Today we’d like to introduce you to Brian Kirmse.
Hi Brian, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
I was born and raised in Independence, MO and graduated from Raytown High School in 1987. I attended University of Missouri – Columbia where I received my Bachelor’s Degree in Photojournalism in 1992. I worked at various newspapers and magazines before moving back to the Kansas City area where I worked at Custom Color Corporation. When my wife’s uncle, Harold Nichols, decided to sell his print shop in Columbia, MO, he sat down with me to see if I was interested and how much I knew about the industry. Little did he know that my background included working in the print industry both on the photographic side as well as the offset and digital printing side as I had interned at Hallmark Cards in Kansas City where my father was a graphic artist and prepress operator. So, in 2000, I purchased Witt Print Shop with my wife’s cousin, Ray Ash, and our life as business owners began. I was the administrator/customer service/pre-pressman and Ray handled the printing presses and finishing work. Witt Print Shop has been in Columbia since 1923 and in the heart of downtown until 2017 when Ray retired and I moved the shop to the business district in North Columbia at 1901 Vandiver Drive. I’ve been the sole owner since 2016 and have continued to change and grow the print shop, turning it into a full-service digital facility. In 2024, Witt Print Shop purchased Gap Printing and Kelly Press, both out of Columbia, MO, which were great acquisitions and fit perfectly into our shop. We basically absorbed their client work and equipment, closing their store fronts. The print industry continues to change and if you don’t stay current and meet the demands of the commercial world, struggles to stay opened are guaranteed. In 2026, we added 1,200 sq. ft. to our current location and continue to grow. God has been so good to us here at Witt.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
Owning a business is NEVER easy! You really have to listen to your clients and pay attention to current events and how they can affect your decisions. In 2008, the “go green” movement really pushed the print industry in general off the cliff. We personally saw a $179,000 decline in total sales and if not for shifting gears and changing the direction Witt was heading, we could’ve been out of business in just a few years! Instead, we rolled with the punches and put our faith in God to guide us. Every day in the print business can be a challenge. We’ve seen customers come and go, vendors come and go, paper mills and paper options shrink in size. Nothing is ever easy and just when you think it is, that’s when you should worry!
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
Here at Witt Print Shop, we specialize in commercial printing, but also work with the general public. We print anything on paper products like business cards, letterhead, envelopes, newsletters, pads, forms, brochures, posters, labels, invitations, etc… We also specialize in laser engraving, digital die-cutting, mailing services, signs, promotional products, trade show materials and more! We’re blessed to have a great team of employees that work well together and put the customer and quality first. The attention to detail and the love and passion to print and please customers is what sets us apart from other print shops. You can sit down with the owner (Me!) any time! MOST of the work is in and out the door in 3-5 working days…sometimes sooner. We work with commercial clients in over 40 states and a few outside the country. The crazy thing? We’re a small, family-owned, mom and pop print shop! Who’d a thunk it? HA!
Risk taking is a topic that people have widely differing views on – we’d love to hear your thoughts.
I personally meet with a variety of other business owners and entrepreneurs every other Wednesday over a couple of beers to discuss life. Life in the business, at home, personal struggles, God, goals, financial concerns, etc… you name it, we discuss it! It’s the one thing that comes to mind whenever I’m asked about taking risks. I NEVER would have moved the shop out of downtown Columbia or purchased other print shops or added on to my print shop…especially in a “dying industry.” Witt was a staple in the downtown location for 94 years…and I moved it! RISKY! I purchased TWO “dying” print shops in ONE year! RISKY! During the pandemic (Covid), we told the City of Columbia we WERE necessary and an essential business and kept our doors open with risk of being shut down and taken to court. During tumultuous and poor economic times, we expanded the print shop and purchased more equipment. RISKY! Being a small business owner is full of taking risks if you want to be successful. Sometimes, God will put you in your place, too! It’s not an easy road…but it’s worth it!
Pricing:
- We have a minimum of $25 on any order placed in our shop.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://WittPrintShop.com
- Instagram: [email protected]
