Sentinel Printing: Long Island’s Oldest, and Progressive, Printer – 

Best Graphics’ travels coast-to-coast, from the United States to Canada, in pursuit of one goal: helping client’s find value (and productivity!) in their next piece of machinery. Our Sales staff would like to argue that no stone is left unturned, and no door is left unknocked!

Because of this philosophy, we’ve seen it all. From family-owned “Mom & Pop” shops to 400+ employee, Commercial Print behemoths, no two facilities are the same. And we love it. We love your subtle differences: lobbies, plant shop configurations, personalities, management strategy, and your success stories.

Sentinel Printing, of Long Island, NY, has a story nothing short of successful! On my latest trip to New York, I sat down to hear the story first hand.

Founded in 1858, Sentinel Printing is one of Long Island’s oldest companies in operation, but more importantly, one of the oldest print shops in North America! With beginnings as a local newspaper, the company re-tooled itself in the mid-1950s as a Commercial Printer.

Currently run by 6th generation Owner, Glen Boehmer, the firm has re-shaped itself once again. In Fall of 2011, “Sustainable Green Printing Partnership” (SGP), a non-profit organization providing sustainability certification in the Graphic Communications industry, awarded Sentinel “SGP” certification! At the time of recepit, Sentinel was one of only fifty Commercial Print firms in the US to have completed certification. Fancy that? One of the North America’s oldest – if not the oldest – is also one of the most progressive! As the saying goes, “the only constant is change,” right?

Spanning four facilities, Sentinel Printing’s production strategies adhere to strict “Green Thumb” initiatives; from ink and paper suppliers to excess waste and environmental impact. But Glen hasn’t stopped there. In the last 18 months, Sentinel Printing installed solar panels on the roof of two buildings, ultimately allowing their Digital Department – namely, two Xerox DocuColors – running exclusively on solar power energy!

Every firm has a niche; every Printer a belief. And in this case, every printer has a passion. Glen, intends to reduce his energy consumption by 5 – 10% year over year. Albeit, by the recently installed florescent light banisters throughout Sentinel Printing, or by the suppliers they rely on day-to-day. Glen, like so many others, cautions those who say they’re “green.”

SGP Certification, is both a passionate pursuit, and a mentality where cutting costs isn’t always the best way to maintain margins. Says Glen, “We don’t just run out and buy from sources that are polluting because they’re cheaper.”

Looking to stratecially partner with a SGP certified shop? You can learn more about Sentinel Printing by visiting their website: www.sentinelinnovation.com.

Have an innovative story to share with our staff? Contact me at (800) 236-7603 x 101.

Until next time!,

A.J. Brahm, Self-Appointed Cheif Social Media Officer