Dave Earp of Lakeland College talked with us at PRINTING United Expo about his in-plant’s impressive wide-format printing operation, detailing how it grew from a small setup into a half million dollar a year business producing diverse signage and display work.

Over his 29 years at Lakeland, Earp has guided the shop’s steady evolution from using a small 36-inch HP printer for posters and presentation boards to running a full suite of advanced equipment, including EFI flatbed printers, Summa cutters, and a new laser engraver that enables fine, intricate work. His team now handles all wide-format projects in-house, producing everything from banners and acrylic awards to custom event signage—often taking on new challenges simply by saying, “let’s give it a try.”

The operation’s growing output and profitability demonstrate how embracing wide-format technology and an open, experimental mindset can transform an in-plant into a thriving, full-service print provider.