The History Of Cowan
Since our inception in 1945, Cowan Graphics Inc has become one of the largest digital and screen printing companies in Canada. Our head office in Edmonton, Alberta, Canada, boasts a 150,000 sq ft state of the art facility. With an in-house graphics design team, cutting edge digital & screen print equipment, a fabrication shop and an extensive finishing & quality control department, we are well-positioned to lead the Alberta Graphic and Screen Printing industry in both R & D and new product development.
Operating out of Edmonton, Calgary, Saskatoon and Toronto, Cowan Graphics delivers the goods to multiple markets; small, medium and large with an extensive offering of corporate branding services such as; Decals, Fleet Graphics, Architectural Signage, Retail Signage, Promotional Products. We work closely with our manufacturer partners to ensure that new development in raw materials comply with our strict quality requirements and expectations prior to introducing them into the marketplace. Meeting and exceeding expectations in quality, service and delivery is our commitment to you, our valued customer.
A Snapshot in Time
1940's
1989
2014
2017
2018
Executive Team
CEO
Blaine’s journey with Cowan Graphics is one of dedication, growth, and strategic leadership. Starting as a part-time employee in 1971, Blaine quickly immersed himself in every aspect of the business, gaining invaluable hands-on experience across various departments. His commitment and hard work didn’t go unnoticed, and by 1979, he became actively involved in the day-to-day operations.
Blaine’s leadership skills and vision became evident when he took over operational control of the business in 1988. Over the years, he demonstrated exceptional strategic acumen, steering Cowan Graphics through periods of significant growth and expansion. In 1998 and 2007, he solidified his commitment to the company by acquiring full control from his family members, demonstrating his unwavering dedication to the business’s success.
Under Blaine’s presidency, Cowan Graphics experienced remarkable financial growth, with revenues soaring from $2 million to an impressive $22 million. This achievement is a testament to Blaine’s visionary leadership and his ability to implement effective growth strategies. His strategic foresight also led to the successful acquisition of companies like Arco Display and Awesome Images, further expanding Cowan’s capabilities and market reach.
Blaine’s impact extends beyond revenue growth; he has also been instrumental in identifying and capitalizing on opportunities for equipment acquisitions and resource allocation, ensuring that Cowan Graphics remains at the forefront of innovation and efficiency.
Overall, Blaine’s leadership tenure at Cowan Graphics exemplifies a remarkable journey of transformation and success, marked by strategic decision-making, operational excellence, and unwavering dedication to the company’s mission and values.
President
Jason’s journey in the printing industry is one marked by passion, innovation, and entrepreneurial spirit. At the age of 23, he founded Awesome Images, one of the first digital printing companies in Western Canada. This venture quickly established itself as a pioneer in the digital printing market, thanks to Jason’s vision and hard work.
Under his leadership, Awesome Images experienced significant growth and success, eventually catching the attention of Cowan Graphics. In 2003, Jason made the strategic decision to sell Awesome Images to Cowan Graphics, recognizing the potential for further expansion and collaboration within the industry.
Despite leaving Cowan Graphics a year later to explore other business interests, Jason’s passion for the printing industry never left. In 2011, he made a triumphant return, driven by his deep knowledge of the business and unwavering commitment to delivering quality solutions.
Today, as a part owner of Cowan Graphics, Jason plays a pivotal role in the organization, particularly in the production center of all projects. His wealth of experience, combined with his relentless pursuit of excellence, makes him an invaluable partner in driving Cowan Graphics forward.
Jason’s story is a testament to the power of passion, perseverance, and dedication in shaping successful entrepreneurial journeys. His return to Cowan Graphics signifies not only a homecoming but also a reaffirmation of his commitment to the industry he loves.
Vice President
Pauline brings a wealth of experience and expertise to her role at Cowan Graphics, spanning more than two decades in various sectors of the printing industry. Her extensive background includes proficiency in sheet-fed printing, direct mail, specialty commercial printing, and high-volume retail web printing, showcasing her versatility and deep understanding of different printing processes.
Joining the Cowan team in 2010 as Vice President of Operations, Pauline brought her diverse skill set to the forefront, refocusing her expertise on screen and digital printing. Her role encompasses a wide range of responsibilities, with a particular emphasis on customer service, purchasing, engineering, art, screen-printing, digital printing, and shipping and receiving operations.
Pauline’s leadership in operations management is characterized by her hands-on approach and strategic mindset. She excels in optimizing workflow processes, ensuring operational efficiency, and maintaining the highest standards of quality throughout the production cycle. Her keen attention to detail and problem-solving abilities make her a valuable asset in managing complex printing projects and meeting the diverse needs of Cowan’s clients.
Furthermore, Pauline’s commitment to continuous improvement and innovation drives Cowan Graphics forward in adopting new technologies, enhancing production capabilities, and staying ahead of industry trends. Her proactive approach to addressing challenges and her dedication to delivering exceptional service underscore her leadership in driving operational excellence within the organization.
Overall, Pauline’s extensive experience, comprehensive skill set, and unwavering commitment to excellence make her an indispensable leader within Cowan Graphics, contributing significantly to the company’s continued success and growth in the printing industry.
General Manager – Calgary
Diane joined Cowan Graphics two and a half years ago and has been instrumental in helping to expand our Calgary Operation. With her 30+ years in printing ensures that she is well-equipped to oversee our Calgary facility, leading the team towards success.
While already proficient in offset and digital printing, Diane is currently expanding her job knowledge to include all aspects of large format digital printing. This includes specialized areas such as fleet graphics, decals, architectural signage, retail signage, and promotional products. She understands the importance of keeping up with the ever-evolving trends and technologies in the industry, ensuring that her team stays at the forefront of the market. Diane is committed to delivering exceptional customer service and products, ensuring that our Calgary Operation thrives under her leadership.
General Manger – Saskatoon
Stephanie joined Cowan in 2013 with a strong foundation in customer service. Quickly showcasing her expertise, she smoothly transitioned into a pivotal role, lending her skills to numerous key accounts across Saskatchewan.
Fueled by her innate passion for aiding others and her adept problem-solving skills, Stephanie emerged as a guiding force within the company. Her relentless pursuit of knowledge and commitment to excellence have been instrumental in her ascent to a leadership position.
Beyond her professional endeavors, Stephanie finds solace and inspiration in the pages of books and the great outdoors. Whether immersed in a captivating story or exploring nature’s wonders, she cherishes these moments of respite, which fuel her creativity and zest for life.
Stephanie’s dedication, coupled with her unwavering enthusiasm, continues to make a lasting impact on Cowan Graphics Company. As she forges ahead, both professionally and personally, Stephanie stands as a beacon of integrity, innovation, and leadership within the organization.
Director of Sales
Jake is a highly experienced key account manager in the signage and graphics industry. With over 10 years of experience, he has become a valuable asset to Cowan Graphics. Jake’s passion for sales and marketing started early on in his career, where he quickly climbed the ranks and became a top performer. His exceptional communication and negotiation skills have allowed him to build strong relationships within the community.
Aside from his professional achievements, Jake is also actively involved in his community, volunteering at local events and supporting various charities. In his free time, he enjoys making music and spending time with his family.
Director of Sales
Brennan is a highly accomplished and results-driven leader with over 15 years of experience in the signage and large format graphics industry.
As the National Sales Director, Brennan is responsible for driving revenue growth, expanding market presence, and building strategic partnerships while leading Cowan’s team of inside sales professionals.
Brennan’s deep knowledge of the signage and graphics industry enables him to guide his team effectively and align their efforts with Cowan Graphics overall objectives. Outside of work, Brennan enjoys exploring the great outdoors with his wife and two children.
Production Manager
With over three decades of experience in the graphic print and process industry, Vinh brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise to his role at Cowan Graphics. His extensive tenure in the field has afforded him a comprehensive understanding of all aspects of the printing business, making him a valuable asset to the company.
Throughout his career, Vinh has demonstrated versatility and proficiency by working in various departments within the plant. His hands-on experience across different operational areas has provided him with a deep understanding of the printing process from start to finish. This multifaceted background allows Vinh to effectively coordinate and oversee complex projects, ensuring smooth workflow and high-quality output.
As a key member of the Cowan team, Vinh has played a pivotal role in numerous projects, leveraging his expertise to contribute to their successful execution. His involvement spans across a wide range of initiatives, reflecting his adaptability and ability to tackle diverse challenges.
Vinh’s extensive experience and in-depth understanding of graphic print processes make him a trusted resource within the organization. His insights and contributions are invaluable in driving operational efficiency, optimizing production workflows, and maintaining Cowan’s commitment to delivering top-notch printing solutions to its clients.
Overall, Vinh’s impressive track record, coupled with his hands-on experience and dedication to excellence, make him an integral part of Cowan Graphics’ success. His continued contributions and expertise play a significant role in driving the company’s growth and reputation in the graphic printing industry.
State of The Art Facility & Diverse Equipment
In 2016 we moved into a 150,000 sq.ft. facility. It was the former home of the Edmonton Journal’s Eastgate press plant. Previously we occupied two nearby buildings containing a total of 70,000 sq.ft.
Take a tour of our home with the video below, the largest graphics manufacturing facility in Western Canada.