Beth Flanders, president
Beth Flanders is a knowledgeable and skilled individual who had a dream to work for herself. Utilizing this unique talent and keeping her promise to develop a company that measured up to its maximum potential, she started Document Technologies, Inc. Now, nearly a year old the company is excelling. It was Beth’s wealth of experience in the laser printing and mailing services that was the key to the success of the business. But even with that, she struggled to keep ahead.
Prior to starting Document Technologies, Beth worked for a number of firms in the industry. It was in this training ground where she learned much of the technical aspects about the laser printing industry. Two additional companies, Fleet Bank Information Services and New England Laser Printing in Cranston also provided a very valuable and needed basis for her self-development. This is where she was introduced to both laser printing and mailing services business acumen.
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But, in November 1997, New England Laser was sold to VESTCOM. The large printing company renovated and expanded the site and planned to make the Plainfield Pike location a major production facility. However the company’s plans changed and in April 1999 VESTCOM decided to close its Rhode Island operation and consolidate in Massachusetts.
Flanders faced with either unemployment or relocating decided to make her move. Instead of just accepting the inevitable she decided to explore the possibility of opening her own company, to build her dream. With determination and force, she conscientiously began to research and plan for what would ultimately lead to the founding of Document Technologies, Inc.
Beth Flanders searched the Internet looking for ideas and sources of assistance. She came upon the Small Business Administration web site and discovered the SBA’s Women’s Pre-qualification Program. The program allows the SBA to pre-qualify an applicant for a SBA-backed loan before the applicant goes to the bank.
She arranged for an appointment with a counselor from the Service Corps of Retired Executives (SCORE) and began work on her business, marketing and financial plans. By late May 1999, Beth was ready and she was approved for the SBA Pre-qualification. Because of the attention to detail and the accuracy of her plans the loan application was approved by Citizens Bank within days of submission.
Finally, hard work and determination paid off and Document Technologies opened its doors June 1999. Operating in 7200 square feet of office, production and warehouse space, the company provides laser printing and mail services to businesses that generate large volumes of statements, billing invoices, direct mail and other similar applications.
Some of their services include mail list management, postal presorting for discounts, document creation, ink jetting addresses on envelopes and other mail pieces as well as folding and inserting.
Begun as a one-person operation, Document Technologies staff has grown steadily and today she has six employees. Much of the company’s business has been generated by word-of-mouth. Some former customers have now signed on with Document Technologies because of the efficiency and convenience. Today, most of her customers are hospitals, utility companies, newspapers and other publications, educational institutions, state and local governments, and direct mailers.
Flanders says the company’s growth has been better than projected. And sales are expected to reach $1 million by the end of next year. Space is also becoming a problem. The company has just acquired additional office space so the production and warehouse can be expanded.
Beth says she has planned for continued growth and has sufficient equipment on hand to handle an increased customer base. She says the equipment is running at about 35 percent of capacity.
Document Technologies has a promising future and plans call for the hiring of a sales representative and the addition of a second production shift in the fall.
