Meet Jessica Gutowski-Slaydon

We were lucky to catch up with Jessica Gutowski-Slaydon recently and have shared our conversation below.

Jessica, appreciate you making time for us and sharing your wisdom with the community. So many of us go through similar pain points throughout our journeys and so hearing about how others overcame obstacles can be helpful. One of those struggles is keeping creativity alive despite all the stresses, challenges and problems we might be dealing with. How do you keep your creativity alive?

I try to keep my creativity alive by always having a hobby or project outside of work, but loosely connected to it. For example, coaching my kids’ soccer team taught me some of the best management lessons, and singing in a band has helped me grow more comfortable with public speaking.

Thanks for sharing that. So, before we get any further into our conversation, can you tell our readers a bit about yourself and what you’re working on?

At Swift Printing, I get to blend old-school craftsmanship with modern technology, and that’s something I’m really proud of. We’re a third-generation, family-owned business in Grand Rapids, and I love that we get to help other businesses, organizations, and individuals bring their ideas to life, whether that’s through business cards, signage, invitations, or community projects. What excites me most is the impact print still has today. In a world that feels so digital, holding something beautiful, tangible, and well-made in your hands really connects people in a way that screens can’t.

Something special about our brand is that we’re a Certified B Corporation, which means we’re committed to doing business responsibly, sustainably, and with our community in mind. That’s not just a label to us, it’s woven into how we operate every single day. From donating paper to the Grand Rapids Public Museum for over two decades, to supporting local artists and events like ArtPrize, to helping small businesses grow with the right marketing materials, we see print as a way to lift others up.

This year is especially exciting as we celebrate 75 years in business. We’ve been leaning into creative projects like incorporating letterpress, custom labels and fun ways to do large format, and even some collaborations with local nonprofits. For me, it’s not just about putting ink on paper, it’s about creating something meaningful, that helps people share their story, and leaves a legacy for generations to come.

If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?

Looking back, three qualities that made the biggest impact in my journey were curiosity, resilience, and community-mindedness.

Curiosity kept me learning, experimenting, and saying “yes” to new opportunities, even when I wasn’t sure where they would lead. That willingness to ask questions and try new things has shaped so much of my career and personal growth.

Resilience helped me get through setbacks and challenges. Owning a business, raising a family, and serving in the community all come with bumps in the road, but learning to keep going and adapt has been invaluable.

Community-mindedness gave meaning to all of it. Knowing that what I do can help lift others up, whether through printing, public service, or volunteering, has always fueled me to work harder and stay grounded.

For folks who are just starting out, my advice is:

Keep feeding your curiosity by reading, listening, and surrounding yourself with people who inspire you.

Don’t be afraid to ask for help. I’ve had hundreds of mentors who’ve shaped me along the way. People want to share their talents, you just have to ask and be willing to meet them on their time. And remember, there isn’t one single path to success. Maybe your aunt tells you one way and your teacher another. Take their “ingredients” for success, then create the recipe that works best for you. We’re all baking the best cakes we can, and yours can be as vanilla—or as nutty—as you’d like.

And most importantly, find ways to connect your skills to something bigger than yourself. When your work makes a difference for others, it keeps you motivated through the ups and downs.

Before we go, maybe you can tell us a bit about your parents and what you feel was the most impactful thing they did for you?

The most impactful thing my parents did for me was teach me by example. They didn’t just talk about values like hard work, service, and kindness, they lived them. My dad showed me what it looks like to serve your community, and my mom modeled strength, love, and creativity in everyday life. Watching them, I learned that success isn’t just about achievement, it’s about integrity and the way you treat others. Those lessons have stayed with me in business, public service, and parenting my own kids.

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