BIG INK
BIG INK is a privately held, Minnesota-based full-service visual communications provider delivering design, wide-format printing, fabrication, and installation for trade shows, corporate environments, retail, and events, serving enterprise and SMB clients primarily across the Upper Midwest.
- Company typePrivate
- Founded1999
- HeadquartersEagan, United States
- Headcount11–50
- GTM typeB2B
- OfferingServices
What BIG INK does
BIG INK is a privately held, full-service visual communications company headquartered in Eagan, Minnesota. Founded by President Tom Trutna (with a 25th anniversary celebrated in March 2024) and operating from a single facility at 899 Apollo Rd., the company delivers end-to-end creative, printing, fabrication, and installation services for trade show exhibits, corporate events, retail environments, vehicle wraps, and corporate branding. Its portfolio includes exhibits, events, environments, corporate branding, retail signage, vehicle graphics, wide-format printing, dye sublimation fabric printing, custom-sewn products, and sustainable displays using Falconboard and recyclable corrugated materials, plus a 3PL fulfillment service for e-commerce and B2B/B2C clients.
The technology backbone is centered on two EFI wide-format printers acquired in 2022 — offering higher-dpi resolution, white ink, in-line cutting, and overlapping capacity — supplemented by dye sublimation fabric printing, custom sewing fabrication, and a creative design team. Pricing is fully quote-based and project-driven with multi-year enterprise contracts, distributed through a sales-led motion (phone outreach, website quote requests, and a relationship-building 'Dream Cycle' ice cream trike). Distribution combines direct enterprise sales, website lead capture with tFlow file submission, and reseller partnerships with hardware catalogs (Display City, US Visual, Exhibitors Handbook).
The company serves a regional Upper Midwest client base with named enterprise accounts across agriculture (CHS Inc., Cargill/McDonald's), manufacturing (Design Ready Controls), engineering (Bolton & Menk), healthcare (Genoa Healthcare), banking (Bridgewater Bank), beverages (Jack Daniels), and education/non-profit sectors (Augsburg University, Ronald McDonald House, University of Minnesota). Notable flagship projects include the Minneapolis Convention Center transformation for CHS Inc. within a 36-hour deadline and a 117-foot communications wall at Design Ready Controls' Brooklyn Park, Richmond, and Oklahoma City facilities. The business is bootstrapped with no disclosed venture or private equity backing.
BIG INK firmographics
Firmographics- Name
- BIG INK
- Legal name
- BIG INK
- Website
- https://inkbig.com
- Company type
- Private
- Founded year
- 1999
- Operating status
- Operating
- Headcount range
- 11–50 employees
- Short description
- BIG INK is a privately held, Minnesota-based full-service visual communications provider delivering design, wide-format printing, fabrication, and installation for trade shows, corporate environments, retail, and events, serving enterprise and SMB clients primarily across the Upper Midwest.
- Ownership category
- akta.pro rank
BIG INK industry classification
Industry- Product category
- Commercial Printing Services
- NAICS
- Commercial Printing (except Screen and Books) (323111), Sign Manufacturing (339950), Printing and Related Support Activities (3231)
- SIC
- Commercial Printing (2750), Service Industries For The Printing Trade (2790), Coating, Engraving & Allied Services (3470)
- akta.pro primary industry
- Large-Format & Specialty Printing (Signage, Posters, Displays) (MPAJALAD)
Keywords
Where BIG INK is headquartered
LocationHeadquarters
- HQ city
- Eagan
- HQ country
- United States
- HQ region
- North America
Offices1 record
Markets served
BIG INK business model
Business model- GTM type
- B2B
- Offering type
- Services
- Cost components
- Personnel, Technology or R&D, Supply Chain, Operations, Marketing or Sales, Infrastructure
Revenue model
- Creative Services and Printing: Project-based creative design and wide-format printing services for exhibits, events, corporate branding, retail, and environments. Includes design, production, project management, and installation services.
- 3PL and Fulfillment Services: Third-party logistics partner providing fulfillment, packaging, kitting, and shipping services. Works with E-Commerce, B2C, B2B companies for one-time projects or long-term operations scaling.
- Hardware and Display Catalog Sales: Resells trade show displays, retail displays, and modular displays through partner catalogs (Display City, US Visual, Exhibitors Handbook) with quick turnaround shipping.
Pricing tiers
| Model | Billing | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Other | Multi-year contract | Custom project-based pricing |
Go-to-market motion1 record
Distribution channels3 records
Marketing channels8 records
BIG INK product offering
Product offeringCore offering
BIG INK is a full-service visual communications provider delivering wide-format digital printing, exhibit and event graphics, corporate environment branding, retail signage, vehicle wraps, fabric/SEG printing, sustainable displays, and 3PL fulfillment. The company manages projects end-to-end from creative design and production through installation and shipping, targeting trade shows, events, corporate offices, retail stores, and vehicles.
Product overview
BIG INK is a full-service creative visual communications provider offering a comprehensive portfolio of design, printing, and installation services. The core offerings include exhibits (trade show booths), events (signage), environments (immersive spaces), corporate branding, retail graphics, vehicle wraps, and wide format printing. Supporting services include design expertise, project management, fulfillment/3PL services, fabric printing and sewing, sustainable displays, mobile marketing trailers, floor graphics, SEGs (silicone edge graphics), and Falconboard printing. The company positions itself as a creative solutions provider rather than a software platform, delivering end-to-end services from concept and design through production and installation for trade shows, retail, events, corporate environments, and marketing campaigns.
Differentiator
Problem solved
Functional benefit
Products and services
- Exhibits Trade show booths and exhibits designed to generate attention and business, featuring impactful custom display solutions for trade shows, museums, and conventions.
- Events Event graphics and signage installed on various surfaces including posters, banners, table covers, backdrops, walls, and floors for shows and corporate events.
- Environments Immersive environment transformations using custom wall graphics, floor decals, window graphics, murals, and signage for branding showcases in schools, offices, and sporting venues.
- Corporate Branding Corporate branding installations including themed rooms, privacy glass films, wall graphics, and signage to communicate brand identities in offices, banks, and multi-location enterprises.
- Retail Point of purchase signage, kiosks, graphics, wall and window murals, floor graphics, illuminated signs, SEGs, banners, and custom cut signage for retail environments.
- Vehicle Wraps & Graphics Custom vehicle and fleet graphics including vinyl wraps and decals for cars, trucks, food trucks, and trailers of any size and shape.
- Design & Expertise Creative graphic design services with 25 years of experience for trade shows, marketing campaigns, retail projects, and events.
- Project Management Comprehensive project management services covering the entire project lifecycle from planning and consultation through execution.
- Fulfillment Services (3PL) Third-party logistics, fulfillment, kitting, packaging, and shipping solutions for e-commerce, B2C, and B2B operations.
- Fabric Printing and Sewing Dye sublimation printing on fabric for SEG graphics, custom bags, pillows, and other sewn products, delivered by an in-house skilled sewing team.
- Wide Format Printing Large format printing for events, conventions, and corporate spaces covering walls, floors, and various surfaces with graphics and signage.
- Sustainable Displays Eco-friendly display solutions using recyclable corrugated materials and sustainable 3D displays for trade shows, including large structural figures such as 3D cows.
- Mobile Marketing Trailers Custom mobile retail spaces including design, branding, interior and exterior layouts for promotional trailers and event vehicles such as renovated campers and Airstreams.
Quantifiable outcome
- Floor graphics can increase sales by 20-50% in retail environments
- +1 more outcomes
Companies that use BIG INK
Customer profileNamed customers13 records
Segments5 records
Ideal customer profiles4 records
BIG INK technology and API
TechnologyTechnology focussed No
API detail
- Has API
- No
- API docs
- API detail
Core technology
AI maturity
App detail
Feature6 records
BIG INK partnerships and signals
Strategic signalPartnerships
Eleven partnerships are on record, tiered minor and core.
- Be EventsminorCollaborated on ILEA Star Award-winning project for Augsburg University graduation banner. Be Events organized the graduation celebration during pandemic; BIG INK produced the oversized specialty decor banner.
- Augsburg UniversityminorILEA Star Award collaboration with Be Events for spring 2021 graduation celebration banner recognizing 855 graduates from 54 nations.
- Design Ready ControlscorePartnership for corporate branding project featuring dynamic 117-foot communications wall at Brooklyn Park MN headquarters. Expanded to Richmond VA and Oklahoma City OK facilities. Collaboration on design concept and material choices.
- Bolton and MenkcoreEngineering, design, and planning solutions company engaged BIG INK for interior and exterior corporate branding at multiple upper Midwest locations. Creative Solutions Team collaborated from design through installation.
- Genoa HealthcarecoreOngoing creative partnership for conference booths. Genoa brings unique interactive ideas; BIG INK helps bring concepts to life. Most recent: NatCon24 'Rooted in Care' booth with 5'x5' interactive flower artwork.
- Sota ClothingminorRevamped mobile store for Minnesota State Fair—renovated 1967 Fan Camper with custom branding, interior/exterior layouts, shelving, LED lighting. Followed prior Airstream Safari project for Trailer Trash.
- Star GroupecoreLong-term partnership on many projects over many years. CEO Mark Johnson acquired Exhibitor Media Group. BIG INK showcases Star's amazing work and has worked together on trade show and event projects.
- Mason CreativeminorEvent planning partnership where Mason Creative's Char Mason mentions BIG INK as 'a lifesaver' for gift box solutions—producing custom boxes, customizing gifts, assembling and shipping for virtual and hybrid events.
- Display CityminorPartner catalog for trade show displays and hardware with quick turnaround on shipments. BIG INK recommends starting here for trade show display needs.
- US VisualminorPartner catalog for retail displays offering many options for engaging retail displays for multiple applications.
- Exhibitors HandbookminorPartner catalog for pop up and modular displays—portable displays and modular structures with extensive catalog options.
Scale indicators3 records
Recent moves5 records
Expansion highlights5 records
BIG INK competitors and assessment
Company assessmentDirect peers
- SpeedPro Imaging: National franchise network specializing in large-format printing, vehicle wraps, signs, banners, and trade show graphics. Direct competitor to BIG INK across virtually every product line, with broader geographic reach via franchise model.
- AlphaGraphics: National franchise providing commercial printing, marketing materials, signage, and visual communications services to small and mid-sized businesses. Overlaps with BIG INK in printing, design, and project-managed marketing collateral.
- The Vomela Companies: St. Paul, MN-based large-format printing and visual communications company specializing in retail graphics, trade show exhibits, event signage, and decorative displays. Highly comparable to BIG INK given overlapping service portfolio, regional footprint, and target customer base of enterprise brand marketers.
- FASTSIGNS: Largest national franchise of sign, graphics, and visual communications centers in North America. Directly competes with BIG INK in signage, banners, vehicle wraps, and trade show displays with standardized production and broad geographic coverage.
- Signs.com: Online-first sign and graphics company producing custom banners, decals, vehicle wraps, and trade show displays. Targets the same end-customers as BIG INK (SMEs and event marketers) with a self-service digital channel versus BIG INK's full-service creative model.
- MPRINT: Commercial printing and visual communications provider offering large-format printing, signage, and branded environments. Comparable to BIG INK in service mix (exhibits, retail, corporate) with overlapping design-to-installation capabilities.
- Murraysmith Print: Midwestern commercial printer with wide-format, signage, and marketing collateral capabilities serving regional enterprise and institutional customers. Comparable business model and customer base to BIG INK's Upper Midwest focus.
Broad incumbents
- 3M Commercial Solutions Division: Diversified manufacturer of graphic films, signage substrates, and wide-format print materials used across the visual communications industry. BIG INK is a customer of 3M wrap films and won 3M's Wrap to Win contest; relevant peer as a material supplier and industry ecosystem leader.
- HP Large Format Printing: Major manufacturer of large-format and production printers serving commercial print shops, sign makers, and graphic producers globally. Adjacent incumbent shaping equipment economics and competitive dynamics in BIG INK's core production category.
Others
- EFI (Electronics For Imaging): Manufacturer of EFI wide-format printers used by BIG INK in its production workflow. Included as an ecosystem/technology partner peer rather than direct competitor; relevant to understanding BIG INK's technology stack and capital investment pattern.
Market position
Strengths5 records
Weaknesses5 records
Competitive moat4 records
Key risks7 records
Key highlights7 records
Customer concentration
BIG INK social profiles
Digital presenceBIG INK financial estimates
Financial estimateRevenue estimate
Valuation estimate
BIG INK leadership team
Management profileNumber of profiles
Profiles2 records
BIG INK funding detail
Funding detailFunding overview
Funding rounds
Investors
Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
BIG INK M&A and investment
M&A and investmentM&A
Investments
M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
Frequently asked questions about BIG INK
What does BIG INK do?
BIG INK is a full-service visual communications provider delivering wide-format digital printing, exhibit and event graphics, corporate environment branding, retail signage, vehicle wraps, fabric/SEG printing, sustainable displays, and 3PL fulfillment. The company manages projects end-to-end from creative design and production through installation and shipping, targeting trade shows, events, corporate offices, retail stores, and vehicles.
Is BIG INK a public or private company?
BIG INK is a private company. It is classified as founder individual operated bootstrapped and is currently operating.
When was BIG INK founded?
BIG INK was founded in 1999. It employs 11 to 50 people.
Where is BIG INK based?
BIG INK is headquartered in Eagan, United States, in the North America region.
How does BIG INK make money?
Three revenue lines are on record. Creative Services and Printing is the primary driver. The others are 3PL and Fulfillment Services and hardware and Display Catalog Sales.
Who are BIG INK's main competitors?
Direct peers on record are SpeedPro Imaging, AlphaGraphics, The Vomela Companies, FASTSIGNS, Signs.com, MPRINT and Murraysmith Print. Broad incumbents are 3M Commercial Solutions Division and HP Large Format Printing. EFI (Electronics For Imaging) is listed as an others.
Does BIG INK have an API?
No public API is recorded for BIG INK.
What industry is BIG INK in?
BIG INK's product category is Commercial Printing Services. Its primary akta.pro industry code is MPAJALAD, Large-Format & Specialty Printing (Signage, Posters, Displays). Its NAICS code is 323111 and its SIC code is 2750.