FAMILY OPERATED FOR 112 YEARS
We are a fourth generation family business serving
customers in Northern Illinois, Southern Wisconsin,
and now across the country.
On March 28, 1912, R.I. Balsley decided to move his family from Findlay, OH and take a shot at his own newspaper printing company. He purchased the Rockton Herald and became the publisher of the weekly newspaper and print shop in downtown Rockton, IL. Prior to, he helped his father, Alfred H. Balsley, run one of his newspapers in Findlay, OH. Alfred started his printing career in 1842 and owned several newspapers in Ohio throughout his career.
R.I. continued printing alongside his son, Guy Balsley, well into his 80s until his retirement in 1962.
After graduation from Hononegah High School in 1932, Guy joined his father in the printing business and later followed in his footsteps as publisher and editor of the Rockton Herald until the newspaper was sold in 1965. Guy, the founder of Balsley Printing, continued printing in the area and eventually was asked by Walt Williamson to move his print shop into the Wagon Wheel Resort. After his retirement in 1979, you could still find Guy in the print shop from time to time helping with projects.
In 1974, Jim Balsley decided to jump into this “family” business by purchasing his own printing press and work alongside his father, Guy. A year later, his brother John joined Balsley Printing. They focused on new technology and expanding their market in northern Illinois and southern Wisconsin. Jim and John would purchase several other printing companies as they continued to grow. The penguin logo was also developed.
In 2002, Sam Balsley, Jim’s son, joined Balsley Printing. After a brief stint in the banking industry, Sam found himself in a sales and marketing position and fell in love with it. It was time to join the “family” business. Sam would set his sights on vertical markets and customized print programs. One of those markets was Urgent Care. Balsley Printing became a leading marketing and print provider for Urgent Care clinics around the country and continues to now.
In 2017, Sam purchased Balsley Printing from Jim and John. Business continued to grow and so did Balsley Printing.
In 2020, Balsley Printing purchased GEM Printing in Beloit, WI. A staple of the area for 25 years, GEM was a great addition to the business.
In 2022, Balsley Printing purchased Freeport Press in Freeport, IL. As the only commercial printing company in Freeport, we found that our expanded capabilities could help many throughout the Freeport area. It’s been great being a part of the Freeport community.
112 years later we are still located on Main Street and fulfilling the printing and mailing requirements of businesses, small and large. Family has been a large part of our success, but not just “Balsley” family. Our company has been built in large part by our team here. Many of which have worked here for over 20 years.
