Printing Success with SBA 504
From humble beginnings in his early 20s, founder Dan Banakis built M13 Graphics into a thriving, full-service printing company in Schaumburg, Illinois. What started as a one-man operation has grown into a $10 million enterprise with 50 employees, serving both small businesses and national clients with high-quality printing, marketing materials, and design support.
Dan’s entrepreneurial journey was fueled by determination and resilience. Without a college degree, he relied on hard work, quick learning, and risk-taking to turn his vision into reality. Over the years, M13 expanded its services to include embroidery, direct mail marketing, and specialty printing, always staying ahead of customer needs.
When it came time to expand facilities and upgrade equipment, printing’s capital-intensive nature posed a challenge. Traditional bank loans didn’t align with M13’s long-term needs, but the SBA 504 Loan provided the solution. With Growth Corp’s guidance, the process was clear and stress-free, allowing M13 to expand capacity while maintaining healthy cash flow.
“Seeing my employees buy homes, raise families, and build stable lives through the opportunities this company provides has been the most rewarding part of it all.”
The impact has been far-reaching: M13 not only creates stable jobs for dozens of families, but also supports local businesses with essential marketing tools, contributes to community initiatives, and gives back to schools and youth sports programs.
Looking back, Dan says the most rewarding part isn’t just growing a successful company, it’s watching his employees buy homes, raise families, and thrive because of the opportunities M13 provides.
His advice to aspiring entrepreneurs? “Stay resilient. The entrepreneurial journey is full of setbacks, but if you keep moving forward and adapt, you’ll find a way. It will not happen overnight.”
Follow M13 Graphics:
Instagram: @m13graphics | Facebook: M13 Graphics | Website: www.m13.com
