1st Impressions Ink makes a positive impression on Maricopa businesses

Brothers Mark and Matt Molus know a thing or two about promotional products and advertising. They also know some things about running their own businesses, the aerospace industry, graphic arts, home inspections and fundraising, but that is just the beginning of a long list. While that list seems eclectic, the Molus brothers have all these common interests and more, and they continue to find new ways to put their experiences to use.

Running the family business, The Mexmil Company, an aerospace manufacturing firm based in Santa Ana, California, was a 20-year venture. Over the years, the success of the company afforded the brothers many opportunities to give back to the community.

The pair organized charity golf events to benefit Laura’s House, a California based non-profit shelter and support program for victims of domestic violence, raising over $300,000 for the group. They created the “Race to Read” program and used it in conjunction with their Indy Racing League sponsorship to benefit inner city Boys and Girls Clubs across the United States. They look forward to getting involved with charitable organizations in Maricopa.

Mark Molus, Matt Molus, Rebecca Molus and Mark Gerdes at the inmaricopa.com Adopt a Highway cleanup event.

After September 11, 2001, the aerospace industry took a drastic down turn. The family first sought investors for The Mexmil Company and later sold the business entirely. Recognizing the opportunities in the California housing market, the enterprising brothers received their certifications as home inspectors and went into business together, again.

Mark and Matt quickly realized that promoting themselves to the vast number of realtors in the San Clemente and Mission Viejo area was a huge job in itself. In order to attract attention from the agents and encourage business referrals, they were constantly coming up with new creative ideas to market themselves.

At a home-show one afternoon, the brothers visited a Press-A-Print booth. Impressed by the franchise, the equipment, and the idea of being able to design and print their own promotional products and messages onto virtually anything, Mark and his wife Rebecca attended a franchise seminar that same weekend.

Two years later, what began as a way to save time and promotional printing costs for their home inspection business, has become a full time business itself. 1st Impressions Ink isn’t the ordinary promotional product company, however. “We truly try to bring value to our service by understanding the customer’s needs and providing the highest quality promotional products,” says Mark.

Though they have received their home inspection certifications in Arizona as well, and planned to continue that business, Mark and Matt have had little time to focus on that field of expertise. Since word got out about 1st Impressions Ink, the phones haven’t stopped ringing.

“We would rather sell our customers a higher quality item at a reduced profit, than sell them something that would reflect poorly on their business,” says younger brother Matt. “That would reflect poorly on us. We’re the business that helps your business.”

Mark (left) and Matt Molus display some of the promotional items available from 1st Impressions Ink.

Offering high quality promotional products has earned the brothers a reputation that speaks for itself, and they have quickly made a name for themselves serving customers like: inmaricopa.com, MaricopaFare.com, Anytime Fitness and the City of Maricopa Parks, Recreation and Libraries (PRL) Department.

“1st Impressions Ink is a great company to work with,” stated Martin McDonald, Director of the City of Maricopa PRL Department. “We used them for our youth flag football coaches’ shirts, which was a small order of only 16 pieces. They took the time to understand our needs. They also went the extra mile by hand delivering proof sheets and the final product. I’d recommend them for any job, big or small. They’ll treat you right. 1st Impressions made a positive first impression with the City of Maricopa Parks, Recreation and Libraries Department.”

So how did this dynamic-duo end up in Maricopa? The family has been familiar with the valley for years. Matt and another Molus brother, Rick, lived in Glendale years ago, making custom golf carts. Mark and Rebecca had a home in Parker that they visited on weekends and many holidays. “We love the summers here,” says Mark, “the heat doesn’t bother us.”

Mark Molus with wife Rebecca and daughter, Kirsten.

Matt suggested a move to Arizona in early 2004, but it wasn’t until the pair and their families visited in the spring of 2005 that they decided on homes in Maricopa. Both live in the Villages at Rancho El Dorado, within a short walking distance of each other.

“Though I have not lived in Maricopa for very long, I feel like I made the right decision when I moved here,” states Matt. “It’s nice to feel like a part of the community and actually know more than one or two of your neighbors.”

For more information on 1st Impressions Ink, Mark and Matt can be reached by phone at (520) 280-6418, by email, or you can visit their web site.