Swift Printing: Powered by Community, Rooted in Grand Rapids
At Swift Printing, we often say that our work is more than ink on paper. It’s a way of connecting people, supporting neighbors, and showing up for the city we love. As a third-generation, woman-owned, B Corp-certified business in Grand Rapids, MI, Swift has always stood for something deeper: community spirit.
This blog post explores what that means, how we live it out, and why it makes a difference for everyone who partners with us.
A Legacy of Local Commitment
Swift Printing has been part of the Grand Rapids landscape for 75 years. We’re proud of our heritage as a family-run company and even prouder of how our story has woven itself into the fabric of the city.
From the beginning, our founders believed that local businesses should support each other. We still believe that today. Whether it’s sourcing materials from fellow Michigan vendors, volunteering for local causes, or mentoring the next generation of printers, we aim to lead by example.
Jes Slaydon, current President and granddaughter of our founder, says it best:
“Being a local printer means more than having a storefront in Grand Rapids. It means knowing your neighbors, caring about their success, and showing up when it counts.”
Print as a Community Builder
Printing might seem like a quiet industry, but it’s anything but. Every business card, envelope, brochure, banner, or book we create has a story. Often, it’s the story of a new business launch, a school event, a community fundraiser, or a personal milestone.
And that’s where the community spirit comes in. When we work with local nonprofits, artists, students, entrepreneurs, and families, we don’t just take their orders. We get involved in their vision.
Environmental and Social Responsibility
Being community-minded also means thinking beyond our walls. As a Certified B Corporation, we hold ourselves accountable for our social and environmental impact.
This includes:
Donating materials to organizations like the Grand Rapids Public Museum that could more easily just recycled.
Sustainable sourcing of paper and buying our materials as local as possible.
Equitable employment practices and support for women in leadership roles.
Walt Gutowski III, often says:
“When we print with purpose, we print for people. That’s the heartbeat of Swift.”
Moments That Matter
Some of our proudest moments don’t come from large contracts or high-profile clients—they come from real-life connections:
Helping a nonprofit get their fundraiser invitations out in record time
Giving a student group the opportunity to tour our shop and learn about print
Sponsoring community events that give back
We’re not just printers; we’re neighbors. And that neighborly approach is what sets us apart.
Looking Ahead: Our Vision for the Future
As we look to the future, we know that our community-first mindset will only grow stronger. We plan to:
Expand our community partnerships
Offer more educational tours and events
Know more of our neighbors by name
Continue to have deep roots on our West Michigan community
And yes—we plan to keep having fun while doing it.
Photo from the Donut Dash a fun 5K Swift Printing organizes on Fat Tuesday every year.
How You Can Join Us
Whether you're a nonprofit in need of posters, a business needing business cards, envelopes or brochures, or a lawyer looking for classy stationary, we'd love to help. When you choose Swift Printing, you're not just getting great print—you're investing in a community of care.
Visit us at swiftprinting.com or stop by our shop on Bridge Street. We’d love to say hello and hear what you’re dreaming up.
Because at Swift Printing, we believe every good idea deserves to be printed—and every printed piece deserves a purpose.
