The printer has witnessed dramatic change in his business over almost four decades. The biggest changes probably have happened in the last 10 years with the technology revolution. What you started out with is an antique today. The Linotype machine lasted for 75 years, whereas today a computer you buy will be obsolete in two years. The pace also has accelerated.
Customers are more demanding of time.
Still, there are some very, very nice customers who've been great to us. But his customer list also looks different. Consolidation really hurt. When all those banks merged, we lost some business. On his daily trips up Main Street to the post office, Mr. Swain walks briskly, nodding and pulling the pipe from his mouth to speak to friends along the street.