As 2012 came to a close, I took the time to visit the Allegra Network headquarters in Plymouth, Michigan, just outside of Detroit.  Thanks to Chairman Carl Gerhardt, CEO Mike Marcantonio and their team for their wonderful hospitality.

Allegra Network headquarters moved into its current location about two years ago. At the time, my colleague Barbara Pellow wrote about the transition the new building represented, saying, “Allegra is currently transforming its business philosophy to adapt to a changing market and to aggressively support its franchise owners.”

As Pellow points out, “When a major quick print franchise transforms itself into a cross-media specialist, this is an important market signal.” The work that Gerhardt, Marcantonio and their team have done in building out this building and the resources it provides for the Network is nothing less than exceptional. Allegra Network is comprised of a number of brands, including Allegra, American Speedy, Insty-Prints, and Signs Now, as well as an investment in Signs by Tomorrow. The site also houses Progressive Art & Frame Design, Inc., a Marcantonio venture.