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HC Brands is celebrating a huge anniversary - 65 years in business! It all started with Owen Holmes, a Jacksonville stamp maker in the 1950's. Through three generations of ownership, HC Brands grew to 100 employees. The company maintains a singular vision: fostering a passion for innovative products made in America with the highest level of quality workmanship, perfectly personalized for its valued customers. Rather than selling mass produced items, HC Brands sells made-to-order products, finished in state-of–the-art production facilities. Now it's time to honor the founder and celebrate a company that has passed from father to son as well as company owner to company employee. Our people are at the heart of what we do and a special part of how we have become what we are today. 

Celebrating 65 Years

Starting in 1954 Owen Holmes opened Holmes Stamp Company out of his home in Jacksonville, Florida. About 20 years later his son, Owen Holmes, Jr., partnered with one of the store’s employees, Bob Croft, to take over the business. Soon, the company had its very own storefront in San Marco. Bob Croft’s son, Bryan Croft, took over in 1998 and quickly ushered the business into the e-commerce world. Bryan pushed the company to look beyond stamps, and expanded into more offerings including engraved and personalized office products. In 2008 Steve Fernandez joined the company as an employee and soon partnered with Bryan as another shareholder.

[Company founder] Mr. Owen Holmes really set a foundation of hard work and innovation that we are still inspired by today, creating and building for our families and the communities we serve.” – Bryan Croft

The company's family of brands now includes Name Tag Wizard, Simply Stamps, Custom Signs, Promo180, 904 Custom, All State Notary Supplies, and The Corporate Connection. These 8 specialty websites feature items ranging from name tags, desk plates, address stamps and trade show banners, to promotional products, personalized cutting boards, and notary seals.

The 'Holmie Nation' is committed to giving back to local and international communities. Employees help serve those in need – both near and far – by collecting holiday gifts for local children, hosting blood drives, supporting our troops with donations, and inviting employees to raise money and volunteer for the annual Haiti180 mission trip to the Kay Mari Orphanage.

Today, the company that Owen built has offices in Salem, Massachusetts and Austin, Texas. HC Brands is made up of 3 locations, 8 brands, more than 100 employees, and an inventory of thousands of personalized products.

 
"As we expand with more brands, locations, products, employees – one common theme stands out. Our HC Brands mission is growth. Sure, growth in profits and revenue, but moreover growth in: employee development, growth in product catalog, growth in customer satisfaction, and growth in our customers’ business. Thank you Jacksonville for your 65 years of support. I hope you will grow with us the next 65 and beyond!"–Bryan Croft