Contact Printing and Mailing, an independent printing business in North Vancouver, has been sold and converted to Minuteman Press, North Vancouver. Owners Bob Gibson and Dave Brown have sold the 41-year-old business to Doug Frederickson, who has been a Minuteman Press franchise owner for 28 years. Minuteman Press, North Vancouver is Frederickson’s third location. He also owns Minuteman Press in Surrey and Campbell Heights, B.C.
On the purchase of the business, Doug Frederickson said, “Bob and Dave have been in business for over 40 years with good reason. During that time, they have built a tremendous, loyal following of customers by treating them right and providing outstanding quality and service. I’ve been working with them closely on the acquisition and now the transition, and I am excited to build on their legacy.”
He added, “I am also excited to introduce new products such as apparel, promotional items, and signage, to go along with all of the printing and mailing services.”
Contact Printing was first started by Bob Gibson and his father Jim in 1981. Bob shared, “The impetus for the business was that Jim had a direct mail business and was getting his printing done around town. I worked at a print shop at the time and my boss kept missing deadlines and just wasn’t getting the job done. With my dad as the driving force, we decided to do it on our own and open up our own business.”
Like many print shops at the time, Contact Printing was an instant/quick printer. They also specialized in direct mail, thanks to Jim’s experience, and then built up their colour-printing business as well. “We were able to stand out simply by getting the job done right, and fast,” noted Bob.
When Jim retired in 1988, Bob enlisted the help of his high school friend Dave Brown. Brown agreed to join the business even though he did not have any experience with the printing industry.
Brown said, “Bob and I were friends, and he convinced me to take the leap and join him. My background is actually in kinesiology, so it was definitely an adjustment. Here we are 35 years later, and we are still friends and business partners.”
With retirement on the horizon, it was time for Bob and Brown to sell the business.
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