Republic printing business meets challenges of industry

Nobody thought Bonnie Volland would last when she opened Republic Printing and Copy Center. Volland is tougher than she looks, however.

During the past 16 years, she's kept up with a multitude of changes in the printing industry, dealt with increased competition and weathered a hair-raising move when she relocated her business in 1999.

Volland got into the industry after she took a job in the printing division at the Assemblies of God headquarters in Spring-field shortly after she and her family moved to the area in 1971. Four years later, she became a salesperson for

Eagle Business Forms Inc. in Republic, where she worked until 1986.

"Working in sales was really helpful because I saw both sides," Volland said. "I learned more about printing because I was dealing with different printers all the time. I also learned from my customers, who told me what they liked and didn't like and what types of printing services they needed."

Working in sales also provided Volland with an overview of the local printing industry, and she began to make note of the types of printing services local business owners wanted, which were in short supply. At the time, there weren't very many printers in the Springfield area, according to Volland, and a lot of business owners were having a hard time finding a source that could take care of all their printing needs computer and flat printing.

In 1986, Volland decided

to open her own business, and she immediately began print-ing business forms, stationery, envelopes, business cards and other materials for area businesses owners.

Initially, Volland worked out of her home in Republic on a part-time basis. During the day, she worked for Eagle Business Forms Inc., and during nights and weekends, she worked to make Republic Printing and Copy Center a success.

Working nonstop "got real old real fast," Volland said, and within a few months, she quit her job and began devoting all her time and energy to her company.

One of her first items of business was to find office space, and she moved her fledgling company into the Plaza Shopping Center in Republic.

At the time, many people predicted Republic Printing and Copy Center wouldn't last six months, according to Volland.

"I think the biggest challenge I've faced is being a woman in a man's industry," said Volland. "Nobody thought I could do it. I remember customers used to come in and ask for the owner. I would come out to speak with them, and they would say they didn't want to talk with me; they wanted to speak with the owner."

These days, Volland said, most customers don't seem surprised when they learn that Republic Printing and Copy Center is owned by a woman. After 31 years in the printing industry, Volland has proved she has staying power.

Over the years, she has seen many printing businesses open and close. She's also seen the number of printing companies in Springfield increase significantly, which has resulted in increased competition.

In addition to these challenges, Volland has had to keep pace with technology, which has changed the way printers do business. Many of the print jobs once done by hand now are computerized.

Technology has enabled Vol-land to expand her customer base, which now covers more than a 60-mile radius from Republic.

Customers can place orders for business cards, stationery, business forms, bro-chures, church bulletins or other print work via fax or e-mail.

Proofs of the final product are sent out to customers via fax

or e-mail before production begins. This allows customers to review the print job without having to make several trips to Republic Printing and Copy Center.

Being able to serve customers conveniently via fax or e-mail has helped Volland grow her business, and in 1999, she decided to relocate to a larger facility at 1236 Highway 60 East in Republic. Her timing for the move couldn't have been worse.

Right before the move took place, a severe ice storm swept through the region. Businesses closed, power lines snapped under the weight of the ice, and roads in the area became treacherous.

"I swear, I think it was one of the longest days of my life," she said. "Most of my equipment is big, heavy and expensive. My color copy machine, which is linked to my Macintosh computer, cost $35,000 alone. I was sure that something would happen, but nothing got ruined, thankfully."

Volland also is thankful to be working alongside the members of her family, which include her daughter-in-law Tammy Vol-land, her daughter Cindy Mor-ton and her son-in-law Brad Morton. In addition, her son Greg Volland and husband Gary Volland work part-time at the business. The family's dog Maggie serves as the store's mascot.

Currently, Volland is considering incorporating her business. She's also considering purchasing some new, state-of-the-art printing equipment, which will help Republic Printing and Copy Center keep in step with changes in the industry.