This issue begins a new feature profiling printers of distinction; those unique individuals who quietly go about their business, day in and day out, and continue to thrive in these tough economic times. They are our industry’s unheralded role models. We salute them!
A “towering” success story
You would think that a printer who has never advertised, and whose successful 40-year business has grown only through word-of-mouth, could only exist in one place only – fantasyland. Well say hello to Tower Litho, a second-generation family-run business that currently operates out of a 25,000 square-foot building in Scarborough, Ontario. It’s one of the best-kept secrets in our industry.
In 1971 with $70 in his pocket, Tassos Siriopoulos, an immigrant from northern Greece, opened a small 750 square-foot shop on Danforth Avenue that housed one single-colour multi, a cutter, a Kord single-colour press, and a camera. His philosophy: Create strong partnerships with every client so both can grow their businesses. He gained customers through referrals while operating exclusively to the trade.
Twenty years later his two sons, Dino and Paul, joined the business full time. This month, Tower Litho will celebrate its 40th anniversary – a truly remarkable achievement. And while improving technology has transformed the company (e.g. 400-line-screen printing, full colour management, installing 45 solar panels, etc.), its guiding principles have remained: craftsmanship, creativity and integrity.
“I’m proud that we still have clients dating back 20 years and more who continue to grow their businesses with us,” says Dino. “To this day, we have remained loyal to our staff and clients,and have never advertised, our current website notwithstanding. We work strictly on a referral basis.”
Indeed, Tower Litho has achieved something special – a rare level of customer confidence reflected through successful growth every year, near-zero employee turnover and, above all, near-zero client turnover. Its creations have competed with the larger shops on virtually every necessary level – speed, quality and price.
The Tower philosophy
“Focus on quality, don’t cut any corners and do an excellent job, and all other matters will take care of themselves,” say the brothers.
But growing up in a family business was not easy. “I worked summers starting at 13 years old,” recalls Dino. “All my friends were playing outside while I was inside making boxes and sweeping floors. But it taught me a valuable lesson in character: Work, do your best, and the rewards will come – but never expect them.”
By the 80s, the family’s Danforth shop added two Heidelberg Sorkz colour presses. “We all considered the company our company, not just my dad’s,” says Paul. Essentially staying the same in size and style of work for 20 years, Tower soon grew to include Tassos’ wife Roula, aunt Mary and several cousins. They did what so many hard-working immigrants did in those days; they paid down debts and lived within their means when business was good, and expanded when the economy was slow.
In 1989 Tassos decided to further expand in a huge way. He built a 25,000 square-foot complex at 43 Casebridge Court (at Morningside Avenue) in Scarborough. He quickly grew the business to include three 2-colour presses and a folding machine, reflecting how good the economy was in the 80s. He was looking to purchase a larger press when the real estate crash of 1990 occurred. Suddenly, his building was worth half of what it originally took to build. But the family didn’t panic. Dino had just finished university at that time, and his brother Paul was in his second year. Those were difficult days, and the family sold virtually everything they owned and put it into the business. On weekends, Paul would strip film with his dad and Dino would trim/fold in the bindery with his mother, aunt and a few other key people who are still with them to this day!
“During this time we never missed a payment of any kind, and we did whatever it took to get the job done,” says Paul. “It was five years before we recovered, but it was indeed a life lesson not to be forgotten. We then began the management transition from father to sons, but always with dad’s guidance.”
Today, Tower Litho employs 40 people who are not all family members, but proudly boasts a new “family” of exceptionally talented individuals and team players. “Our father still comes into the shop every day, and the three of us have lunch together. The family atmosphere still, and always will, prevail,” adds Dino.
For more info, visit www.towerlitho.ca, or call 416-283-4258.