History of Romo Durable Graphics #3
Romo continued to acquire equipment offering more sizes to its customers. Large-format printing presses were an opportunity to enter a new market – billboards and window signage for retailers and grocery stores. (That was so long ago – eggs were 66¢ per dozen and a gallon of milk was 62¢!)
During the 1970’s, newspaper circulation was at an all-time high and a growing industry. The local newspaper, Green Bay Press-Gazette, took an interest in Romo’s oversized printing presses and purchased the company from Rose and Motre.
For a few years, they successfully printed in-store advertising along with daily newspaper ads. Unfortunately, the Press Gazette had no appetite for billboard installation. Limping along for a few years and losing money, they decided to cut their losses and sell Romo and focus solely on newsprint.
Fred Darling and Turner Harshaw, both durable graphics industry veterans who learned the ropes selling printing industry raw materials, saw an opportunity to build on Romo’s reputation in the industry. Fred and Turner acquired Romo in 1983, and brought a sales and customer service focus that grew Romo substantially throughout the 80’s and 90’s.
Together they transitioned the company from a local large-format advertising printer to a durable decal manufacturer for the OEM customers across the United States.