Courtesy of Kingsbury Printing
By Ann Donnelly
In the heart of the Adirondack foothills, Kingsbury Printing Co., Inc. is undergoing a transformation. After over three decades of leadership by founders Bob and Jan Bombard, the reins have passed to the next generation. Daughter Victoria Bushey, VP of Finances, and her brother, Jason Bombard, Production Manager, are steering this well-established printing company into a future that honors its rich history while embracing the industry’s evolving demands.
The story of Kingsbury Printing began in 1986 when Bob Bombard, a seasoned printer, and his wife Jan, a talented designer he met while working at another printing company, joined forces to establish Franklin Press. Facing a trademark challenge from another company, they wisely rebranded as Kingsbury Printing, rooting their identity in their local community.
Victoria Bushey has witnessed the dramatic changes in the printing industry firsthand with her exposure to the business starting as a child. “As a young adult, I worked summers,” she says. “When I was younger, days off from school, I’d come in and help my mom in the dark room.” She officially joined the family business in 2006 after graduating college. As an office manager, she gradually took on increasing responsibilities, from managing digital equipment and graphic design to overseeing the company’s finances.
The transition of ownership from generation to generation can be fraught with challenges. However, at Kingsbury Printing, the succession was surprisingly smooth. Victoria credits the gradual process with allowing her and her brother to assume more significant roles as their parents stepped back naturally. “We thought we would have to shove my parents out the door and change the locks,” Bushey jokes. “But they come in and visit occasionally and are here to help if we need it.”
This seamless handover speaks volumes about Bob and Jan’s trust in their children and the strong foundation they built over decades. According to Bushey, “I feel like it fell into place as they got older, and my brother and I filled in on things that they didn’t necessarily want to handle anymore.” She continues, “The biggest hurdle has been feeling like I have permission to do things. Sometimes, I feel I need to check with Mom and Dad. But it’s like, no, you must remember you’re in charge of this now.”
Kingsbury Printing stands out in the industry with its unique dual capability. While successfully navigating the industry’s shift towards digital printing, the company retained its traditional offset printing expertise. This unique combination reassures our clients that we can cater to a wide range of needs and offer cost-effective solutions for diverse projects. Bushey explains, “What’s great about here is that we can do offset, and we have digital all in the same place under the same roof, so we can pick what is best for your project. Even though digital is quick and fairly easy, there are some areas where you can’t beat offset pricing.”
Kingsbury Printing’s strong ties to the local community are a cornerstone of its business. Their clientele includes small businesses, non-profit organizations, and individuals seeking personalized service for events like weddings. “We love the community and the local businesses that try to work with the other local businesses in our area,” says Bushey. This commitment to local businesses and organizations is a key part of their identity.
Interestingly, for over thirty years, a significant portion of their business has come from medical printing, a specialized niche that produces instruction manuals for medical devices. This work has an international reach, with Kingsbury Printing exporting its products globally.
Like many businesses, Kingsbury Printing faces the challenge of attracting and retaining skilled employees in a tight labor market. The decline of traditional printing has led to a shortage of qualified workers, particularly those experienced with offset printing. To address this, Bushey and her team are exploring creative solutions to motivate and support their employees, including flexible work arrangements and regular team-building activities.
Kingsbury Printing’s primary goal for 2025 is to increase its visibility within the community. While it has a loyal customer base, many locals are unaware of its services. To address this, Bushey plans to leverage social media, participate in community events, and strengthen relationships with local businesses and organizations. By increasing its online presence and actively engaging with the local community, Kingsbury Printing aims to raise awareness about its services and attract new customers.
While Kingsbury Printing has experimented with online ordering platforms in the past, it has found that its customers prefer the personalized experience of visiting its facility and consulting with its team. However, Bushey acknowledges the evolving nature of the market and remains open to exploring new online strategies in the future.
Kingsbury Printing offers a personal touch in a world increasingly dominated by online transactions. Their commitment to customer service and digital and traditional printing expertise position them well for continued success.
“We have the best customers,” says Bushey. “They’re so loyal, and we love working with them. Some people my parents worked with remember me as a little kid. And now customers coming in remember my son as a little kid, as a baby. So it’s nice to grow with each other through the years.” This long-standing relationship with their customers is a testament to the company’s commitment to quality and service.
As Victoria Bushey and Jason Bombard lead the company into the future, they are determined to maintain the legacy of quality and community focus that has defined Kingsbury Printing for over 35 years.
For more information on Kingsbury Printing Co., Inc., visit https://www.kingsburyprinting.com/.