From the days before computers through the unprecedented events of 2020, two things have remained constant: Paper, and the Vols.
Graphic Creations, Inc. began with selling professor course packets to UT students on the university campus. Founders Jim Caughorn and UT Knoxville alum Debbie Billings opened the business’ doors in 1987, with four employees in a tiny spot on 17th Street in Knoxville.
The small copy shop handled the paper materials that made up daily life at a university, course packets, resumes, and ancient career planning and placement forms. As UT continued to grow, so did Graphic Creations, which now resides in the 4th & Gill area with more than 20 employees and over 13,000 square feet of space.
By 2018, the shop was a preferred vendor in the UT marketplace, and alum Jim Caughorn Jr. (‘92) took over as the sole owner. Today Graphic Creations is an official corporate partner of UT Knoxville Alumni. It now handles a multitude of printing, promotional, and apparel products for companies and organizations of all sizes, which trust the Vol-owned business to protect their brand integrity. The company’s services range from businesses cards to vehicle wraps and everything in between – helping startup companies create logos and print materials, or working with large companies on complex indoor and outdoor architectural signage.
When the COVID-19 pandemic hit, Graphic Creations found a new opportunity to serve the Knoxville community by pivoting the business toward personal protective equipment, or PPE supplies.
Graphic Creations now manufactures and sells counter and face shields. The company was also able to source and supply respirators and surgical masks. This flexibility and innovation enabled Graphic Creations to keep working and even thrive during a difficult time. More importantly, it gave the organization a chance to give back to the community by donating PPE to various organizations throughout Knoxville.
“There’s nothing more rewarding than giving back to this community we love,” said Caughorn, who also serves as a board member of the Boys and Girls Club of Tennessee Valley. “Our mission is to ‘do whatever it takes for clients, employees, our future and our community,’ and that begins and ends with making a positive impact.”
Graphic Creations’ focus on investment in people and technology is a reflection of the university that helped the business. It’s the Volunteer spirit on paper – and in practice.
Graphic Creations, Inc. began with selling professor course packets to UT students on the university campus. Founders Jim Caughorn and UT Knoxville alum Debbie Billings opened the business’ doors in 1987, with four employees in a tiny spot on 17th Street in Knoxville.
The small copy shop handled the paper materials that made up daily life at a university, course packets, resumes, and ancient career planning and placement forms. As UT continued to grow, so did Graphic Creations, which now resides in the 4th & Gill area with more than 20 employees and over 13,000 square feet of space.
By 2018, the shop was a preferred vendor in the UT marketplace, and alum Jim Caughorn Jr. (‘92) took over as the sole owner. Today Graphic Creations is an official corporate partner of UT Knoxville Alumni. It now handles a multitude of printing, promotional, and apparel products for companies and organizations of all sizes, which trust the Vol-owned business to protect their brand integrity. The company’s services range from businesses cards to vehicle wraps and everything in between – helping startup companies create logos and print materials, or working with large companies on complex indoor and outdoor architectural signage.
When the COVID-19 pandemic hit, Graphic Creations found a new opportunity to serve the Knoxville community by pivoting the business toward personal protective equipment, or PPE supplies.
Graphic Creations now manufactures and sells counter and face shields. The company was also able to source and supply respirators and surgical masks. This flexibility and innovation enabled Graphic Creations to keep working and even thrive during a difficult time. More importantly, it gave the organization a chance to give back to the community by donating PPE to various organizations throughout Knoxville.
“There’s nothing more rewarding than giving back to this community we love,” said Caughorn, who also serves as a board member of the Boys and Girls Club of Tennessee Valley. “Our mission is to ‘do whatever it takes for clients, employees, our future and our community,’ and that begins and ends with making a positive impact.”
Graphic Creations’ focus on investment in people and technology is a reflection of the university that helped the business. It’s the Volunteer spirit on paper – and in practice.
