CLASSIC GRAPHICS -- Against the Odds

This unexpected turn of events turned out to be a blessing in disguise. "As tough as it was for us, it made us focus on the cost side of our business. By learning how to manage costs, we eventually saved our company," he reveals.

Not only did Pitts and Gardner turn their company around in 1999, they also put Classic Graphics in a better position to weather the current business slowdown. "Our experience in 1999 gave us the management tools we needed to ride out this current downturn," according to Pitts.