They say that once a printer gets ink on his hands, he’s hooked for life. Such is the case for Steve Samuel, who started his career as a typesetter in 1969 and eventually opened his own company.

In the printing industry, technology becomes obsolete in the blink of an eye and those who don’t evolve cease to exist. In the late 1980s, the desktop revolution forever changed the way material was published. Steve’s employer at the time did not reinvest in technology and the company ultimately folded.

However, Steve recognized the opportunity and started his own company, Commonwealth Composition, in 1987 with one employee and three major accounts. He changed the company name to Graphics Gallery in 1990. Since then, Steve has stayed one step ahead of the competition by anticipating the impact of new technology and responding nimbly to changes in the marketplace. In 1997, Steve purchased another firm, Color Works. Then in 2005, Graphics Gallery embarked upon its most ambitious expansion to date with the purchase of a state-of-the-art flatbed printer and digital cutter. This investment has opened up new markets and opportunities and has set the stage for continued growth.

Today, Graphics Gallery employs 20 people and occupies more than 11,000 square feet in western Henrico County. Graphics Gallery produces large-format graphics for a wide range of industries and applications.

Steve continues to be driven by a valuable business lesson he learned from watching his father’s company go bankrupt in 1975: stay focused!

Steve Samuel: At a Glance
President, Graphics Gallery

Previous experience

• Graphic artist, Composition, Inc.
• Paste-up artist, Carter Printing, Co.
• Typesetter & paste-up artist, Military Publications

Education

• Associate of Arts, J. Sargeant Reynolds Community College

Current professional boards and committee positions

• President, Southern Graphics Art Professionals
• Treasurer, Coalition of Greater Richmond
• Chairman’s Circle, Richmond Chamber of Commerce
• Board of Directors, Virginia Council of CEOs

Other

• Member, Innsbrook Rotary Club
• 2002 Graduate, Leadership Metro Richmond