From Small-Town Roots to National Reach: The Three Z Printing Story

 

There’s something rare about a company that’s been family-owned and operated for nearly five decades, and still growing. Three Z Printing, based in the small town of Teutopolis, Illinois, is exactly that kind of company. Founded in 1978 by brothers Bill, Dan, and Kurt Zerrusen, Three Z has grown from a modest local print shop into one of the largest family-owned printing operations in the United States.

 

Built on Work Ethic and Faith

 

The Zerrusen brothers grew up in rural Illinois, where hard work wasn’t optional, it was a way of life. When they launched Three Z, they carried that same ethic into every print job. The company name itself is a nod to the three Zerrusen brothers who started it all.

 

Over the years, the business expanded steadily. When Dan and Kurt retired in 2015, Bill became the sole owner and kept the operation moving forward with the same values that built it. Today, a new generation — Bill’s sons Matt, Neil, and Chad — is stepping into leadership, carrying the family legacy into its next chapter.

 

More Than Just Ink on Paper

 

Three Z isn’t a one-trick operation. They’ve built a comprehensive suite of printing and mailing services that makes them a true one-stop shop for businesses of all sizes.

 

Commercial Offset Printing is at the core of what they do. For clients who need high-volume runs with fast turnarounds and competitive pricing, their offset capabilities deliver consistently sharp, professional results.

 

High Speed Digital Printing gives clients the flexibility of digital production at scale. This is ideal for projects that require variable data, shorter runs, or rapid iteration without sacrificing quality.

 

Direct Mail is where print meets marketing strategy. Three Z handles everything from postcards and self-mailers to envelope inserting, helping businesses cut through the digital noise and land their message directly in a customer’s mailbox — a place where it will actually be seen and held.

 

Secure Data Printing addresses the growing need for handling sensitive information with care. For clients in industries like finance, healthcare, and insurance, this capability is essential.

 

Trade Printing rounds out their offerings, providing wholesale printing services for other print shops and agencies that need a reliable production partner behind the scenes.

 

Trust, Verified

 

In an industry where reliability is everything, Three Z has gone the extra mile to earn trust. The company holds SOC 2 Certification, a rigorous standard for managing customer data based on security, availability, processing integrity, confidentiality, and privacy. They also carry FSC Certification, demonstrating a commitment to responsible sourcing and environmental stewardship.

 

These aren’t just badges on a website, they’re proof that Three Z takes its responsibilities seriously, whether that means protecting client data or making sustainable choices in their supply chain.

 

Small Town, Big Impact

 

It would be easy to overlook a printing company in a town of a few thousand people in central Illinois. But Three Z’s client list tells a different story. Their reputation for quality, reliability, and service has attracted national clients across publishing, marketing, and beyond. A testimonial from June Steinfeld, a Consumer Marketing Director who worked with Three Z for over 15 years across two different publishing companies, paints a clear picture: they deliver on time (often early), print at a high standard, and treat every client relationship like a partnership.

 

That kind of consistency doesn’t happen by accident. It’s the result of a culture that values people… both the customers they serve and the team members who make it all happen.

 

Looking Ahead

 

Nearly 50 years in, Three Z Printing isn’t resting on its history. With the next generation of Zerrusens now at the helm and a clear commitment to investing in both technology and people, the company is positioned to keep growing while staying true to what made it successful in the first place.
In a world that’s increasingly digital, Three Z is a reminder that print still matters, and that the companies who do it well, with integrity and care, will always have a place at the table.

 

Three Z Printing is located at 902 W. Main St, Teutopolis, IL 62467. Reach them at 217.857.3153 or visit threez.com to request a quote.