THE PROBLEM
While Dale Wilson was still in college, he worked in his friend’s tiny print shop in Santa Barbara with the funny name: Kinko’s.

Wilson soon became manager
of Paul Orfalea’s first store, and began learning the trade. After graduation, he decided to open his own print shop and called it The Alternative, as it was the only other quick print shop in town.

The firm prospered but, despite its growth, Wilson had a problem. The company offered both copying and 2-color printing, but did neither better than his competitors. Worse, walk-in traffic took up an inordinate amount of his employees’ time for their onesy-twosy copy requirements.

Dale Wilson needed to redefine his business.

THE SOLUTION
The Grede Company recommended Wilson sell the smaller copy machines used by walk-in customers, and begin focusing solely on commercial business.

To emphasize this change in focus, The Grede Company branded a new name:
Wilson Printing.

THE RESULT
The company has grown to become the 81st largest quick print shop in the U.S. (according to Quick Print magazine.)

THE PROBLEM
CPI is an audio video and film production studio that prides itself on having the latest and greatest digital production equipment, as well as creative personnel trained in its operation.

After a decade in business, owner, Jim Kagan, worried that the firm had grown stale. He needed to find out exactly what ad agencies and creative types around town thought of his studio.

THE SOLUTION
The Grede Company conducted comprehensive market research over a period of three months. It revealed that CPI’s customers wanted longer hours and lower prices.

Based on this input, the studio decided to offer evening hours at reduced rates. This change not only better utilized their capital equipment, it better served their customers' needs.

THE RESULT
Revenue jumped 28% and profits tripled.

THE PROBLEM
Briess Malt & Ingredients Company supplies malt to a majority of the breweries in the U.S., as well as a dozen foreign countries.

Focused primarily on niche markets, Briess has over 80 percent penetration among specialty breweries and beer pubs.

With beer sales in the U.S. relatively flat, the company sought opportunities for growth and called upon The Grede Company to help investigate new market opportunities.

THE SOLUTION
The Grede Company developed a program to launch four new products in the home brewing industry, including an award-winning point-of-purchase campaign.

THE RESULT
Briess carved out a 15% market share within just 18 months. The company is now a leader in the sales of malt to home brewers.