Business Cards Still Matter: What’s Changed and What Hasn’t, Since 2007
In 2007, The Grand Rapids Press published an article spotlighting Swift Printing and owner Walt Gutowski Jr., alongside two other local print shops. The story celebrated the humble business card as a small but mighty tool for making a first impression, a sentiment that, nearly two decades later, still holds true.
Much has changed in the world of printing since that time. Technology has evolved, marketing has gone digital, and the phrase “paperless office” continues to reappear like a prediction waiting to come true. Yet here we are in 2025, and the tactile power of a well-crafted business card still makes people pause, smile, and remember.
A Snapshot from 2007
Back in 2007, the printing world was buzzing with talk of CD-ROM “business cards” and scannable vCards. Smartphones were just gaining traction, and everyone was wondering if digital communication would render print obsolete.
In that same article, Walt Gutowski Jr. was quoted saying, “We’ve heard for years that we’re going to become a paperless society, but it’s not going to happen. There’s a human element of touch associated with business cards that you can’t get with a message on a Blackberry.”
He was right then, and he’s still right today.
Swift Printing, founded in 1950 by Walt Gutowski Sr., continues to thrive in an industry where craftsmanship and connection matter more than ever. The presses in the photo from that article, those “50-year-old machines still in use” remain part of the company’s story, now joined by cutting-edge digital technology and sustainable materials that reflect the business’s Certified B Corporation values.
Funny note: Read the tip sheet above. One of things they suggest is to sneak your business cards in library books or in new books relating to your industry. I wonder if folks actually did that. Reach out and let me know if you did!
The First Impression Still Counts
Whether it’s 1950, 2007, or 2025, a business card still says something long before you do. It’s a handshake in printed form, a way to introduce not just a name, but a standard of professionalism and a glimpse of personality.
While we live in a world of instant messages and LinkedIn QR codes, the act of handing someone a business card feels personal, deliberate, and memorable. It says: I took the time to prepare this for you.
That first impression hasn’t changed. In fact, as our communication becomes more digital, tangible experiences stand out even more. A beautifully printed business card from a local Grand Rapids print shop tells a story that can’t be replicated by pixels on a screen.
Read What Business Cards Do For Your Brand
What’s Changed Since Then
While the purpose of the business card remains the same, the process of creating it has transformed. Here’s how the landscape looks different now compared to 2007:
1. Design Is Smarter, Simpler, and More Strategic
In 2007, graphic design often focused on gradients, gloss, and dense layouts. Today’s design language has shifted toward clean typography, thoughtful use of white space, and tactile materials that evoke quality.
Letterpress, foil stamping, and embossing, debossing, techniques Swift Printing has mastered, have made a major comeback. These traditional methods create subtle dimension and texture, turning a simple card into a sensory experience.
2. Sustainability Is Non-Negotiable
In 2007, “eco-friendly printing” was still a niche conversation. In 2025, it’s the expectation. Swift Printing’s B Corp certification ensures that every project reflects responsible sourcing, ethical labor, and sustainable production methods.
Clients across West Michigan want their orders done correct, with excellent customer service and when errors are made, to make it right. The print industry has evolved to meet those values, and Swift has led that charge locally.
3. Technology Now Enhances Craftsmanship
In 2007, the iGen3 digital press was the newest magic machine on the market. Today, digital printing has advanced so much that variable data, small-batch runs, and real-time proofing are standard.
Swift Printing’s hybrid workflow, combining legacy offset presses with high-resolution digital printing, means clients can get the best of both worlds: handcrafted quality with modern efficiency.
Automation has made production faster, but it hasn’t replaced the human eye for detail that keeps Swift’s work exceptional.
4. Local Printing Has Become Personal Again
Two of the three print shops featured in the 2007 article, Perrigo Printing and Quick Printing Co., have since closed their doors. Swift Printing remains, not by accident, but by choice.
While online print giants race to the bottom on price, Swift continues to focus on relationships, service, and community connection. The company’s clients are more than order numbers; they’re neighbors, nonprofits, start-ups, and long-standing businesses throughout Grand Rapids and West Michigan.
That local approach isn’t old-fashioned, it’s what keeps people coming back.
Read The Timeless Power Of Business Cards In West Michigan
What Hasn’t Changed
For all the technological evolution, the heartbeat of printing is still the same: people connecting with people.
A card is still a conversation starter. It helps you remember faces, stories, and shared goals.
Design still communicates values. A clean, elegant card says you’re detail-oriented. A bold, colorful one says you’re innovative.
Quality still matters. Inexpensive, flimsy paper sends the wrong message; premium materials say you care about your work.
Even now, when digital introductions are a click away, business cards remain one of the few marketing tools that bridge generations and industries.
Swift’s philosophy mirrors what Walt Gutowski Jr. said back in 2007: “The cards will always be a chance to make a good first impression.” The medium may adapt, but the mission doesn’t change.
The Role of Business Cards in 2025
Today, business cards do more than exchange contact information, they reinforce brand identity. The texture, color, and typography become physical ambassadors for your company’s personality.
Swift Printing often collaborates with clients to align their cards with their full branding system—letterhead, envelopes, signage, and digital templates—ensuring every touchpoint is cohesive.
And even in the digital age, the demand for quality cards hasn’t slowed. If anything, it has sharpened. Clients now see their cards as keepsakes, conversation starters, and statement pieces. A beautifully printed card is no longer just a necessity, it’s a differentiator.
A Legacy That Lasts
When Swift Printing appeared in The Grand Rapids Press in 2007, it had already been a cornerstone of the local business community for more than half a century. Now celebrating 75 years in business, the company continues to blend craftsmanship and innovation while staying rooted in the values that have defined it since 1950: quality, service, and community.
While competitors have come and gone, Swift Printing remains a trusted Grand Rapids print partner, proof that when you lead with authenticity and excellence, longevity follows naturally.
From the days of hand-set type to digital presses and online proofs, Swift has adapted without ever losing sight of what makes print meaningful: it’s tangible, human, and lasting.
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The Takeaway
Nearly two decades after that 2007 article, the story of the business card still begins the same way, with a handshake and a lasting impression.
Swift Printing continues to help local businesses, nonprofits, and creative professionals bring their brands to life through custom business cards, marketing collateral, and sustainable printing solutions.
Because in the end, it’s not just paper and ink, it’s your introduction to the world.
