Local entrepreneur reflects on 40 years in the printing business

Printing isn’t merely about putting ink on paper; it’s about conveying messages, according to Larry Lynn.

Lynn opened his printing business, Allegra, in 1983 to help his customers convey those messages. He and his wife, Rosemary, also own Image360, a sign company. The couple runs both businesses at 128 Commercial Blvd. next to the Martinez post office.

Allegra and Image360 operate under Alliance Franchise Brands, LLC, and a franchisor of more than 600 printing, marketing, and sign businesses throughout North America.

Besides printing and signs, their staff also designs and creates various promotional products, such as hats, cups, banners, and key chains. They offer direct mail advertising services.

“We’re pretty much a resource people can count on to meet all their needs,” Lynn said. “Our goal is to enhance the businesses we serve.”

Those businesses have included ADP, Club Car, E-Z-GO, and Mi Rancho Mexican Restaurant.

“We deal with a lot of real estate developers, manufacturers, and recreational vehicle companies,” he said. “One year, Club Car named us their vendor of the year.”

They also serve local nonprofits, such as RISE Augusta and various churches.

Lynn got into the quick print business in 1980 while living in Detroit.

“I got into the business because nobody would hire me anymore,” he said with a laugh. “Back then, we thought we would be like McDonald’s with a quick-print shop on every corner.”

For years, they had three locations: the corner of Washington and Pleasant Home roads, Walton Way, and Peach Orchard Road. About 10 years ago, the Lynns closed those shops, consolidated their operations, and moved into their current location.

Lynn said the technology his business uses now looks nothing like it did in 1983. Back then, they used printing presses and mass-produced much of what they printed. He said they used to provide mostly consumer products, such as resumes, but they now sell primarily business products.

Lynn appreciates all the customers he and Rosemary have served and the relationships they have formed over the last four decades.

“I have customers who have been with us that long,” he said.

Lynn said people ask him all the time when he plans to retire, but he has no intentions of leaving anytime soon.

“I’ve been very fortunate to be healthy, and we’ve been blessed to be in business for 40 years,” Lynn said.