Jesse Safir hops on a city-bound train destined for the bustling streets of Manhattan. Little did he know, just a few years prior, that he would be embarking on a journey that would test his resilience, determination, and passion for entrepreneurship. In 2019, Jesse acquired ABG Print, a print shop in New York City, marking the beginning of an exhilarating yet tumultuous journey through the landscape of ownership and business challenges.
A Rocky Start
Initially, the acquisition seemed promising. Just nine months in and ABG Print was thriving under Jesse’s ownership. Everything was looking up. But by March 15, 2020, the signs of the COVID-19 pandemic began to emerge, with New York City being hit the quickest and hardest with the first signs of economic downturn. The print shop was eerily quiet and too clean. Jesse knew that when things start looking pristine, that means print jobs are dwindling. It was in that moment that Jesse made the snap decision to cut his staff of 22 people to just 4.
The onset of the COVID-19 pandemic was like a sudden storm that inundated the business, causing sales to plummet by a staggering 95% in just two days. Overnight, the thriving business hit rock bottom, leaving Jesse in a precarious situation that would test every skill he had as a business owner.
Weathering the Storm
Immediately Jesse had to have some tough conversations with everyone from his landlords to his creditors. While the conversations were difficult, he realized that because he wasn’t behaving like a deadbeat, no one was treating him like one. His determination never wavered and he refused to succumb to the circumstances. He was living through a full-time case study in small business cash management. Jesse remembers thinking, “If I manage to come out of this, it will be the most amazing marketing story to one day tell.”
Coming out the Other Side
ABG Print had a deck of 22 employees in the beginning of March 2022. But as Jesse was witnessing the oncoming economic collapse, he cut his staff to 4 in less than 24 hours. Today? ABG Print has had the opportunity to offer a job back to everyone who was laid off. Since COVID-19, ABG Print has prioritized diversifying into new industries and business such as fashion, luxury goods, pharma. The result? Things are looking up again.
Jesse knows his work is not done, but ABG Print is now at a place where business is knocking, print machines are running and overall things are looking hopeful.
“I really like owning and running a small business. I want to own more. I will own more,” Jesse affirmed, echoing his unwavering commitment to entrepreneurship.
The Human Touch
What sets ABG Print apart is dedication to its clients’ success. As a 24-hour, NYC print shop, Jesse prioritizes clients and new business above and beyond what most printers do. It’s something he and his team pride themselves on. Whether it’s a frantic call in the middle of the night, or a rush order with ungodly turnaround times, ABG Print steps up to salvage print situations and preserve client reputations.
A Vision for the Future
Today, as sales gradually approach pre-COVID levels, Jesse remains optimistic about the future. His resilience, adaptability, and unwavering dedication to providing exceptional service define the ethos of ABG Print.
As he continues his entrepreneurial journey, one thing remains certain: ABG Print stands as a testament to resilience and a commitment to clients’ success.
We’ve seen and experienced it first-hand. If any business can get through a tumultuous period, it’s ABG Print. Around the Clock. On the Dot.