Printgraphix a 76th Street Mainstay

The 76th Street shopping corridor has changed dramatically over the last 25 years.

A quarter century will do that to an area. New buildings have been built. Stores have moved in and out. Restaurants have undergone facelifts.

But one of very few constants over the last two and a half decades has been Bob and Margie Bugenhagen, owners of Printgraphix.

For the last 20 years, the Bugenhagens’ typesetting, design and printing company has called 4749 S. 76th St. home, located virtually next door to Kopp's Frozen Custard at the intersection of 76th and Layton Avenue. Prior to that, Printgraphix was across the street in the office space currently occupied by Canada Drug.

The Bugenhagens have been married for 30 years and have three children and have called Greenfield their business home just a few blocks away from where Margie was born and raised in a neighborhood just off 92nd Street and Layton.

Greenfield Patch caught up with the Bob Bugenhagen to find out the secret to their success.

Greenfield Patch: How did you get into the printing business, and what is it that drew you to the business in the first place?

BB: After serving in the US Air Force, I got a degree in visual communication from UWM. I worked as a graphic designer for five years at two different advertising agencies, which gave me a strong print background. Margie had a background in typesetting and management, so we made a good team.

Patch: In a nutshell, what services do you provide?

BB: We consider ourselves a high-speed digital output center. With over 13 Canon, Kodak and Konica digital image centers in-house, we can finish most jobs within 24 hours while providing the highest quality and best copy value pricing around. We specialize in basic copy services, four color and black and white including catalogs, booklets, brochures, manuals and flyers. Our technology allows us to increase production quality, complete projects faster, while reducing costs. And you get great pricing even on short runs. Printgraphix has been helping businesses of all sizes with their copying and marketing needs.

Patch: You're located on one of the busiest shopping/business corridors in Greenfield, right next to a Starbucks that gets a ton of traffic daily. How important has that location been to the success of Printgraphix?

BB: Our business location is very important to us. We are a small shop with no sales staff. Our location served as our advertising tool. The traffic of Kopp’s and the other supporting stores help draw people to the area who then learn of our business. The more people who learn of your business will help spread your name through word of mouth. After 25 years we have developed a very diverse customer base.

Patch: Speaking of location, your shop is directly across the street from FedEx. How are you able to compete?

BB: Actually, FedEx has helped through the years. They are the corporate draw. They advertise and bring in people directly associated with our market. Between the two of us, we offer more alternatives for people to make intelligent choices on price, quality and customer service.

Patch: I know of several loyal customers that come to you for all their printing needs. What's the key to keep them coming back?

BB: Repeat business is the key to our success. Printgraphix strives to produce the best possible products at the most value-oriented price. We try to keep our prices consistent so people know what to expect and keep a sense of fairness based on volume between all customers-big and small. It is this business philosophy and customer service that keeps people satisfied and helps us to serve them in the future.