Running Around Screen Printing: 20 Years of Family, Community, and Creativity
This year marks a monumental milestone for Running Around Screen Printing. 20 years of bringing creativity, color and community spirit to Whitley County and beyond. For owner JoAnn Bird, it’s more than just a business anniversary, it’s a story of risk, resilience, and a lifelong love for her hometown.
A Leap of Faith: How Running Around Screen Printing Began
After 35 years managing big-box retail, JoAnn knew she needed a change. The long hours left little time for family. She dreamed of building something she could shape on her own terms. Something that would allow her to work hard, yes, but also live fully with the people she loved most.
The spark came unexpectedly. Her husband had ordered cross-country racing singlets from a Fort Wayne screen printer, only to receive them incorrectly printed. Around the same time, JoAnn’s eyes caught an ad in the Columbia City Post & Mail of a screen printing business for sale in Huntington. She took a leap of faith, cashing in her Dick’s Sporting Goods stock to buy the business outright. In April 2005, Running Around Screen Printing was born.
Customer Care at the Heart of the Business
From day one, JoAnn’s philosophy was simple: Just take care of the customer. Years of retail experience had taught her that listening, understanding and truly serving people was the foundation of any successful business. That commitment guides everything Running Around Screen Printing does. From investing in equipment to make ordering easy and efficient, to offering fundraising services that help schools and organizations thrive.
Products and Services at Running Around Screen Printing
To truly meet customer needs, Running Around Screen Printing offers a wide variety of custom printing services to meet the unique needs of individuals, schools, businesses and organizations. Their offerings include high-quality screen printing on apparel, professional embroidery for uniforms and hats, vinyl lettering for signs and decals, and digitizing services to convert logos and artwork into embroidery-ready formats. They also provide in-house graphic design services to help customers bring their ideas to life. Whether outfitting a sports team, promoting an event, or creating personalized merchandise, Running Around Screen Printing combines quality craftsmanship with exceptional customer service to deliver products that exceed expectations.
Milestones and Memorable Moments
Looking back over two decades, JoAnn says it’s impossible to pick just one “defining moment.” There’s the big leap from operating out of her home to purchasing the current storefront at 227 W Van Buren St. in downtown Columbia City. A dream realized in 2016, allowing customers to walk through the doors and feel the warmth and energy of the business.
Another highlight is the joy of the mobile on-site printing service. Seeing the Running Around Screen Printing truck or tent at a school event or fair is a signal: this is a company giving back to its community. JoAnn’s personal favorites are cross-country meets, National Show Ski events, Big 11 Wrestling tournaments and the Whitley County 4-H Fair. These are more than just events to JoAnn and her team, they’re opportunities to be part of local stories, to celebrate achievements and to create memories.
Deep Roots in Whitley County
JoAnn’s roots run deep in Whitley County. She grew up on a farm south of Columbia City, loved 4-H, and is a lifelong advocate for downtown Columbia City. The support of local organizations including, the Whitley County Economic Development Commission, Crossroads Bank, and county and city departments, has been instrumental in the company’s success. Running Around Screen Printing has always returned that support, participating in countless events, giving back and championing the community they love.
Keeping Apparel Affordable for Families
Even as prices rise across the country, JoAnn has maintained her commitment to affordability. She remembers the early days, watching event apparel being sold at extreme prices. JoAnn carefully manages product price increases, credit card fees, and shipping costs to avoid passing those expenses onto customers. Today, the short-sleeve tie-dye tee has remained just $20 for 20 years. Keeping fun, quality apparel accessible to families and honoring the company’s original mission.
Looking Ahead: The Future of Running Around Screen Printing
Looking to the future, Running Around Screen Printing is not slowing down. JoAnn and her team continue to expand in-house capabilities, improve their historic building and innovate ways to serve their customers. “I am fortunate to have staff that is keen to productivity improvements on many levels.” says JoAnn. “They are Running Around Screen Printing. Taking Care of our Customers.”
Celebrating 20 Years of Community, Creativity, and Commitment
Twenty years is more than a milestone, it’s a testament to vision, hard work and heart. It’s a celebration of the people, families, schools, and organizations that have trusted Running Around Screen Printing to bring their ideas to life. And for JoAnn, it’s a reminder that the best part of this journey has always been right here at home, in the heart of the community she loves.
Here’s to 20 years of memories, growth, and color– and many more stories yet to be printed.
