History

The Company was founded in 1894 as the Cincinnati Printing and Paper Products Co., in Cincinnati, Ohio. In 1923, Dutch Kaeser and Bill Blair purchased Cincinnati Printing and Paper Products Co. and incorporated the Company into what is now known as Kaeser & Blair, Inc.

Kaeser & Blair revolutionized the industry by selling advertising, branding and promotional products that were marketed through independent sales professionals. This new approach produced an exclusive national network of independent sales professionals and Kaeser & Blair experienced significant growth prospering through The Great Depression. The company eventually expanded its offerings to include more than just paper products; adding items such as imprinted pencils, matchbooks, calendars and more. In 1944, they purchased a 47,000 square foot printing facility and office space on Eastern Avenue in Cincinnati, where they remained for the next 46 years.

Kaeser & Blair revolutionized the industry by selling advertising, branding and promotional products that were marketed through independent sales professionals. This new approach produced an exclusive national network of independent sales professionals and Kaeser & Blair experienced significant growth prospering through The Great Depression. The company eventually expanded its offerings to include more than just paper products; adding items such as imprinted pencils, matchbooks, calendars and more. In 1944, they purchased a 47,000 square foot printing facility and office space on Eastern Avenue in Cincinnati, where they remained for the next 46 years.

Dutch Kaeser passed away in 1970 and Dick and John Kaeser each held a term as President of the Company between 1966 and 1983. During this time together, the brothers continued to grow Kaeser & Blair, Inc. and built upon the success and legacy of their father. This continued growth and success eventually lead the Kaesers to pursue advertising and marketing products that were not manufactured in Kaeser & Blair’s manufacturing facilities. These products were called “advertising specialties” and provided Kaeser & Blair’s independent network of sales professionals’ access to thousands of new products and opportunities from leading brands.

In the early 1980s, the Company had completely transitioned out of manufacturing and were focused on supporting its network of independent sales professionals, now called business owners. John Kaeser retired in 1983, and Dick Kaeser once again resumed control of the Company. Recognizing it was time to prepare the next generation to lead Kaeser & Blair, Dick began the process of passing control to his son and daughter, Kurt Kaeser and Christy Kaeser, both of whom were actively involved in the business.

Christy showed interest and promise in tackling special projects and activities on the Company’s behalf and Kurt demonstrated a strong passion and commitment to serve dealers. Together, the siblings brought consistency of leadership, experience, and strength to the Company.

During this time the company also launched its respected Best Buys catalog and the establishment of Kaeser & Blair’s Annual Convention. The convention or “Family Reunion” as some dealers have called it, is designed to celebrate dealer achievement, provide leading educational insight and a private trade show.

Kurt Kaeser became President in 1996 and continues to lead a talented team of proven executives. He oversees the day to day management of the company and provides vision for the future. Christy Kaeser continues her demonstrated leadership as Managing Director of Special Projects.

With a vision and strategy for the future, the Kaesers and everyone at Kaeser & Blair, Inc. continue to use their wisdom and the unique understanding of dealers, which has been passed down from generation to generation, to ensure the longevity and success of Kaeser & Blair, Inc.