Celebrating Local Black Heroes: Ralph P. Jones, RJ’s Printing Inc.
Big Brothers Big Sisters of Southwest Michigan is proud to celebrate Local Black Heroes since 2021. During Black History Month, we will be highlighting several Local Black Heroes and businesses. Sign up for our e.news to get updates in your inbox and learn more about the impact of local heroes in your community.
Ralph P. Jones is the President and CEO of RJ’s Printing Inc., the only Black-owned printing establishment in Southwest Michigan. Founded by Jones and his father in 1995, RJ’s Printing moved to its current location at 1001 Second Street in 2016.
MENTORSHIP
Jones explains that he learned from a young age to “always strive for better.” His parents, his greatest mentors, were active in their church and helped form the first Boy Scout Troop (Troop 84) in Kalamazoo. Additionally, they were charter members of the Kalamazoo branch of the NAACP.
Jones shares, “In following their footsteps, as a Christian, father, husband, and business owner, I strive for excellence. I participate as a member of the NAACP and other community organizations that further the cause of Black awareness and inclusion. I too strive to serve God in all I do.”
RJ’S PRINTING INC.
Through his work at RJ’s Printing, Jones “represents to the community an option to diversify and support a minority business.”
He explains, “I provide excellent customer service and products that enhance the success of my clients. I hope to inspire Black men and women to follow their passions…”
RJ’s Printing is recognized amongst the Kalamazoo community as the place to go for printing and design needs. In fact, they have been BBBS’s preferred printing company since 2017. Kori Jock, Director of Fund Development at BBBS, shares, “RJ’s takes as much care with our project as we do, and they bring their critical, expert eyes and skills to the project to help us put our best foot forward … I even look forward to printing projects, because I know I’ll get to reconnect with Ralph and his incredible team … I also know I won’t have to worry about the job- they’ll work with me to get it done in budget and on time.”
SELF-CARE
When asked how he practices self-care, Jones explains, “I belong to Bible Baptist Church of Kalamazoo and strive to practice what I preach. I enjoy reading the Bible, lead a daily devotional, and exercise and eat nutritiously. I enjoy spending time with my wife and family … fishing, riding in my Corvette with the top down, listening to music, and learning about health and nutrition.”
AN IMPERFECT MAN
Over the years, Jones has served the Kalamazoo community by hiring and mentoring young people in the art of printing and business at RJ’s Printing. Additionally, he has served on several boards, including the Black Arts Council, the Community Healing Center, the Edison Neighborhood Association, and the Northside Business Association.
Jones shares, “I am an imperfect man who decided to follow Jesus and succeeded in life by His grace.”
