Impression Label
Impression Label is a one-stop-shop for all label and branding solutions with everything from design, printing, and product packaging services. Originally founded in 1986 as Blair Labeling, Lourdes Solis purchased the company in 2008, growing it from a garage-based business to an innovative label printing company. With over 30 employees today, Impression Label is a family-run business and is recognized as the first 100% Hispanic and woman-owned flexographic company in Colorado. Their company culture is a reflection of their success, viewing each of their employees as part of their family in a supportive and trusting environment.
Impression Label utilized two SBA 7(a) loans with a combined total project cost of $693,400 in partnership with Mountain View Bank of Commerce and B:Side Capital. The SBA 7(a) Express loan allowed Impression Label to finance a working capital line of credit and the SBA 7(a) General loan helped the business refinance equipment loans in addition to covering closing costs. Check out the interview below with Lourdes to learn how Impression Label became so successful…
What makes your business unique or different?
We are different in the way that we operate, but it’s our team that sets us apart beyond all else. As a manufacturing facility, we produce significant workloads, but operate in a more relaxed manner. We have top of the line equipment but we would be nothing without our team. They are willing to do anything to get a job done, day or night, weekday or weekend, our team is willing to put it all on the line.
What have been some of the most rewarding parts of owning your business?
We really enjoy seeing that all of our employees have helped us build a business that ultimately supports each of our families. With over 30 employees, we support each other like a family to help aid in our success as a whole.
What have been some challenges?
As many small business owners would agree, employee attrition is very difficult to manage and mitigate; however, navigating the current economy with supply chain issues has been the largest challenge thus far. Ultimately we have been extremely fortunate that we are still able to work and have access to raw materials, which I know is not the case for other businesses.
What advice would you give to other business owners?
Hard work and dedication pays off. It wasn't always easy and still isn't. There were some very challenging moments and there were times when we wondered why we even did this. Relying on our support systems and heeding the advice from other business professionals has been extremely helpful.
What was it like working with B:Side on your loan?
It was great working with the entire team! Cindy Grove with Mountain View Bank of Commerce and Mark Seymour with B:Side Capital were great resources; their expertise was key in our success. They made the entire loan process seem extremely easy and gave clear direction on deadlines and documents needed.