A Little History…
About Us
Rewind to 1983 . . . Our country's economy was still reeling from recession, and our morale was dangerously low. It wasn't exactly the ideal time to open a new business in a small town like Claremore, Oklahoma. But Mary Klassen was never one to shy away from any challenge. A single mother of five, she worked tirelessly to support her family. But she wanted more, and dreamed of opening her own business – one that provided quality commercial printing for the residents of Rogers County and the surrounding area. In January of 1983, Mary’s dream became reality as she opened the doors to The Print Shop.
Over the years, The Print Shop experienced a great deal of change. As the customer base grew and competition increased, Mary knew she had to adapt. She built a larger building to accommodate her growing business. She upgraded computer software and equipment to stay on the cutting edge of an evolving industry. She added to her repertoire and launched Express Parcel Service, an authorized UPS shipping outlet.
Fast-forward to today . . . its early morning in Claremore, Oklahoma. The sun is rising in the east, and a Klassen has arrived to open The Print Shop. It’s a familiar scene that’s been played out since 1983 …but now it’s a different Klassen that unlocks the door.
Mary, the owner of this Claremore staple, died suddenly in August of 2013. Yes, her legacy is alive and well in her 5 children and 8 grandchildren, but also in the successful business she started from scratch. Her death impacted many, and her family is still heartbroken over the loss. But what will never be lost is the enduring spirit of tireless work, which she always relied upon when creating such a successful business. If alive today, Mary would say the work must go on…which is why every morning it’s daughter Kim or son Bryan who puts that key in the door.
“The Print Shop has been in our family for over four decades,” Kim said. “This business my Mom created has given us so much, and we are continuing her legacy. Her work ethic is alive in all her children, and we look forward to serving our loyal customers.”
From day one in business, Mary’s vision was chiefly centered on perfecting the art of first-class customer service. There were obstacles and setbacks for sure, but that didn’t keep her from accomplishing that goal. Her customers came first. And today, The Print Shop still provides their many printing and shipping needs.
“Mom taught us one very simple lesson in business,” Kim said. “The customer is always right, and expects quality work, done in a timely fashion. That lesson applies today just as much as it did more than 40 plus years ago.”
But despite setbacks, Mary always kept that goal in her sights. She absolutely loved her customers. And today, those loyal individuals and businesses continue to have their printing and shipping needs met by The Print Shop.
Serving those loyal customers is a tremendously loyal staff. Mary’s daughter Kim and son Bryan now carry on her legacy, but they couldn’t do it without long-time employees Stacey Butler and Martha Steward, who were at Mary’s side for decades, and continue to help carry on her goal of keeping those customers satisfied, along with Cheryl, Ginny, and Maurice.
We are proud to say that all our work is done so that you, the customer, receive the best quality and most professional service possible. We have a full-service, well-trained staff to help with all your printing needs. We will provide you with all of the options available so that we can produce an excellent looking piece and at the same time maintain your budget.
The Print Shop would like to be your print solutions provider by making your experience with us as easy as possible. We offer a wide variety of services so we can take your job from start to finish.
The printing industry has certainly evolved over the past four plus decades, but Mary’s goal remained the same – TAKE CARE OF OUR CUSTOMERS. That goal is alive and well at The Print Shop. This Claremore staple is still open for business, and carrying out her original vision.
