KIRKWOOD PRINTING -- Energizing Color

Krikorian's passion for printing was gained through work experience as an adult rather than from him being borne into the industry. In fact, he pursued an interest in music growing up.

Once ink was figuratively infused into his veins, Krikorian sought freedom to pursue this passion by starting his own printing company in 1973. In the years since, Kirkwood moved from Burlington to Wilmington, MA, and added on to its current building a couple of times. The tough business climate recently led to a round of layoffs that brought the printer down to a staff of 63 employees, compared to the 80 employees and $11.5 million in sales it reported in the 2002 Printing Impressions 400 ranking of top printers.