Trend Graphics: Defying Print Conventions

"We work a little bit understaffed but, in nine years in business, we've never laid anybody off," she adds. "It's tough out there right now, but we've been very lucky to stay busy. I attribute that to the fact that nobody here is afraid to work hard."

Trend Graphics has enjoyed a 35 percent increase in sales the past two years, producing items such as booklets, newsletters, circulars, business cards, letterhead, envelopes and some forms (mainly NCR). Its client roster includes villages and park districts, retailers, grocers, pharmacies and medical management companies. While most of Trend's business comes from around the Chicago area, the printer does reach into states such as Minnesota, Florida, Wisconsin and Arizona.