Lake County Press
- Founded
- 1970-01-01 in Lake County, Illinois, USA
- Headquarters
- Lake County, Illinois, USA
- Phone
- (847) 421-1466
Lake County Press (LCP) is a multi‑generational, family‑owned integrated marketing services provider that was founded in 1970 as a two‑color printing operation. Today, it is a GRACol G7 Master Printer certified firm serving major brands across the United States. LCP has evolved far beyond traditional printing, offering a comprehensive suite of services that includes offset and digital printing, web‑based ordering and automation, environmental branding, branded merchandise, fulfillment, mailing, and consultative marketing. The company operates across three adjacent buildings, keeping all production and service operations under one roof to maintain strict quality control. Under the leadership of President CEO Thomas R. Johnson – whose father, Ralph Johnson Jr., established the company – LCP has positioned itself as a single‑source “brand steward” for clients. The company’s mission is to deliver masterfully executed brand experiences driven by partnership, integrity, and innovation. LCP serves a diverse clientele in the corporate communications and graphic design sectors, with case studies highlighting measurable results such as a 49% revenue increase for healthcare provider Oak Street Health.
Detailed Review
History
Founded in 1970 by Ralph Johnson Jr. in Lake County, Illinois, LCP began as a modest two‑color press operation. Over five decades, the company has steadily expanded its capabilities and certifications. It is now a G7 Master Printer, a rigorous industry standard for color accuracy, and holds numerous other certifications in sustainability and safety.
Services
LCP’s service portfolio is divided into six core areas: Precision Printing (UV/conventional offset and digital), Web Solutions (custom web‑to‑print portals, real‑time inventory reporting, and e‑commerce ordering), Environmental Branding (trade show displays, office signage, floor graphics), Branded Merchandise (promotional products), Fulfillment (kitting, pick‑and‑pack, inventory management), and Mailing (direct mail campaigns). The company also offers consultative services to help clients optimize supply chains and brand consistency.
Leadership and Stability
LCP’s executive team is unusually tenured: many leaders have been with the firm for 25‑40 years, providing deep institutional knowledge. For example, EVP CFO Robert Hilliard joined in 1984, and SVP Director of Manufacturing Dan Murphy started in 1988. This stability is reflected in long‑term client partnerships.
Sustainability and Technology
LCP is committed to sustainability, embracing environmentally conscious practices in production. The leadership team has focused on diversification into web solutions and digital technology since the late 1990s, including the development of over 150 custom web‑based client solutions.
Key Products
Offset & Digital Printing
UV and conventional offset, digital short-run, large-format grand printing.
Web Solutions
Custom web‑to‑print portals with secure ordering, brand template libraries, real‑time inventory reporting, and e‑commerce fulfillment.
Environmental Branding
Trade show displays, interior signage, wall graphics, floor graphics, and office branding.
Branded Merchandise
Promotional products, apparel, and custom‑branded items.
Fulfillment Services
Inventory warehousing, kit assembly, pick‑and‑pack, and order fulfillment.
Mailing Services
Direct mail campaign production, addressing, and mailing logistics.
Consultative Services
Supply chain optimization, brand standard maintenance, and marketing strategy.
Key Persons
- Thomas R. Johnson
President & CEO
- Don Hyatt
Senior Vice President, Director of Web Solutions & Technology