Rogers’ Screen Printing | Lumberton, NC
Keith Rogers www.rogersseinc.com Keith Rogers, along with his family, started his business by selling blank T-shirts and hats out of the trunk of a car. Everywhere he went, people asked if he screen-printed or embroidered. After looking into his options, Rogers’ Screen Printing was born. He expanded and diversified the business by identifying market gaps in the area and offering stellar customer service. The business started in a small 24′ x 60′ building. Rogers’ first major client was Campbell University, who supplied more work than he was able to keep up with, so another company let him use their machines after hours. Even after building an addition onto the existing building, Keith found himself at capacity. Rogers’ first contacted the SBTDC for assistance with funding for further expansion. Keith had found a vacant building and its size and location were perfect; however, he was concerned about obtaining a loan. The SBTDC’s Beth Wilkerson told Keith about the Building Reuse Grant through the NC Rural Center, and the City of Lumberton agreed to apply on behalf of Rogers’. Beth assisted the business with putting together a business plan and financials, and after approaching various lenders, Rogers’ received a loan through Lumbee Bank. “When Lumbee says they’re a hometown bank, they really are. They helped us when nobody else would,” says Keith. Beth then helped Rogers’ and the City of Lumberton with the grant application. Rogers’ was awarded Reuse funding and moved into their current location in July 2011. The business has since hired additional employees, and with room to grow, Rogers’ now produces trophies, signs, screen printing, embroidery, wide-format printing and stationery. Rogers’ wants to be a one-stop shop that is able to do a business’s windows, ink pens, signage – the whole nine yards. Keith says, “We would like to have a bunch of retail spots and do what we’re doing now, manufacturing everything in a centralized place and then shipping to the various stores.” Rogers’ has also added an indoor batting cage – the first in the area. It has been very successful, giving the area’s youth something physical to do while keeping them out of trouble. Aside from the SBTDC, family support is the strong foundation of Rogers’ customer service and work ethic, and has gotten the business to where it is today. “If you expect something, we get it done,” says Keith.“People know they can count on Rogers’.” Story originally featured in the SBTDC’s 2011-2012 Annual Report.More Client Stories from the Fayetteville Area
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