[DMS Short Takes] Ricci’s Printing – North Bay, ON

Tom Ricci of North Bay is continuing a family business tradition that will be 60 years old next year.

Ricci’s Printing operates in an industry where an old-school commitment to doing right by the customer is in a tug of war with on-demand services online. Tom competes by providing exceptional service, technical expertise, quality products and fast turnaround.

His shop has been able to remain open throughout the pandemic when other businesses have had to close because it is part of the supply chain for “essential” businesses. Still, the loss of normal in-person customer contact soon bit into his bottom line.

To “pivot a and bridge the gap” between his brick-and-mortar location and his online presence, Tom turned to his local Digital Main Street (DMS) Digital Service Squad, which was led by the Business Centre Nipissing Parry Sound. He also qualified for a $2,500 DMS Digital Transformation Grant.

Tom is now overhauling his website to make it a more eye-catching lead-generation and e-commerce platform. He is also boosting his searchability on Google so that he is less reliant on word-of-mouth and referrals for new business. Local pros are helping him develop a strategy for monthly social media promotions.

“DMS provided a much-needed solution that was two-fold – a grant for acquiring product and professional services, and the expert advice that I needed,” Tom said. “As a business owner, I would suggest taking advantage of whatever assistance is available and helps get things back on track. Contactless commerce is becoming a new reality and we all need to pivot for success.”