In This Issue
- Manager Message – Jessica Yandell – Missoula Center Manager
- Employee Spotlight – Scott Sharp
- WOW – Mark Meimerstorf, Scrappy
- Equipment Spotlight – Colex Sharpcut SX1732, Epson SureColor G6070 DTFilm Printer
- Project Spotlight – Adobe, Built Bar
- Industry Tip – New AG Print Portal Request Process
- Announcements – 2026 Open Enrollment
- Career Opportunities
- Know It to Win It– Test your knowledge and win a $25 Gift Card!
- Anniversaries – Happy Anniversary
- Birthdays – Celebrate!
Manager Message
“Change will always be part of our story—but so will resilience, creativity, and teamwork. And with all of us moving in the same direction, I have no doubt that the next chapter will be even stronger than the last.”
Jessica Yandell
Growing Through Change
If there’s one thing we’ve all learned, it’s that change doesn’t wait for us to be ready. Whether it’s a curveball project, a new process, or something completely out of our control, we’ve had plenty of opportunities to practice adapting. And while it’s not always comfortable, it’s how we grow—both as people and as a team.
Think about where we’ve come from: a small family owned Montana shop, where everyone wore a dozen hats (sometimes all at once!), to now being part of a larger organization with new resources, new opportunities, and yes—new challenges. That kind of transition isn’t easy. It takes patience, flexibility, and a willingness to learn from one another. We’re no longer just a handful of folks holding things together with grit and coffee (though let’s be honest, coffee is still very much part of the formula). We’re learning how to blend our “small shop hustle” with the strength and support of a bigger team.
What I’m most proud of is how we’ve handled that shift. Instead of resisting, we’ve embraced it. We’ve asked questions, found solutions, and leaned on each other when things felt overwhelming. That’s what makes this group special—you don’t just get through challenges, you find ways to rise above them (sometimes even with a laugh along the way).
Looking ahead, we’ve got exciting goals on the horizon: strengthening collaboration between our locations, expanding what we can offer our customers, and continuing to refine the way we work together. Each step forward is another chance to grow, to push ourselves, and to show what we can accomplish as one team.
Change will always be part of our story—but so will resilience, creativity, and teamwork. And with all of us moving in the same direction, I have no doubt that the next chapter will be even stronger than the last.
Here’s to facing what’s next—with grit, humor, and plenty of coffee.
Jessica Yandell
AG Missoula Center Manager
Employee Spotlight
Scott Sharp
Press Operator
Scott was born in Jackson, Michigan, but spent most of his life soaking up the sunshine in southern Arizona before trading desert landscapes for Montana mountains. He’s been part of the AlphaGraphics Missoula crew for over 10 years, though his printing journey actually started way back in the early nineties at AlphaGraphics Camelback in Phoenix (yes, he insists time really does fly!).
When he’s not keeping the presses rolling, Scott is most likely out fishing, roaming the mountains with his dog, or enjoying anything that gets him outdoors. Around here, Scott is known for his steady dedication and commitment to EXCELLENCE—always delivering top-quality work and making sure our customers get the very best.
We’re lucky to have him on the team… and if you ever need tips on fishing spots or print runs, Scott’s your guy!
We Deliver WOW
Core Values Spotlight
We create opportunities to help people grow and succeed
(Self-starter, Committed, Enthusiastic, Initiative, Hard-Working)
We have a get-it-done, do-whatever-it-takes attitude. We are willing to go the extra mile and push through the opposition to achieve the desired results. We are problem-solvers; willing to accept challenges. We thrive on making it happen for our customers.
Mark Meimerstorf
Delivery Driver
Mark hails from Bartlesville, Oklahoma, where he graduated high school back in 2008. A few years (and a lot of miles) later, he traded the Sooner State for Big Sky Country, transferring from Oklahoma State to the University of Montana in 2010. He stuck around long enough to earn his bachelor’s degree in Business Management in 2015—and even longer because, well, who wouldn’t want to live in Missoula?
Before joining AlphaGraphics in June 2025, Mark spent six years working in kitchens, so he knows his way around both a hot stove and a delivery route. When he’s off the clock, you can usually find him watching or playing sports, cooking up something tasty, or hanging with friends enjoying all kinds of “nerdy activities.” (Translation: anything from board games to fantasy fandoms.)
Mark has consistently shown us his SCRAPPY attitude by being eager to get the job done right, on time – every time!
We’re excited to have Mark on the team—just don’t challenge him to trivia unless you’re ready to lose!
Equipment Spotlights
Colex Sharpcut SX1732
We’re excited to introduce the Colex Sharpcut SX1732 to our shop! This powerful flatbed cutter takes our finishing capabilities to the next level — helping us work faster, smarter, and more creatively.
Key Highlights
- Large Working Area: 67″ × 126″ cutting bed for big projects
- Triple Tool Head: knife, oscillating knife, and router (with more optional tools available)
- Vision Registration: onboard camera ensures perfect precision cuts
- Vacuum Hold-Down: 6 independent zones keep materials secure
- Versatile Cutting: handles vinyl, acrylic, foamboard, textiles, corrugated packaging, and more
What It Means for Us
- Faster Turnaround — keep more work in-house
- More Flexibility — handle complex shapes and new materials
- Lower Costs — reduce outsourcing and shipping delays
- Creative Possibilities — custom packaging, displays, signage, and more
Applications We Can Tackle
- Signs & graphics
- POP displays
- Packaging prototypes
- Rigid & flexible displays
- Textile and fabric projects
We’re already putting the Sharpcut SX1732 to work, and it’s opening up exciting opportunities for both us and our clients. Another big step forward in our “growing through change” journey!
Epson SureColor G6070 DTFilm Printer
We’re Proud to Welcome the Epson SureColor G6070 DTFilm Printer!
Key Highlights
- Built for reliability with Epson’s advanced PrecisionCore® Micro TFP® printhead and Nozzle Verification Technology—helping reduce clogs and downtime. Deconetwork+8Equipment Zone+8Epson Caribbean+8
- Consistent, vibrant print quality thanks to the professional-grade UltraChrome® DF inks. Epson+9Equipment Zone+9All American Print Supply Co.+9
- Massive 35.4‑inch print width—we can now print more designs per roll and tackle oversized graphics with ease. Deconetwork+9Equipment Zone+9Equipment Zone+9
- Automated maintenance, taking just minutes per week to keep things running smoothly. Workhorse Products+8Equipment Zone+8Epson Caribbean+8
- Built-in ease of use—front-loading media, sealed ink packs, and intuitive software mean a smooth learning curve. Epson+9Equipment Zone+9Equipment Zone+9
- Real-time job tracking via Epson Cloud Solution PORT®—stay in control even when you’re on the go. Epson+9Epson+9HeatPressNation+9
- Space-saving, wall-friendly design that fits through standard doorways—no fuss during installation. Equipment Zone+1
- Safety-certified, non-toxic inks that are OEKO‑TEX® ECO PASSPORT certified and CPSIA-compliant. HeatPressNation+7Equipment Zone+7USCutter+7
What It Means for Us
With the SureColor G6070 now at our Idaho Falls location, we’re stepping into a new era of efficiency and capability. We can:
- Boost productivity with less downtime and faster setup thanks to automation and remote monitoring.
- Deliver larger, high-impact designs on tight timelines, expanding our creative reach.
- Work smarter, not harder, managing workflow more intuitively and reducing waste—saving time, ink, and resources.
- Offer unmatched quality and reliability, reinforcing our reputation for excellence and innovation at AlphaGraphics—Idaho Falls.
Applications We Can Tackle
Our new Epson G6070 opens doors to fresh possibilities:
- Create large-scale transfer graphics for apparel like hoodies, jackets, bags, and team uniforms.
- Support high-volume, custom runs—think event merch, uniforms, and promotional gear—with impressive color fidelity.
- Offer custom, creative transfers on a wide variety of fabrics, from cotton to polyester blends.
- Deliver oversized items and intricate designs without compromising quality or increasing lead times.
We’re thrilled to bring this high-performance printer into our workflow. It’s more than equipment—it’s a tool that helps us push boundaries, deliver better work, and grow with our clients. Here’s to bigger, bolder, and more brilliant prints ahead at AlphaGraphics – Idaho Falls!
Project Spotlights
Record Heaven – 60: Round Metal Dibond Sign
This project was a great example of our “growing through change” message. The request originally came in before we had our new Colex Sharpcut here in Missoula, so we sent it to Graphik for production. Somewhere along the way it was lost in transportation, which meant a reprint was needed.
By the time the reprint was in motion, our new Colex had arrived—meaning we could have produced it ourselves! But since Graphik was already running with it, we let them carry it through. The finished project required some creative custom bracketing to make sure it stayed solid and safe through Montana’s winter months.
Big thanks to Graphik for helping bring this one to life!
Industry Tip
Industry Quick Tip: Updating the Design Due Date
Why It Matters
CoreBridge is a powerful system, but it does have limitations. Because of that, we sometimes need to take extra steps to make sure jobs flow smoothly through the design queue. One of the most important steps is updating the design due date whenever you put a job into design. Doing this ensures fairness, keeps jobs moving in order, and helps prevent unnecessary frustration for both our team and sales.
Setting the Correct Due Date
When you move a job into design, always set the due date for a full 72-hour turnaround time.
Example: If you move a job into design on 09/02 at 10:00 am, set the design due date to 09/05 at 10:00 am or later. Please be aware of weekends and holiday closures when factoring in your due dates
This small adjustment keeps the process fair and makes sure jobs are completed in the order they’re received. It also reduces the need to change due dates later, minimizes back-and-forth with sales, and creates a smoother workflow for everyone.
Why We Do It This Way
At one point, the default design due date was set to three full days. However, CoreBridge would add three days for design + three days for production, making production due dates six days out instead of three. To fix this, the default was reduced to one day, since most jobs don’t require design.
That means for any design job, the due date now needs to be updated manually to three days. Most of the time, we’ll complete projects sooner than that—but occasionally, when the queue is heavy, the full 72 hours are needed. Setting realistic expectations allows us to not over promise and under deliver, which customers always appreciate.
How the Queue Works
Designers don’t assign projects to themselves until they’re ready to start working on them. This prevents bottlenecks: if someone runs into delays, the job is still available for another designer to pick up. That’s why sometimes you won’t see a designer assigned until the day a job is due.
Rest assured, multiple people monitor the queue throughout the day. Our Design Coordinator actively balances jobs between the internal team and freelancers to ensure nothing slips past due.
Takeaway: Always update the design due date to reflect a full 72-hour window when moving jobs into the design queue. This keeps the process fair, efficient, and predictable—helping us deliver on time and keep customers (and sales) happy.
Announcements
2026 Benefit Open Enrollment
Dates: October 22 – November 3
Open Enrollment is right around the corner! We’ll be holding in-person meetings at all locations, and all full-time employees are required to attend—whether or not you currently participate in benefits.
This year, we’re placing a special focus on expanding benefit education so that you have the tools and information you need to make the best decisions for yourself and your family.
Mark your calendars and stay tuned for your location’s meeting schedule..
Career Opportunities
Here are the current career opportunities that we are looking for in the company!
Please share these links with anybody you feel would be a great fit for the company. As a reminder, there is a $100 referral reward for anyone who refers someone to work for our company and they stay with the company for 90 days.
- Customer Service Branding Partner – AG St. George
- Print and Shipping Retail Specialist – Speedy CPS, Rigby
- Account Support Rep/Account Manager – AG American Fork
- Account Sales Manager – Inside/Outside Sales – AG Idaho Falls
- Large Format Specialist and Installer – AG Helena
- Packaging and Assembly – AG Idaho Falls
- Customer Service Representative – Graphik
Know it to win it
Last month, we tested your knowledge of the content of the newsletter. Thank you all for your participation. 88% of you got an 8/10 or above score. Let’s see how you do this month.
Congratulations to Michael Hamilton, who won the random drawing for participating.
This month we will test your knowledge of the newsletter again. Answer the questions below correctly to be eligible to win a $25 gift card!
The winner will be announced in next month’s newsletter. Michael, please contact Adam Bostrom at abostrom@alphagraphics.com to claim your prize!
Milestone Anniversaries
Congratulations to those completing another year of service with Speedy CPS
5 Years
Blair Barnhurst
Jordyn Jensen
3 Years
Allison Evans
David Call
Heidi Runnels Martinez
1 Year
Ben Moses
Quincy Casselman
Tyler Call
Jen Nichols
Birthdays
Ky Gambles – 09/01
Toric Nuffer – 09/01
Rachael Manley – 09/03
Atilio Fernandez – 09/04
Makayla Strickler – 09/06
Isaac Batchelor – 09/07
Lynn Despain – 09/09
Krystin Robertson – 09/16
Travis Reynolds – 09/16
Rita Baker – 09/19
Malachi Beattie – 09/20
Joseph Ahlin – 09/20
Robert Leazer – 09/28
Dylan Robbins – 09/30