Max Reddish takes great pride in being from Toledo. Reddish Printing is nestled in Toledo's Uptown district, across from Manhattan's and a block from the Toledo School for the Arts. “I love being in Uptown . . . I've been coming here for a few years and it’s a growing area,” he said. His new store, relocated last October from 400 Main Street, is bigger, better and, as Reddish says, right where he wants it to be.
Reddish Printing primarily does bulk commercial printing for businesses, schools and organizations. The screen printing process focuses mostly on wearables, but can produce other promotional items as well. Reddish claimed his location in Toledo gives him a competitive edge—although many items are available from the internet, he can give face-to-face service to people who may have never had to order t-shirts or other items from a printer. “I will help you with the entire process. No emails, no phone operators or text messages,” he said.
Reddish works with local civic and nonprofits, along with organizations like Toledo Public Schools. “My shirts come from a warehouse in the Toledo Warehouse District.” He gets as much of his equipment as he can from a company on Bancroft Street. “When you work with me you don't just help one small business, but several,” he said.
His new location has much more room for production and retail. “I haven't fully utilized the retail area yet,” Reddish claimed. “This is a great space and I am just starting to realize its potential.”
Aside from displaying shirts made for past clients, Reddish showcases work from local artists. He also carries a line of Toledo-themed shirts of his own design. “We used to only sell the Toledo shirts at festivals and the downtown farmer’s market. Now, people can get them here at the store,” he said.
Max lives up to a long small-business history. His great grandfather, William Reddish, opened a hardware store in 1909 on Star and East Broadway Streets, and the entire family has been in local business since. His father, Gary, opened his sporting goods store on Main Street in 1991, and used to contract out sports-team-related shirts. “I dug out a small corner of that store and started printing for him,” he said.
Max sees growth in his new location, especially in retail. “I have gotten pictures of my Toledo shirts from all over the world. Places like Afghanistan, Kansas, California and Germany.” He smiled. “I think people like them.”
Reddish Printing, 1503 Adams St. noon-6pm Monday-Friday, and by appointment.
419-290-5384, reddishprinting.com.
