In May of 1996, Mark Patrick established Notable Impressions in Stevens Point. Specializing in the sale of imprinted promotional products, apparel, gifts and awards the company continues to service the local central Wisconsin area as well as healthcare customers located around the country.

Their first sale was to Reynolds Travel located in Park Ridge and consisted of 50 “fanny packs”. The fanny packs were used as a gift to their customers buying high end vacations.

Within months of starting the company, Patrick quickly added 2 key associates, Richard Nielsen and Dick Packard.  Both had worked with Patrick at Joerns Healthcare located here in Stevens Point. Nielsen’s expertise quickly developed into being the company’s art director and systems go-to resource. Packard’s marketing expertise helped establish the company’s presence both locally and out of state. Patrick focused his time on developing local sales, and sales from previous key healthcare contacts located around the country.  Community involvement was also something he committed his time to.

The company applied for membership admittance to the Advertising Specialty Institute (ASI). in the Spring of 1996. All requirements were met and they were admitted in record time. The business started out in the lower level of the owner’s home and remains there 25 years later. Patrick indicated that “the commute was hard to beat, the proximity to the kitchen a huge plus, to say nothing of the low overhead costs.” Custom display cases were made and a showroom with adjoining offices completed. The showroom continues to be a “valuable resource for our customers, though COVID this past year drastically cut down on its use”.

Notable Impressions has been an active member of the Portage County Business Council since 1996. It displayed at the annual Business Expos and won Best of Show awards on 5 different occasions. The company also supported the Business Council through various efforts including conducting training sessions. “Growing your Business” and “ Keys to Trade Show Success” were two sessions done in the past. In 1999 the PCBC recognized Patrick as the Entrepreneur of the Year for Portage County. In 2002, Patrick was honored in the Stevens Point Journal as one of the “Community Treasures”, recognizing his work on behalf of Big Brothers Big Sisters. Over the years, Patrick has served on committees or board of directors for Big Brothers Big Sisters, Boys & Girls Club, Epilepsy Foundation, Stevens Point Kiwanis, Stevens Point Convention & Visitors Bureau, Portage County Business Council and Leadership Portage County among others.

Patrick notes that working with local businesses and organizations has been a very fulfilling experience. “We have met and developed a close working relationship with so many special people during this time.” Though less active today than previously, Notable Impressions remains a strong supporter of our local community and all that it has to offer.

Information submitted by Notable Impressions.