The City of Redlands has always been known for its beauty, the community, and the shops that help make it so appealing. Among those shops is Redland’s oldest business and the longest continuously running print shop in California, Citrograph Printing Co. The Citrograph was established in 1887 as the first newspaper in Redlands and it was owned and ran by Scipio Craig.
The Citrograph has evolved and thrived throughout its 134 years of business. With the ever changing times and growing methods of production current owners, Al Hernandez and Ryan Bailey keep Craig’s original 1887 core values, quality of work, and business ethics as the solid foundation which the company stands on.
Before taking over the operations in 2002, Bailey worked for Richard Caudle at the Citrograph as a graphic designer and Hernandez was running a promotional advertising business in Orange County and previously had been a VP of sales/marketing for a home theater manufacturer.
Bailey and Hernandez are the sixth owners in the history of the business. It has been tradition at the Citrograph to have it purchased or passed on to an employee of the company. When Caudle was ready to retire, he knew it was time to discuss this. In addition to expanding the print services, the duo added digital printing and publishing, and promotional products to the Citrograph's offerings. A select line of Redlands souvenir products, some designed by Bailey, are only available at the shop. Hernandez says, “Since we acquired the business in 2002 we have added retail products, promotional products and Dye Sublimation, so we can be a one stop shop for our clients marketing needs.”
Even with the difficulties of the pandemic, the company has been able to overcome and push through it all. They have adapted to the changes of the digital world and continue to learn. Hernandez commented, “Learning how to navigate the digital world and educating businesses on the importance of print materials for their marketing,” are some of the larger challenges they have faced.
While valuing the business, they recognize the importance and value in the community as well. Hernandez says, “Being a part of the Redlands community has been great. Richard Caudle told us that The Citrograph has a history of supporting our community through its many organizations and the community has always supported the Citrograph.” Throughout the years and through their experiences Hernandez admits, “We have found that to be true and continue to support our community in many ways, and the community continues to support us. As part of that community support we formed the Citrograph Foundation, which gives back to local students through scholarships and grants.”
Al and Ryan take seriously the responsibility of owning Redlands' oldest business. Artifacts of the Citrograph's early days are on display in the shop, including original equipment and published pieces from those first years in business. Citrograph was responsible for the city's first newspaper, aptly titled "The Citrograph," which launched the business even before Redlands was incorporated. Visitors can enjoy the news of those early editions in the shop.
Al and Ryan also remain committed to the philanthropy established by previous owners. Through the Citrograph Foundation, scholarships are awarded to local college-bound students in music, business, and graphic design and grants are awarded to local youth athletic and art programs.
Their shop sits proudly in the Redlands community and is located at 113 E State St, Redlands, CA 92373 so be sure to stop by when you’re in the area and see a piece of Redlands history.
For more local news and information click here.