Classical Graphics is a family-owned screen printing business in Davenport. Their seven employees are taking on one big job: merchandising for the Quad City Steamwheelers.
This Saturday, the team is set to host their first playoff game in eighteen years.
“There is a great energy when you’re at the stadium, and we like being a part of that,” said Derek Dlouhy, owner of Classical Graphics.
Dlouhy started his business over fifteen years ago. Him–and his company–were born and raised right here in the Quad Cities.
“Running a small business is not for the weak hearted,” said Dlouhy. “It takes a lot of time, a lot of energy, and a lot of family commitment as well too.”
The family t-shirt business has grown here in the QCA. Each job–especially the one for this weekend–requires all hands on deck.
Mitch Dettman has been with the company for about six years, and is the Classical Graphics Accounts Manager. Dettman listed off the names and process behind the printing magic:
“Jordan who prints, to McKenzie who burns the screens, then out here to Mason who sets up the press, and then Mason and Jordan run the press…printing those shirts. Box it up and it’s to the customer. The whole thing from start to finish [is] about a two-week process.”
Even Derek’s daughters are hands-on helpers. “They ask if they can skip school some days,” said Dlouhy. “So that they can come to work with me.”
Classical Graphics is currently at their third location, and in their second year of partnership with the Steamwheelers.
“They’ve been amazing to work with,” said Dettman about the indoor football team. “We’re really excited about the playoffs this weekend. First time in 18 years hosting a home playoff game. We’ve been there the whole time, just kind of absorbing that energy. Really excited to see.”
If you’re going to the game on Saturday, make sure you grab your playoff t-shirt on the way in.