09/09/2002
Wanda Rohm knows a thing or two about small businesses. She also knows a thing or two about the cards they use. As the owner of Presto Printing in San Antonio, Rohm provides the full range of commercial printing, but says business cards are her niche. They're also part of her history."My uncle invented a printing press that was made exclusively for printing business cards," explains Rohm. "I bought one of his presses, and that's how I started. He had sold them all over the country, but I was the only one who outgrew its capabilities. I sold too much! We had to change to more conventional presses to produce more."
Printing business cards isn't the only thing that has changed over the years, she says. "Computers have really changed the printing industry. More people are ordering online, and they're doing more on their computers. Then they bring it to the printer and are surprised to find out how much all the color they've put into the job is going to cost. Also, there are so many programs out there today, it's hard to be compatible with them all."
Such changes, says Rohm, pose a particularly difficult challenge for smaller companies. "Most of the smaller print shops are not keeping up with technology and will be left behind if they don't keep up."
In addition to keeping up, small businesses need to stick together. "We must get small business to speak with one voice," she says, "so that we can truly be a force to be acknowledged. I'm always out there praising NFIB and what they can do for us."
Quick Facts:
Name: Wanda Chandler Rohm
Business: Presto Printing, www.presto-printing.com
Location: San Antonio, Texas
Founded: March 1983
Number of employees: 16
What trends have you seen in business over the years?
Two things, really. Employees and their work attitude and ethics have really changed, and getting a loan as a woman is finally easier!
When did you join the NFIB?
I first learned about NFIB in 1993 when I was a delegate to the White House Conference on Small Business. I had always thought that small business needed a lobbyist out there working for us. I just didn't know we had one!
How did you become involved in NFIB grassroots activism?
(Former state director) Robert Howden brought me in to chair the Area Action Council for San Antonio. Now I'm the state chair.
What have you done through NFIB to help the cause of small business?
I have testified before senate hearing committees on the minimum wage. I have spoken before the Texas Conservation Coalition about health care concerns. I am serving on the Government Task Force for Economic Development. Oh, and I once flew all day with Attorney General (John) Cornyn and made the introductions on behalf of small business. I have really gotten to know my state and federal representatives, so they know who I am when I call or visit their offices in Austin or D.C.
What are your top legislative concerns on the state and federal levels?
Health care, taxes, regulation and the minimum wage.
