Printer celebrates half-century of service

By: Noelle Rulseh, Herald Times Reporter

Ownership: Fred and Susan Sohn
When business started: 1959
Location: 902 S. 17th St., Manitowoc
Phone number: (920) 682-1200
Hours and days of operation: 7 a.m. to 4 p.m., Monday to Thursday; 7 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., Friday; other hours by appointment

Services provided/products sold: Manitowoc Engraving, The Printing Company is a family owned business founded more than 50 years ago by Susan's parents, John and Patricia Koralewsky. John Koralewsky worked as a photo engraver at the Herald Times Reporter before opening his own business.

Services offered by Manitowoc Engraving include complete 4-color and color digital printing, copying, color copying, and office printing of envelopes, letterheads, forms, labels and business cards.

The business offers high-quality, full-service printing solutions for their clients including literature sheets, brochures, presentation folders, and invitations for any occasion.
Manitowoc Engraving offers complete graphic and design services, and other services include carbonless forms, computer forms, mailing services, and digital formatting.

Manitowoc Engraving also offers desktop publishing, computer typesetting and book binding services including glue, staple and saddle stitch bindings.

How has the business changed since opening? The owners said technology in printing has changed dramatically from hot metal printing type to the current process of computer-generated artwork.
When the business started more than 50 years ago, printing was done using engravings made from metals etched in acids.

Who are the customers and from where? The owners said Manitowoc Engraving offers services to customers from Manitowoc County who come to their business for various projects from ordering invitations to copying forms. Customers also include large corporations and businesses throughout the country, and as far away as Hawaii.

How is marketing done? The owners said the best advertising comes from word of mouth and past service from satisfied customers. Customers will re-order because they are pleased with the services, quality, and the pricing that Manitowoc Engraving offers.

What are the keys to future success? The owners said Manitowoc Engraving takes pride in their customer service, and establishing trust with their customers. The keys to future success include continuing to take time to answer any customer's questions, offering options and pricing, and guaranteeing a quality product on time.

It is also vital to keep up with the latest technology in printing.

Factors under control or not under control of ownership? The owners said factors under their control include keeping up to date with the latest technology, and providing a high quality product with the highest level of customer service.

Factors not under their control include the cost of materials, fuel costs, closing of local businesses resulting in the loss of customers, and the state of the economy.

What is the role of creativity or imagination in running the business or selling products and services? Fred and Susan Sohn said when creativity is needed for a client, their design team goes to work. "Our graphic services are 'state of the art' with the newest technology available," they said. "Add that to some good old fashion thinking, design, and research, and we are certain the customer will be pleased with what we propose. We want our clients to be satisfied."

What is challenging? The Sohns said it can be a challenge convincing customers that "cut rate" pricing from vendors on the East and West coast is not a bargain when the job ends up in the recycling bin, or the product arrives after a trade show. It is important to work together as a community to keep business here.

Another challenge is keeping up with the constant changes in technology and equipment. It is important to keep up with the most up-to-date technology available to be compatible with the vendors and clients.

What is enjoyable? The Sohns said, "Helping people and businesses who come in with an idea — whether it's for a book they wrote, a new product they need literature for, or labels for a business that needs some corporate identity — and taking that idea and transforming it into their final product or final piece and seeing those customers really pleased with what we did for them is very rewarding.

"We enjoy the opportunity to work with companies who are just starting out to establish an identity, and the challenge of offering a means of easing their budget without sacrificing quality. This is a wonderful field to be
in if you enjoy being creative and working with the wonderful people of Manitowoc County."

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