After decades of service, Dan and Cindy Johnson bid farewell to Print Place in Des Moines, and welcome new owners

After decades of dedicated service to the Des Moines community, Dan and Cindy Johnson have sold their beloved business, Print Place.

Their journey from aspiring entrepreneurs to community pillars is a testament to hard work, adaptability, and a heartfelt commitment to service.

In 1987, the Johnsons established Print Place, choosing Des Moines over the more commercially vibrant Kent Valley.

“We wanted to become part of the fabric of a community with potential,” Dan Johnson told The Waterland Blog.

Print Place started as a one-man shop and grew significantly.

“The day we opened, I wondered if anyone knew we were there, but people showed up thanks to our door-to-door marketing,” Dan recalled. Over the years, the business transitioned from analog to digital, marked by milestones such as hiring their first employee, Pam Huffman, in 1990, and integrating digital technology.

Community service was a core value for the Johnsons.

“Our purpose wasn’t just making money but making friends and improving things for others,” Dan said.

Running the business had its challenges, including long hours, economic downturns, and the impact of COVID-19.

“Operating a small business is a lot of work,” Dan admitted. “Hard work can get you past almost anything.”

With retirement approaching, the Johnsons decided to sell Print Place.

“We aren’t young anymore, and we’ve had a good run,” Dan said. The new owners, Todd and Michelle, are longtime customers. “They are great people – smart, hardworking, and honest.”

The Johnsons plan to travel, reconnect with friends and family, and maintain a healthy lifestyle in retirement.

“We’ve been pretty busy with trips and projects,” Dan said. “We don’t see a downside!”

Despite retiring, the Johnsons plan to stay involved in the Des Moines community.

“We aren’t moving away, so we have every intention of being involved and making the community a little better,” Dan said.

Dan offers this karmic advice to aspiring business owners:

“Make your business about more than just making money. Help others. When people realize you’re there to make their business or life better, good things happen for everyone.”

Reflecting on their journey, Dan and Cindy appreciate the community that has supported them.

“Des Moines is a great place to be,” Dan said. “When we started in 1987, we hoped Des Moines would ‘become something.’ Now, we realize it always was.”

The Johnsons’ story is a testament to the power of community, service, and perseverance. As they embark on their next chapter, their legacy at Print Place will continue to inspire.

Meet the New Owners

Todd and Michelle, lifelong residents of Des Moines, officially took over Print Place on June 1, 2024, and they are embracing the new challenges with enthusiasm.

The couple, who trained with previous owners Dan and Cindy for six months, are finding satisfaction in the variety of projects and products they handle daily.

Having operated their graphic design and stationery business, PartyGloss, since 2008, the transition into ownership of Print Place was a natural progression. Their journey began last summer when Dan mentioned his retirement plans to Todd, leading to a series of meetings and the eventual signing of a contract.

“Our first thought was ‘NO! We can’t lose Dan and Cindy!!’ followed quickly by ‘What if we BECOME Dan and Cindy?’ A quick email turned into many meetings and dinners, one thing led to another and a contract was signed,” they told The Waterland Blog.

Dan and Cindy’s influence is evident in how Todd and Michelle run the business. With over 12 years as customers, they have a deep understanding of the exceptional service expected by Print Place clients.

“We’re so thankful to live in Des Moines and have this opportunity to become even more connected to our community through the Print Place,” said Michelle.

One interesting anecdote – Michelle’s grandpa worked for the US Postal Service when the old Des Moines Post Office was operating from the building where the Print Place currently resides!

They’re both Des Moines born and raised – Todd grew up in the Woodmont area and went through Federal Way schools. Meanwhile, Michelle was in Des Moines, growing up in the same house and attending the same schools her father did.

They’ve been together since 2007 and have travelled to over 25 countries and keep coming home.

“There really is no place like the PNW, we’re so thankful to live in Des Moines and have this opportunity to become even more connected to our community through the Print Place,” they added.

For now, the couple advises reaching out via email as they work on overhauling the website. Contact Print Place at printplace@printplace.net or call 206-878-1380. Their normal business hours are 9 a.m. – 3 p.m. Monday to Thursday, and 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Fridays.