DUNBAR --It's the same business, just with a new face at the helm. A third-generation Stefano is now in charge of Stefano's Printing. Pat Stefano is now in charge of the business started by his grandfather, Jim Stefano Sr.
According to Jim Stefano Jr. of Connellsville, "We're still the same. I'm now able to meet with clients more. I taught school in the Connellsville area for a few years, then my father turned the business over to me. Now, I'm turning it over to Pat."
Since the 1930s, the Stefano family has operated a shop along Dunbar Creek. Starting as Stefano's Sporting Goods, the business became Stefano's Printing in 1958.
Jim Stefano's mother, Ann Stefano, co- founder of the business, still lives next door. Jim's wife, Stephanie, just retired as office manager in January.
The business has expanded tremendously over the years and now has customers as far west as Montana. Stefano's provides both full service printing and publishes books by local authors as well as designs promotional items, everything from notepads, mugs, pens, calendars and caps to tote bags, clocks and any signature products the customer desires.
"We've always been more evolutionary than revolutionary. We give the customer so many options. We have a writer on staff and can produce full-color newsletters, brochures, annual reports and individual handouts. We design all the promotional items and have more than 40,000 promotional items available," Jim says.
He was a member of the Dunbar Township High School Journalism Club and toured the Daily Courier with other club members. At that time, the Courier used hot presses. "I was so impressed, they had eight linotype machines." He was so impressed that Jim and his father decided to go into the printing business.
The old linotype machine the Stefanos purchased, state of the art at the turn of the 20th century, still works. They still use it occasionally. But the vast majority of their business is done on the best equipment the 21st century offers.
Pat Stefano of Bullskin Township is in charge of technology and now of the business itself. "Pat excels at the color work and at keeping up with all the current software," says Jim.
Pat, who received a business degree from Penn State, has been working at the shop for 19 years.
According to Pat, the latest software allows pagination and proofing of work over the Internet. Stefano's has a Quasar film recorder and image setter that uses a laser to make color plates with incredible accuracy. "The color separation is extraordinarily precise with this equipment and the software that runs it. A laser burns the four-color separation onto the film itself, producing a very high resolution in colors," he says.
The next step in Stefano's evolution will take place in the next few years. Pat Stefano says, "We're looking at direct to plate or direct to press imaging. We're researching the market and the technology. This is the cutting edge."
While customers appreciate the technology, Stefano's service keeps them returning. Laura Szepesi, the staff writer, who also works in sales and marketing, says, "It's amazing, them being father and son. They have a good working relationship. It affects everything they do in the business."
They are not the only Stefanos working at the shop. Pat's wife, Tina, is now office manager. Her daughter, Stephanie, may be the fourth generation owner.
Stephanie Stefano is only 10, but she has the right attitude. "I really like the smell of the ink," Stephanie says. "Besides, it's fun. We make calendars for other people and I like being friendly to them. And, it's my family. If I take over, maybe I could be the boss, the fourth generation."
