Company History
Wave Graphics, Inc. began operating in 1997 with two employees and one main principle in mind: ATTITUDE. What separates highly successful companies from moderately successful? The attitude of its employees. Attitude towards quality… attitude towards service… attitude towards value.
Eight years later, the major difference between Wave Graphics, Inc. and its competitors is still our commitment to a positive, aggressive attitude. . .to Quality. . .to Service. . .To Value.
Wave Graphics, Inc. was founded by Tom Epperson, the Printing Technology Instructor from Mattoon High School, who partnered with a former student John Stanley. With a combined 35 years in the printing industry, the partners set out to create a new standard in printing quality and customer service. The Printing Technology Program at Mattoon High School has become one of the most advanced in the country and has won several national industry awards. With Tom Epperson’s dedication to the education of printing, he has produced some of the finest students to enter the industry. Seventy-five percent of the employees at Wave Graphics, Inc. have graduated from the program and learned the attitude and skills needed, such as “Attention to Detail,” to succeed in this industry.
In 1999, another former student, Dan Paulson, joined the partnership bringing his skills in screen printing to the business. Over the next few years, Wave Graphics, Inc. became the area leader in the screen printing industry. In 2003, Dan Paulson became the sole owner, and drives the company to its continued growth and prosperity. The acquisition of several competitors has allowed for our unprecedented growth at an exceptional pace.
Since its inception, Wave Graphics, Inc. has moved from a 1000 sq. ft. building into two buildings covering 11,000 sq. ft. combined. Our abilities to produce quality offset printing, screen printing, and promotional products are evident in our rapid growth.
A partnership formed with Prince Sports, Inc. has been part of our growth and has been very beneficial to both parties. Wave Graphics, Inc. is entering the fourth year as the national printer for Prince Custom Tees. This program was developed to provide customized apparel for clubs, camps, and tournaments associated with Prince Tennis. The program is sold through Prince Tennis Representatives and is printed and distributed by Wave Graphics, Inc. Gross sales are tracked and royalties are paid to both the Prince Tennis Representative and to Prince Sports, Inc. by Wave Graphics, Inc.
Wave Graphics, Inc. also partnered with Prince Tennis to design and produce a full retail line for the 2004 U.S. Open in New York City. Wave Graphics, Inc. designs and produces all screen printed apparel distributed around the world by Prince Tennis through their catalog sales and various retail sports events.