Chapter One: 1959

On October 22, 1959, Dick Folger produced the first issue of the Union City Leader. The four-page publication was printed and delivered to the newly incorporated city comprised of the two former communities of Alvarado and Decoto. In time, the "publishing empire" grew to include the Newark Sun Leader, the Niles Progress Leader, the Castro Valley Leader, the Baywood Bugle and the South Hayward Star. With increasing press capability, the growing company took on high school newspapers and other publications. Today the community newspapers have given way to the printing of colorful magazines, catalogs, booklets, newspapers and advertising publications.

Chapter Two: 1967

Folger was always networking to build up the Folger Publications name. His wife, Patricia, helped and so did their children, Mark, Suzanne, Michelle and Erik. Pictured at right, they all are at a small community parade in Union City, spreading the word about FolgerPublications.

Chapter Three: 1974

This was a time to rethink and retool. Though the Union City Leader was popular in the community, it could no longer sustain itself. The company now relied entirely on commercial printing. And when opportunities there slowed, FolgerPublications closed. Having endured a hard-fought lesson, Folger relaunched the company, only this time under it's new name, FolgerGraphics. Folger employed friends and family at the shop located at Fairway Park Shopping Center in Hayward. This time the company would focus solely on commercial printing, from pre-press to post-press. Having made numerous friends and customers over the years, Folger and a growing number of employees began a steady climb toward success.

Chapter Four: The 80s

By the late 1970s, FolgerGraphics had gathered enough momentum to enter the 1980s with optimism and strength. Profit and happy customers were the norm. There were more employees, greater investments in state-of-the-art equipment, a new, larger industrial location and a renewed dedication to be the best printer on the West Coast.

Chapter Five: 90s and beyond

By 1990, FolgerGraphics had made more than $1 million in annual sales. A crack sales team led by Folger's sons, Erik and Kirk, continued to flourish and bring in new opportunities. The company was making major waves in the industry. As the company entered the new millenium, profits continued to grow. Folger reinvested in the company, most recently with a million-dollar Heidelberg CD-74 Speedmaster, which can print five colors in one pass at 15,000 sheets per hour. At the heart of all of Folger's decisions are two things: A partnership with his employees, and great service for his customers.