Johnson & Quin kicked off the new year celebrating our 150th anniversary at our holiday party on Friday. It was a fun opportunity to reflect on how the company has grown and evolved over the years, from our beginnings in 1876 to where we are today.

Founded in Chicago by Nels Johnson as the N.M. Johnson Company, the business produced ruled ledger books for banks and businesses. In 1896, Thomas Stephen Quin joined the company, forming Johnson & Quin. By 1919, the company earned a patent for an improved ruling board, and in the 1920s, Tom Quin helped shape the industry as the first president of Chicago’s Master Printers Federation.

Innovation continued across generations. In 1928, Ralph L. Johnson joined the business and later developed the electrocardiograph mounting card, which became a medical standard. As printing technology advanced, J&Q transitioned to offset printing in the 1930s and expanded into large-scale commercial work.

Growth accelerated in the modern era. Robert I. Henkel joined management in 1960, expanding offset capabilities and niche markets. Dave Henkel joined in 1977, strengthening sales, marketing, and specialty printing. In 1978, J&Q installed the Xerox 9700, becoming the Midwest’s first “print-for-profit” laser printer. In 1989, MultiMatch™ technology advanced personalized mail accuracy.

Today, Dave Henkel serves as CEO with Andrew Henkel as President. With continued investment in high-speed color inkjet, automation, and advanced finishing, Johnson & Quin produces millions of highly targeted communications each year.