In 1978, Gregory Muzzillo and a college friend invested $200 and founded a print distributorship named Proforma. Today, this company represents a network of print and promotional product distributors serving over 50,000 clients through more than 750 franchise members in the United States, Canada, and the Virgin Islands.

Muzzillo founded Proforma because he saw an opportunity to start a business with no capital investment. Print distributors are independent agents that sell the services of printing firms. Print distributors are similar to independent insurance agents, which work with many insurance policy providers to find the very best options for clients. Because the print distributor has sales relationships with many manufacturers offering a variety of technologies, it can meet the diverse needs of corporations of all sizes.

Because a print distributor has sales relationships with many manufacturers offering a variety of technologies, it can meet the diverse needs of corporations of all sizes.

During its first year in business, Proforma's sales grew to $250,000 and its clients expanded to over 300. By 1982, sales reached $1 million and Proforma was named among Inc. Magazine's 500 Fastest Growing Companies in successive years. In fact, Proforma is the only company in the business forms industry to make this list three times.

To continue Proforma's rapid growth, Muzzillo began to explore alternative routes. In 1986, he developed the Proforma franchise model-a network of independent distributors working together to build marketing clout, strong supplier relationships, and a single world-class back office. This visionary model proved successful-Proforma is now in its fourth decade and is worth over $400 million.