Business Details
50+ Years
experience
Your Partner for Commercial Printing Solutions in Columbus
Founded in 1923, Watkins Printing has evolved into a fourth-generation leader in commercial printing, mailing, and digital marketing services. Our heritage of innovation began with Cyrus Watkins and Carl Eierman, who navigated early challenges to establish a foundation built on resilience and quality. Over a century, we embraced technological advancementsfrom letterpress to LED-UV offset pressesto deliver cutting-edge solutions while maintaining personalized service. Our WBENC certification as a women-owned business reflects our commitment to diversity and excellence in every project.With expertise in magazine production, direct mail, and niche publications, we prioritize client collaboration, empowering university, fraternity, and industry clients with seamless access to our facilities and leadership. Our strategic Columbus, Ohio location and state-of-the-art in-house mailing capabilities ensure efficient, nationwide delivery. By blending family tradition with forward-thinking technology, we provide tailored solutions that meet evolving client needs, cementing our reputation as a trusted partner in the printing industry.
Services
Magazine Printing
Direct Mail
Commercial Printing
Digital Magazines
Niche Publications
Brochures
Posters
Political Mail Campaigns
In-House Mailing
Digital Marketing
Details
- Year established: 1923
Highlights and features
- We offer over 100 years of expertise in commercial printing and mailing services.
- Our WBENC-certified women-owned business prioritizes diversity and ethical practices.
- We provide nationwide magazine distribution from our strategic Columbus, Ohio location.
- Our advanced LED-UV offset press ensures high-quality, efficient production.
- We maintain direct client access to ownership and key staff for personalized solutions.
Associations and certifications
- WBENC
Services
Magazine Printing
Watkins Printing produces high-quality magazines for universities, fraternities, and niche industries. Our capabilities include small one-time runs and monthly distributions with direct mailing. Advanced web and sheet-fed presses ensure precision, while direct client access to our facility fosters collaboration.
Direct Mail
We offer comprehensive direct mail solutions powered by decades of experience and in-house logistics. From political campaigns to commercial mailers, our Columbus, Ohio location provides strategic nationwide distribution. Services include list tracking, omnichannel marketing integration, and tight deadline adherence.
Commercial Printing
Our state-of-the-art RMGT 9 Series 8-Color LED-UV press enables efficient commercial printing with instant curing and automated color control. Services include brochures, posters, and specialty projects requiring high-volume precision and rapid turnaround times for businesses and organizations.
Digital Magazines
Watkins creates digital versions of print magazines using HTML5 and native app technologies. This service expands audience reach by enabling multi-device access and sharing. Digital editions complement physical publications, enhancing client engagement through modern omnichannel strategies.
Political Mail Campaigns
We specialize in politically timed direct mail campaigns with union-certified production. Our workflow adapts to tight deadlines, serving candidates and organizations. Strategic Columbus, Ohio location ensures cost-effective nationwide delivery of mailers, newsletters, and election-cycle materials.
People
Emily Clary Lust
Owner / CEO
Emily Lust became 100% owner of Watkins in 2024, continuing fourth-generation leadership. With WBENC certification under her tenure, she drives innovation while preserving family heritage and client-centric values.
Jon Lust
President of Operations & Sales
Jon Lust leads operations and sales as VP, leveraging industry expertise to expand Watkins' technological capabilities. He joined the company in 2020, focusing on client relationships and strategic growth initiatives.
Tamara Watkins Green
Founder's Heir
Tamara Watkins Green, granddaughter of founder Cyrus Watkins, championed WBENC certification. Her leadership advanced client collaboration until her passing, leaving a legacy of innovation and family dedication.
Dwight L. Watkins
2nd Generation Leader
Dwight L. Watkins modernized Watkins in the 1940s by adopting offset lithography. His technological vision during post-war expansion laid the foundation for the company's transition to heatset web offset processes.
Donald C. Watkins
3rd Generation Leader
Donald C. Watkins spearheaded automation in the 1980s, including digital prepress and in-line binding. His contributions positioned Watkins to serve evolving client needs through the digital revolution.
Questions
What printing services does Watkins offer?
We provide magazine printing, direct mail, commercial printing, digital magazines, brochures, posters, and political campaign materials using advanced LED-UV offset technology.
Is Watkins Printing WBENC certified?
Yes, we are a certified women-owned business through the Women’s Business Enterprise National Council (WBENC).
How does Watkins handle nationwide distribution?
Our Columbus, Ohio facility strategically enables efficient nationwide mailing directly from our in-house distribution center.
Can I collaborate directly with Watkins’ leadership?
Yes, we prioritize direct communication with ownership and department heads to ensure personalized service.
What industries do Watkins serve?
We specialize in fraternity/sorority magazines, university publications, niche industry magazines, and political campaigns.
Reviews (5)
Miguel Lewis
Jan 07, 2022
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The Watkins Printing Company is like no other - outstanding customer service, great attention to detail and an effective and profesional product. These folks deliver!
Jamie Armistead
Nov 07, 2021
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We have been using Watkins for several years and have had a great experience. They are professional, knowledgeable and are always willing to help with our printing needs.
John Moore
Oct 26, 2021
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In the political mail business, we rely on partners that work just as hard as we do. That's why we're proud to work with Watkins. Their prompt responsiveness and excellent support is why they've quickly become one of our preferred union printers.
Drew Whitney
Oct 17, 2021
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A great company to work with. They are very knowledgable and a provide quick response to any question. The customer service is excellent and their product is high quality. I had a great experience with them and I will continue working with them in the future!
Daniel Olthaus
Sep 25, 2021
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The Watkins Printing Co. is a highly professional printing company that treats their customers like family.
