Our History
Founded before Arizona was a state. Built to endure.
O’Neil began in 1908, four years before Arizona became a state. Phoenix was still a young desert city. The roads were unpaved. The skyline barely existed. What did exist was a commitment: show up, do it right, and build relationships that last. That commitment still defines us.
1908
A Small Shop in a Growing Desert City
William “Bucky” O’Neil opened O’Neil Letter Shop in downtown Phoenix. The business started with simple services, but the standard was clear from the beginning: reliability, craftsmanship, and disciplined service. In a frontier city finding its footing, trust mattered.
1930s
Enduring the Great Depression
When the Great Depression hit, every business faced uncertainty. O’Neil was no exception. The company endured by operating carefully, staying close to customers, and protecting relationships. During one of the most difficult economic periods in American history, trust was not just preserved. It was strengthened.
Early 1940s
Wartime Growth and Post-War Expansion
World War II created dramatic shifts in the American economy. Wartime production accelerated demand, and Phoenix began expanding rapidly. As Arizona industries grew, so did O’Neil. By 1950, Phoenix passed 100,000 residents. The city was changing. We changed with it.
1961
The Offset Decision That Changed Everything
Harry Findor convinced Bucky O’Neil to invest in offset printing. Though offset technology had existed for decades, the 1960s marked its rise as the preferred production method. The decision positioned O’Neil ahead of many competitors and expanded both quality and scale. It was a defining moment: invest early, evolve intentionally.
Early 1970s
Becoming O’Neil Printing
A decade after embracing offset technology, O’Neil Letter Shop officially became O’Neil Printing. The purchase of another printing company and the installation of the first Heidelberg press accelerated growth. Production capacity expanded, but the culture remained steady. Every project still carried personal responsibility. Every client still mattered.
1990s
The Digital Revolution
The digital era transformed the printing industry. Typesetting disappeared. Paste-up boards became obsolete. Data replaced manual systems. Where others hesitated, O’Neil leaned forward. We adopted digital workflows, automation, and variable data systems. We became one of the first printers in Arizona approved to use the Intelligent Mail barcode. Technology did not replace craftsmanship. It strengthened it.
Late 1990’s The Shift to Employee Ownership
Accountability Becomes Personal
Under Ron Lahey’s leadership O’Neil became an employee-owned company through an ESOP structure. Ownership reshaped the culture. Decisions became long-term. Accountability became personal. Pride intensified. For clients, it meant greater care and responsiveness. For employees, it meant shared responsibility and shared success.
2000s
Operational Discipline and Enterprise Growth
Under Tony Narducci’s leadership, O’Neil refined operational systems and expanded enterprise relationships. Workflows became more disciplined. Automation increased. Complex, data-driven direct mail programs scaled. The company deepened its reputation as a risk-reducing partner for highly regulated and high-stakes industries.
2008
A Century of Endurance
O’Neil celebrated its 100th anniversary in 2008, marking a full century of disciplined growth and trusted relationships. From a small letter shop in a young desert city to a technology-forward production partner, the company had evolved through economic shifts, industry disruption, and leadership transitions. The tools had changed. The standards had not. The centennial affirmed a simple truth: durability is built on consistency, investment, and doing the work right.
2024
Platform Vision Under Simon Beltran
With Simon Beltran’s leadership, O’Neil sharpened its platform approach. Instead of operating as isolated services, strategy, creative, print, packaging, promo, mail, fulfillment, and technology became integrated. Cross-company collaboration strengthened. AI and automation were introduced to enhance speed and accuracy. The focus shifted from single projects to long-term partnerships built around systems that hold together.
2025
The Launch of 9Fold Collective
9Fold Collective extended national reach through shared standards and trusted partnerships. Clients gained broader geographic coverage while maintaining consistency and accountability. National scale met local precision.
2026
ON Purpose Formalized
ON Purpose became a formal commitment to lead with responsibility, kindness, and long-term impact. It reinforced a belief that business should serve people and communities, not just profit. Sustainability efforts, leadership decisions, and community involvement became aligned under a shared guiding principle.
Today
Employee-Owned. Platform-Driven. Built for What’s Next.
More than a century after our founding, O’Neil is no longer just a printing company. We are an integrated communication platform built to support work from concept to doorstep.
Today, the O’Neil platform includes:
O’Neil Printing
Commercial print, direct mail, signage, fulfillment, and production discipline built for high-stakes communication.
Printing Solutions
Our print-on-demand, specialty label, and packaging division built for speed, scale, and repeatable programs.
Rule29
Brand strategy, creative, and campaign development that ensures clarity before execution begins.
YB²
Zero-risk yearbook and coordinated school communication programs serving K–12 communities.
9Fold Collective
National reach through aligned partners who share our standards and accountability.
ON Purpose
A guiding commitment that business should serve people and communities, not just profit.
Together, this platform allows organizations to simplify vendors, reduce risk, and keep their message aligned across every touchpoint.
The equipment has changed. The tools have evolved. The platform has expanded. The commitment remains the same: Deliver work that holds together.