Couple makes printing business a success

Hey there, time traveller!
This article was published 07/05/2018 (2768 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

Alley Cat All-Night Printing and Design has been a labour of love for Royalwood residents Al and Kim Palmer since 1995.

Al was working as a print shop pressman while Kim was working as a marketing director/graphic designer. Romantic dinner conversations soon led to plans for a business partnership.

“Before I knew it, I had a printing press and a pressman moving into my house — so I guess I had to marry him,” laughs Kim.

Four years later, their son, Allan, was born.

“Once he was walking and talking, he was telling all his friends and their families they needed to see his parents for printing. He’s the only salesman we’ve ever needed,” Kim explains.

“Our business name comes from ‘Alley Cat’ being Al’s nickname, plus the fact that we started out while both still employed, sometimes working until 3 a.m., cat-napping a few hours, and off to our daytime jobs.”

The Palmers moved from River Park South to Royalwood in 2007. Design, photography, and small copy jobs are done from their home. Larger jobs are done from their 2,000 square-foot print shop in West St Paul.

Alley Cat is a one-stop, full-service shop, offering original design, layout, copywriting, and printing for business cards, invitations, letterhead, flyers, menus, brochures and signage.

From original idea, concept, design and creative writing to full service printing, the Palmers are available 24/7.

Clients range from brides-to-be to small and large businesses, restaurants and retail to government and non-profit.

“If you can imagine it, we can print it,” Al says.

“And we can do the imagining for you, too” adds Kim.

Last year, the Palmers expanded their shop to include digital copying for short runs, while still using their original offset presses for high volume.

The Palmers believe their personalized service is why their business continues to grow. Clients always have direct contact with the artist, writer and pressman.

“People don’t realize there are hidden fees, design and shipping charges associated with online deals. Then that advertised bargain suddenly balloons.”

“With Alley Cat, there is no middleman — our clients are like family and they count on us to help where no other printing business would.”

Alley Cat has a special offer for readers of The Lance — free social tickets with a wedding invitation order; or free, custom-designed scratch pads with any print order.

For more information, visit www.alleycatprinting.com or call 204-255-5720.

Tanya Misseghers is a community correspondent for Royalwood.