Today we’d like to introduce you to Jake Borash.
Jake, let’s start with your story. We’d love to hear how you got started and how the journey has been so far.
My father, Eddie Borash, started Sir Speedy Printing and Copying in 1979 with his business partner, Dan Losano. They received a loan for the money to start the company from longtime friend, Sib Hashian (late drummer of the original rock group, Boston). My father and Danny grew up with Sib, whose lawyers advised him not to give the loan, but Sib went against advice and gave them the money anyway. Since then, Sib always said it was the best investment he ever made.
I was born into the business. I have been coming to my father’s office since I was a child. As I got a little older, my father put me to work here and there. Then, when I was in high school, I worked full time during the summers.
My first summer in college, I decided I wanted to try something different, so I worked for Prime Motor Group at the Mercedes of Westwood. I enjoyed working there because cars are one of my passions. However, the following summer I realized the opportunity that I had at Sir Speedy was too good to pass up. Thus, I decided to give it another shot. I started working in sales, which I loved. I have been in sales ever since. I also started some operations work and management, when I wasn’t tied up with my customers.
Currently, I am still in sales, but I also oversee the day to day operations and handle procurement with my colleagues, Steve David and Lester Naing. Steve oversees purchase of all the finishing equipment. Lester oversees all the technological equipment. Derek White oversees our presses. Mike Lee is the head of the sales department. Kevin Wong is our in house graphic designer. Zak Harris handles all signage (foam core, mounted posters, banners, oversized laminated signs etc). Cindy Naing oversees our book keeping. Nick Sarfaty is very versatile; he can really do any task asked of him.
Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
As far as sales, it took me a long time and a lot of work to maintain a solid customer base. I constantly went to see different potential customers as well as existing customers. Many of my clients are in large companies. Inevitably, some people go to one printer, some go to another etc. The key is to build strong long-lasting relationships with all the different people in the company. We do a very good job of meeting everyone’s needs. The word “no” is not in our vocabulary.
Alright – so let’s talk business. Tell us about Sir Speedy Printing – what should we know?
We are in the “instant printing” business. We do things quick and again we never say “no” to a customer. Many of our clients are in the pharmaceutical industry and need large jobs done very quickly. We have guys that will work over night if need be. We specialize in customer service. I have never seen a company that goes beyond the call of duty for customers, the way Sir Speedy on Boylston Street does.
Any shoutouts? Who else deserves credit in this story – who has played a meaningful role?
All my colleagues are amazing. We have a great crew. We have about 13 employees. We produce as much work now as when we had 25, which shows you how hard everyone works. It’s a demanding job. Our copy machine tech, Bob Carlson, from Net print fixes our machines. Bob is fast, reliable, and consistent. I don’t think he has ever left my office with a machine still down.
As far as me personally, my father taught me everything I know in business. My mother, Jodi, is always there for me. My sisters, Jamie and Jordan, always push me to be the best I can, as they are both hard workers and great role models. Aside from my father, David Rosenberg (president of Prime Motor Group) and Frank Depasquale (owner of Depasquale Ventures) are my mentors. Frank told me at a young age, “Most people wake up hungry. I wake up starving.” I try to always keep that mindset. I am very fortunate to be able to go Frank and David with any questions.
Contact Info:
- Address: 827 BOYLSTON ST
- Website: sir-speedy.net
- Phone: 6172679711
- Email: print@sir-speedy.net
- Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/sir-speedy-boston-6
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