John purchased The Printing Factory, the business continues to evolve while staying true to the values that built it.
Experience. Personal service. Quality. Reliability. And a willingness to figure it out.
John likes to describe The Printing Factory as "small, but capable." After 30 years, that may be the perfect description.
To our customers, employees, business partners, and community - thank you for being part of our story. We're proud of where we've been and excited about where we're going next.
