PI 300 Fast-Track Firm: ER2 Image Group Emphasizes the Customer Experience

Even though the broader business effects of the COVID-19 pandemic brought challenges to printing companies of all kinds — the spikes of different variants, supply chain challenges, staffing shortages — the broader trend has been positive. Printing, in its many roles, is back.

For some, the speed of growth between the rather calamitous 2020 and the suppressed, skeptical hope of 2021, was profound. For a variety of reasons, some establishments had a very good year indeed. The focus of our series of fast-track profiles is to understand why certain printing companies performed so well, and how — as high performers — they view the printing industry moving forward. For this reason, Printing Impressions presents its 2022 Fast-Track companies that appeared among the 2022 Printing Impressions 300 list of the largest printers in the U.S. and Canada, as ranked by annual sales. Click here to access the complete list.

The summary of ER2 Image Group that follows recognizes this company as a “fast- track” firm that has been committed to growth, expansion, and exemplary performance.

ER2 Image Group | Hanover Park, Illinois

Most Recent Fiscal Year Sales: $14.95 Million
Previous Fiscal Year Sales: $7.98 Million
Percentage Growth: 87%

ER2 Image Group was founded in 1991 by Gary Schellerer, VP of operations, and his father. Growing solely on organic growth, the wide-format printing company currently serves the signage and display needs for retail, architecture and interior design, exhibits, events, and vehicle graphics. Recently, the 77-person operation has been “dabbling” in electrical signage as well. “It’s nice being involved in numerous industries,” according to Schellerer. “The last two years showed that being diversified helps immensely.”

Gary Schellerer (pictured) and his father founded ER2 Image Group in 1991.

One way ER2 Image Group has become stronger is through growing its own customer and talent bases. “When something like a pandemic happens, it shuffles things a bit; people start looking for new vendors.” Also, he says, a lot of qualified people came to the company looking for employment. In acquiring equipment, Schellerer says ER2 has been able to purchase some repossessed units, resulting in cost savings. For instance, he says the company was able to expand its abilities in the exhibit space by getting a very good deal on a calendering system.

Equipment on the ER2 shop floor includes a D-Gen dye-sublimation printer, three EFI VUTEk systems, cutting/routing systems from Zünd and MultiCam, as well as ADA braille printers from DirectColor.

Asked about the company’s strong performance during 2020 and 2021, Schellerer says ER2 has become more sales-driven. “We’ve added more structure to the sales model,” he explains. “We try to see the company through the customer’s eyes … looking at the customer experience.” ER2 maintains an aggressive sales team focused on developing new business: “They know what we do, and we bring value to the customer.”

Within the broader wide-format printing segment, Schellerer expects to see continued consolidation, with “big players getting bigger.” That said, company growth has gone well. “From a competitiveness standpoint, we’re having an easier time convincing clients that we’re the best company for them to work with,” he says. He adds that getting the work doesn’t always mean coming down on price. While some companies have used COVID and supply chain issues as an excuse, ER2 leveraged its suppliers and went the extra mile to make jobs happen. “By going with us,” he says, “there’s less risk.”

As printing companies embark into the years ahead, Schellerer says they need to make sure they are financially strong — not burdened by debt. Also, “you need to figure out what you’re good at, find your niches, and play in that area,” he advises. “Find jobs that fit your business.”