Michael Tarpinian was just 27 years old when he opened his American Speedy Printing Center in Rolling Meadows in 1989. He embraced a vision for his printing business that was different than that of his more experienced competitors. “I told other printers I wanted to run a printing press from my computer,” says Tarpinian. “They looked at me like I was crazy.” The clean professional environment of Allegra is a stark contrast to the dark and dingy print shops that were common when the company first opened. And while the transition from a single, one-color printing press to full range of specialty machinery didn’t happen overnight, it did happen quickly. The franchisor established the Allegra brand to better communicate its shift away from simple quick printing services to more sophisticated, digital technologies. By 1997, the Rolling Meadows franchise was a leader in digital printing services and adopted the Allegra brand. Tarpinian continues to promote innovation and invest in new technologies. “Our capabilities have expanded dramatically,” says Tarpinian. “Online ordering, embossing, die cutting, foil stamping, mailings, posters, promotional products, these are all new services that have been added in the last couple of years,” says Tarpinian. Environmental stewardship has also taken center stage at Allegra. The company has reduced its use of hazardous materials, initiated recycling efforts and just recently launched the Print/Replant program. For every sheet of paper printed by the Allegra franchise, the company provides a donation to replant our nation’s forests. As an active member of the Palatine and Rolling Meadows chambers of commerce, Allegra Print & Imaging of Rolling Meadows has made a point of connecting with local businesses, schools and charities. “Our relationships differentiate us from our competition, as much as our work,” says Tarpinian. “It’s as much about the relationships as it is about helping our customers get the word out.”