Spirit Graphics History -

Printing since 1946.  Family owned and operated since 1983.

Our family has a rich wonderful history in the printing industry, going all the way back to our grandpa, Joyce.

Grandpa Joyce joined the military in 1936 and became part of the Original Band of Brothers during WWII.  Stationed with the 506th Parachute Infantry Regiment, U.S. 101st Airborne Division, he witnessed many historical events during the war and was a part of the most historical time in American history . (Here are some pictures of his time in the military).  We would like to thank him for his service and devotion to his country.

Joyce began printing in the mid 1940’s while stationed at Govenor’s Island.    He was then transferred and stationed in Japan and began printing maps, top secret documents, passports, Japanese currency, and daily situations.  Responsible for printing classified documents and information, he had one of the highest security clearances on base.

Grandpa Joyce retired from service in 1963.  He then settled in Palo Alto California and went to work for Stanford University in their publishing department.  He stayed there for approximately sixteen years and was the printer of a wide array of books and other texts.

Barbara, the oldest of Joyce’s four children was always into art and being creative just like Grandpa Joyce.  Having a knack for drawing, gardening and creating things, Barbara was the only child to go into the printing industry has been printing since 1959.  Some companies she has printed for include the Handy Man Corporation, UCSD, and Central Federal Savings Bank before she went out on her own to form Spirit Graphics and Printing Inc. Today, Barbara is still an integral part of the daily grind at Spirit Graphics and Printing Inc. 

Thomas, Barbara’s son, a third generation printer and the youngest of four, has been running presses ever since he was 8 years old.  The printing business came naturally to him and he has been working in the industry since he was 16 years old.  Thomas is always thinking of ways to better our business and is the individual that has set the tone for our GREEN printing programs.

Donna, is Barbara’s second oldest and began working with Barbara and Thomas in 1998. Donna is recognized as Pre-press specialist and Designer. She is the person who helps keep Spirit Graphics and Printing Inc. organized by streamlining our workflow and is always improving our way of business. 

Chantell, Barbara’s grand daughter came to work for SGP after high school in 2006.  Chantell is a 4th generation Ackerman to come and work for us at SGP.  She is our Customer Service representative as well as a part time designer and pre-press specialist.