Doing business as Proforma 3^rd Degree Marketing, Steve Flaughers and Dick Kulick consider themselves the new kids in town when it comes to printing services.

 

Recently, Proforma has moved into Bridgeport’s Sprint Print, expanding the types of services available at the West Main Street store. With locations in both New York and Ohio, the company’s services encompass printing, screen printing, embroidery, advertising and marketing.

 

Proforma has done work for some high-profile clients, including West Virginia University and even the 2015 Grammy Awards.

 

“All the producers, audio tech guys and those running around setting the stage had our apparel on,” Flaughers said.

 

It is those types of jobs that give Proforma the “buying power” that is appealing to even the smallest customers, like little mom and pop stores across West Virginia.

“We handle massive volume of very large accounts. That buying power levels the playing field for small and midsize businesses. They are getting the same purchasing power as the big kids,” Flaughers said. “They can get more for their marketing dollars."

 

The print industry has become a global market. Anyone with access to a computer can order items from around the world. But ordering through “dot.com companies,” a large number of items is necessary to obtain a good price, Flaughers said.

 

Depending upon the need of the customer, some print work is done in-house at Sprint Print. Some jobs are outsourced. 

 

“We are virtually unlimited on types of printing, turnaround time and cost and with the addition of decorated apparel and promotional products – everything from floor mats to door decals - we are becoming quite appealing to customers. We also handle social media campaigns,” Flaughers said. “When people realize they can get everything in one place, they have that ‘aha moment’ and then word travels fast.”

 

For the last 30 to 40 years, Sprint Print has been limited to the products and services they have been able to offer. Customers will still get that same personal, hometown attention, but with an expanded service market at very affordable prices, Flaughers said.

 

Blair Wright remains owner of the store and is involved in its business on a regular basis.