SBA SD (Small Business Administration) recognizes Simpsons Printing as a Legacy Business. 

Just as the awards ceremony was set to begin, a customer and former employee walked into Simpsons Printing. Jaime Wood, District Director of the Small Business Administration remarked, “To have them as employees and then return as customers, how amazing is that." This moment set the tone for the remainder of the ceremony.

The U.S. Small Business Administration is celebrating its 70th anniversary this year. As part of this anniversary celebration, 68 businesses were selected nationwide to receive the Legacy Business award. Simpsons Printing of Rapid City was one of these businesses.

Simpsons Printing was established in 1965 by Frank Simpson. Three generations later, the company has been led by his son Dan, and his grandson Jonathan. Jaime Wood shared that Simpsons Printing “epitomizes what the essence of SBA is.”

Frank began and grew Simpsons Printing through business loans. The company went on to employ him and his wife's five children. One of the five children, Dan, remembers beginning his time with the family business sweeping floors with a broom. Dan's son, Jonathan, shares the same sweeping memories of when he also started taking part in the family business.

Like many small businesses, the Simpson family and Simpsons Printing faced some challenging hurdles throughout the years, including Rapid City's devastating flood of 1972. During this time, the Simpson family founded Fountain Springs Church and became founding partners of the local NBC affiliate, NewsCenter1. After decades of growth and meaningful participation in the community, Simpsons Printing opened a second location in Gillette, Wyoming, and even purchased their main competitor, Dean Nauman Printing. Most recently, Simpsons Printing made it through the COVID-19 pandemic by using technology more efficiently and following opportunities.

Emotions and tears were flowing throughout the celebration. Many influential community members were present, including representatives of Senator Mike Rounds, Senator John Thune, and Congressman Dusty Johnson. Elevate Rapid City was in attendance, including CEO Tom Johnson, accountants, and future generations of Simpsons Printing.