Business name: DESIprint.
Owner: Larry Kingsella.
Address: 8100 N.E. St. Johns Blvd.
What the business does: DESIprint started in 1995 printing paper face plates for business telephones. In 2000, the company added a design department and began printing and die cutting for the hotel industry, said owner Larry Kingsella. Today the company ships an average of 25,000 phone labels per day from its Vancouver office. It also does speciality printing that includes brochures, greeting cards, wine labels and small signs on either paper or plastic. DESIprint has the only Xerox press in the greater Vancouver area that uses clear dry ink to produce affordable high-end print in small quantities, Kingsella said. Whatever the customer imagines, DESIprint tries to accommodate, he said.
How has the economy affected your business: DESIprint’s products are tied to the global market, and when it struggles, he has less business, Kingsella said.
Greatest challenge: Kingsella said his greatest challenge has been getting established as more than just a local print shop. He has a design staff and offers a quick turn-around for many types of projects.
What’s ahead: Kingsella wants to set an example for local businesses by showing that they can use creativity to compete with national or online companies.