Many years ago, after creating Elf Help (a unique water-based craft adhesive), the three principal stockholders of Aquecs, Inc. were in search of a space in which to manufacture their specialty glue when they happened to answer an ad Cross & Oberlie had placed in search of tenants. While meeting to look at the available space for lease, the owners of C&O offered to sell their printing business to the Aquecs, Inc. partners. After viewing the P&L (profit and loss statement) and meeting with a local bank, the partners thought, “Why not!” This unexpected turn would later play a meaningful role in the evolution of Political Lawn Signs, shaping how their printing capabilities grew into a staple of campaign culture nationwide.

Gary Bezella, former President and CEO, recalls that at the time of purchasing Cross & Oberlie, the majority of its printing business was dedicated to one customer for whom they printed logos on golf towels, umbrellas, and divot tools, while three other customers rounded out the remainder of the business through the production of paper signs and metal parts.

Soon after purchasing C&O, Bezella states, “With the sophistication of embroidery and the emergence of dark colored towels, the legs were cut right out from under the demand for towel screen printing.” Thus began the evolution of Cross & Oberlie, which went from glue production and screen-printed towels to a nationwide industry leader in the production of political campaign lawn signage as well as in the production of marketing solutions for businesses of every size.

While Gary Bezella has experienced several different trends in the printing industry through the years—from the rise of digital printing to an increasingly competitive global market—his proudest business moment was easy to pinpoint: “My proudest moment was the day my son, Steve, decided to join me in the business.” Steve remains at C&O full-time to this day, a milestone that reflects both family legacy and the ongoing evolution of Political Lawn Signs through generations of dedicated craftsmanship.

Cross & Oberlie is and will continue to be a family-owned and operating business that is proud of what they’ve accomplished and how they’ve evolved over the last 70 years. While Cross & Oberlie intends to continue to remain at the forefront of new technology and emerging trends, it is truly their company values and the way they treat their customers that set them apart from the competition.

Cheers to Another 70!