Meet Frank Kemp & Metro Print
This is our first installment of Gaston County Faces, and we couldn't be more pleased to begin this series with Frank Kemp.They say that nice guys finish last, but Frank is living proof that is definitely not true. His obvious love for family and care and concern for his employees, customers, and friends shine in his every day actions.One of Frank's main goals in starting the business was to provide jobs for local people, and an environment where they could thrive.Meet Frank Kemp...
GA: So Frank, tell us where you are from, where you went to school, and if you pull for State or Carolina?Frank: I was born in Winston-Salem and moved to Stanley when I was 10. I am a graduate of East Gaston High School. Even though I am from NC, I am a die hard Alabama fan. Roll Tide!!!
GA: When you started your business, I know one goal was to create jobs for local people… Frank: It is very important for us to provide good jobs in the community and give people a great place to work with an unbelievably awesome culture. We believe family is each of our employee’s first priority, not work. Family is my primary focus, and I believe that we should provide an environment where each of our 35 employees can do the same. We don’t want parents to miss their kids field trips and sporting events just because they fall within normal working hours. We encourage them to take that time to be part of their kids lives.GA: I’ve known you a while- tell us how and where, and why your business started?Frank: We bought Metro Screen in Gastonia, NC in 2011 from Brent Brewer. We changed the name to Metro Print to reflect more diversity in our printing capabilities. For most of my career, I was a traveling salesman, and quite honestly I was tired of traveling and being on the road all the time.
GA: Before we go too far- tell us briefly what products and services you provide?Frank: Currently our business is predominantly decorated apparel (screen printing and embroidery) as well as promotional products. GA: It seems like Metro Print is a family business?Frank: Absolutely! It is an honor to have my wife (Angela) and both daughters (Lindsay and Morgan) involved in the business. We are so blessed to be able to work together every day.
GA: I know you do apparel screen printing, embroidery, sports apparel and more, but it seems like your promotional products are really taking off..things like coffee cups, tote bags, sunglasses, almost anything with a company name or logo on it?Frank: Promotional products is probably the fastest growing part of our business along with providing web stores for businesses, churches, and schools. By creating these stores we have offered our customers the “EASY” button. No longer do they have to deal with collecting money and keeping up with orders. We take care of all of that and deliver the orders individually packaged and ready for the end user.
GA: What about minimum orders, like on t-shirts or embroidered polo shirts? And turnaround times?Frank: Yes we do have some minimum orders-24 pieces for screen printing and 6 pieces for embroidery. We pride ourselves on our turnaround time, which is typically 10 business days.GA: What makes you different from other local companies, or online companies?Frank: In a world where customer service is struggling, it’s all about our Customer Care Team Members. We strive for every one of our customers to have a great experience when dealing with Metro Print. All of our Customer Care Team Members are very knowledgeable and take great pride in helping our customers get the best product and service possible. They go above and beyond to ensure that our customers are satisfied with their experience.GA: Why should local companies or non- profits consider doing business with you? Frank: We are locally owned and operated, and we believe strongly in being part of the community and giving back to that community. We strive to be the difference in our community, and that begins by partnering with those in it. GA: What has been the most impactful event to your business over the last few years? Frank: In December 2021, we completed the acquisition of Gaston Screen Printing and Embroidery. After 45 years in business, the owners were ready for retirement, and we were ready to expand our capabilities. We doubled in size with this acquisition, both in volume and employees. Not only was the additional business vital to our growth, but the employees we gained have been the biggest blessing to our culture and business as a whole.
