AAA Imaging: A Business Model To Copy

“Before printing was discovered, a century was equal to a thousand years.” ~ Henry David Thoreau

Once humans started writing, they realized they needed copies to share the information with others. Long ago there were scribes—mostly monks—who would painstakingly recreate books one at a time. Since the printing press was invented around 1440, things in the copy world have come a long way.

For nearly 20 years, AAA Imaging has been a fixture on Broadway for the Grove’s printing needs. Jim and Dianne Butcher, along with Peter Celestino, have created a business that serves the community’s need for a print shop while offering top-notch customer satisfaction.

The shop provides a full range of services. AAA offers offset printing, from one color all the way to a four-color process. This is the bulk of their business. But you can also walk in and make yourself a black and white copy for just seven cents. You need 500 copies in full color, collated, folded and stapled? No problem.

AAA Imaging can do booklets, brochures, letterheads, envelopes, newsletters, fliers, and even print a wide-format blueprint. They offer laminating and faxing, and sell office supplies. You can have a key made, a passport picture taken, or even rent your own private mailbox.

Why go to Kinko's, Staples or Office Depot to get your high-volume printing and copying done? Instead, you can take your business to a local shop, who really knows what they are doing and will get it done quickly, with the kind of service that so many places lack nowadays. I’ve found the majority of printers are not in the customer service industry.

Dianne told me, “I really like the small town feel of Lemon Grove. We’ve had the same customers for 20 years and there not just customers, they’re friends.”

Dianne’s daughter, Crystal, said they have even watched a customer’s dog in the past. Jim confirmed this story, but added that he did not know if he could offer this service to everyone who came in for a copy. I’m thinking maybe they might.

is located at 7931 Broadway, between Grove Street and Lemon Grove Avenue. You can check out their web site, or call them at 619-469-9957. The store hours are Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m.–5:30 p.m. They are closed Saturday and Sunday.