Allegra Print & Imaging of Arkansas Inc.*

Darwin and Lisa Buehler made the leap to run their own business in 1991 and haven’t looked back, except to enjoy the accomplishments of Allegra Print & Imaging of Arkansas Inc.

“I’m just proud of what we’ve done over 20 years building a business from the ground up, and it’s because of the people who work with us,” said Lisa Buehler, VP of sales and marketing.

Their company ranked among the top 5 percent of Allegra Network franchises, and 2010 revenue of $3 million pushed the Arkansas enterprise to No. 69 in Quick Printing Magazine’s Top 100.

Growth through acquisition helped boost Allegra’s revenue stream and talent pool. The May 2009 purchase of Fulton Press also provided the company with its 32,000-SF home at 5610 W. 65th St.

The venture, now with 25 staffers, started as American Speedy Printing in leased quarters in west Little Rock. The business was launched under a cloud of drama when billowing smoke appeared to be coming from its 1,500-SF location. However, the fire proved to be a false alarm of sorts, with the smoke coming from another nearby business.

“We thought our business had gone up in smoke that day,” Lisa Buehler said.

Small to medium-sized businesses in central Arkansas represent the heart of Allegra’s clientele, and the firm’s reach extends around the state and beyond. “Building Relationships and Designing Solutions” is its corporate credo.

“People price shop, but they want someone who is going to take care of them and do the job the right way,” Buehler said.

The company is a 2007 recipient of the Outstanding Philanthropic Corporation Award from the Arkansas Community Foundation.