At the heart of Columbus-based D&W Elements is designer Dan Wisniewski’s family, represented by the ampersand in the company logo. Drawing on Columbus’s art and sports culture, Wisniewski creates vintage-inspired designs for people who want to show where they belong, including custom work for weddings and businesses.
SchoolPride LtdSince 2000, Columbus-based SchoolPride Ltd. has built custom athletic and academic products that put a school’s colors and mascot on display, with helmet decals as a longtime specialty. The family-run business now has more than 25 employees, serves over 20,000 customers across all 50 states and many countries, and welcomed its second generation in 2021. Its project managers and art team guide each order from a free custom design through production, helping schools turn achievements and facilities into distinctive branded spaces.COLUMBUS, OH
Inspired BuffaloFounded by graphic designer Marinette Kozlow in 2010, Inspired Buffalo is a family-run Black Rock design and print shop creating custom apparel, Buffalo-themed art, and personalized gifts. The business grew from freelance design and Buffalo greeting cards into a family operation after Marinette’s husband Tim joined her and her mother’s former corner-store space became their shop. Inspired Buffalo is especially distinctive for turning customers’ handwriting, photographs, and recipes into keepsake towels and pillows.BUFFALO, NY
C4Impress Custom Design & GraphicsLocally owned and operated by husband-and-wife team Casey and Courtney Mathes, C4Impress Custom Design & Graphics is shaped by their work as a fire chief and a teacher. Based in Nitro, West Virginia, the shop creates personalized apparel for customers who want a hands-on role in bringing their ideas to life, with a particular connection to first-responder communities.NITRO, WV
Northwest Ohio Welch TrophyNorthwest Ohio Welch Trophy grew from a business Al Welch started in his basement more than 35 years ago into a family-run operation led by Al and his son Rob. The Welches opened their current Van Wert store in 2000, bringing the family’s strong basketball tradition into a community business that serves local schools, organizations, and companies with personalized apparel and awards.VAN WERT, OH