We are pleased to support businesses of all sizes that make Lenawee a better way to live, and for the third week of National Independent Retailer Month, we want to share the story of a how passion for keeping business in the community, and the search for a career change kept a custom-printing business alive and thriving in Morenci. Travis and Jodi Kruse share the story of Jammers Designs:
“We’ve lived in Morenci pretty much our whole lives. When we heard that the beloved local shop was going to close because the previous owners needed to move out of town to take care of aging parents, we were deeply concerned. It was a business we loved and we couldn’t bear to see it disappear.”
Travis was looking for a career change at the time, and although they didn’t have experience in this line of work, they saw this as an opportunity and took a risk. They negotiated with the previous owners to stay with us for 30 days, training us and ensuring a smooth transition. During that intense period they countless hours at the shop learning all the aspects of the business.”
Those familiar with Morenci know that our building has a history. It was initially designed for a video store, and the layout was quite different. After making do with the layout for a while, Travis and Jodi decided to renovate three or four years ago. They created a better entrance, made the space more open, and improved our showroom to showcase the inventory effectively. They also reconfigured the back rooms to suit our specific needs, like creating a dark room for burning screens and a room for using a pressure washer to clean screens. According to Jodi:
“One of the key insights from the previous owners was that carrying a ton of inventory isn’t always beneficial. People come in with specific needs, and having a wide variety in limited quantities allows us to showcase what we can offer. While we’re often called a “shirt shop,” we provide much more. From medical clothing like scrubs to construction safety vests, duffel bags, backpacks, varsity jackets, and an array of hats and winter wear, our offerings are extensive. “
To highlight the diverse range, we ran a series on our Facebook page called “We Carry What?” This series showcased surprising items we offer, from golf towels to Nike products. Social media has been a crucial tool for us, given the small size and daytime operating hours.
Morenci has been incredibly supportive, but their reach extends beyond. Travis and Jodi served customers in Fayette, Waldron, Sand Creek, Evergreen, and even into Ohio. Jammers has worked with campgrounds, fairgrounds, and various community events. The connections often stem from personal relationships, leading to orders from people who’ve moved away but still want to support us.
The owners noted “One of our favorite aspects of running Jammers Design is being part of a small community. We love contributing to fundraisers for clubs, organizations, sports teams, and causes. It’s rewarding to help raise money for those in need. We also take pride in supporting local sports teams and events, showing our commitment to the community in various ways.”
Travis and Jodi are very exciting about the events coming up, such as the Back to School Bash in August and the Fall Fest. These events are opportunities to engage with the community, run specials, and showcase some new designs. Jammers is constantly evolving, and while Travis and Jodi love creating new items, they also enjoy seeing their designs worn and appreciated in the community.
Jammers Design has been a learning, growth, and deep connection journey. Travis and Jodee have faced several challenges and taken risks, but the encouragement and love from Morenci and beyond have made it all worthwhile. We are pleased to tell the story of businesses in the community. To get more stories, as well as events and opportunities, subscribe to our mailing list.