E&S Graphics, based in Ithaca, specializes in physical marketing solutions like print products, signage and promotional items. It had a strong reputation and established roots in the community, but owner Nick Houghton knew the business needed to expand to secure its future. He reached out to the Michigan SBDC for the financial and strategic guidance to help them do just that.

When Nick purchased the company, he knew the biggest obstacle would be the planned retirement of long-time employees. He needed a strategic plan to grow the business and to adapt to these coming changes. 

Nick began working with Mid Michigan Regional Director Tony Fox, who provided comprehensive business support including strategic financial analysis using industry benchmarks, market insights on a variety of industries, critical pandemic assistance related to PPP and EIDL loan applications, and shared training opportunities including QuickBooks®, SEO, AI, financial management and continuous iImprovement principles. Tony has acted as a trusted advisor, helping Nick make informed decisions about the company’s direction while enhancing operational efficiency and competitive positioning.

As the company continued to grow, Tony brought in Business Growth Consultant Jeff Punches to help E&S Graphics scale to the next level. Tony and Jeff worked together to provide comprehensive support to Nick. “We each used our different strengths,” Jeff said. “We’ve been specifically working on different parts of his business, exploring opportunities for growth. I spent a lot of time with Nick just talking and just getting a sense of where the business is and where he wants it to go.” Growth Team Manager Jim McLain also contributed to Nick’s strategic planning by implementing The Value Builder SystemTM.

This holistic support allowed Nick to focus on his strengths and work through some of his challenges. E&S Graphics is now focused on its future. A new 4,000 square foot building expansion is underway, and an affiliate program is being implemented. 

For Nick, success is about more than just revenue growth. It’s about the people—his customers and his employees. The Michigan SBDC was able to provide the resources he needed to invest in both. The partnership has allowed him to grow his business, create new jobs, and secure the future of E&S Graphics in the Ithaca community.