S-One Culture Book 2024

The Dawn of Digital

Written by Perla Johnson | Dec 20, 2024 7:26:12 PM

In the Beginning

Our story began with a challenge: creating a solution for a local hospital in Sarasota, Florida, that needed high-quality, durable signage. In the early 1990s, Co-Founders Art Lambert and Ron Simkins, took on the project, developing a cost-effective inkjet-receptive coating that drastically reduced the hospital’s printing costs. What seemed like a small-scale problem-solving effort soon turned into something much bigger, laying the foundation for LexJet and, today, S-One.

“When we started, we never imagined that it would lead to the creation of a global company,” Art reflects. “But as soon as we saw the potential of inkjet technology, we knew we were onto something significant.” Art and Ron recognized that the wide-format printing industry was ripe for disruption. They began developing more products based on the same inkjet technology, soon realizing they needed a team to help scale the business.

“We weren’t just developing products—we were solving real-world problems,” explains Art. “Each customer had specific needs, and we took pride in developing tailored solutions that made their jobs easier.” The team’s approach was hands-on, driven by a commitment to collaboration. They didn’t see themselves as mere suppliers—they saw themselves as partners, working alongside their customers to create better results.

As LexJet grew, its mission evolved from simply providing inkjet coatings to becoming a full-fledged wide-format printing solutions company. The company expanded its offerings to include various substrates, coatings, and films that helped customers in industries ranging from signage and graphics to photography and fine art. “Our goal was never to be the biggest, but to be the most innovative and the most responsive to customer needs,” says Art.

During this period of growth, the LexJet team encountered their fair share of challenges. Dean Lambert, who joined the company soon after its founding, recalls the early days when trial and error were part of everyday operations. One memorable moment involved Dean accidentally breaking a $35,000 printer during a test run. “It was a nightmare at the time,” Dean recalls. “But it taught us that we had the freedom to fail, learn from our mistakes, and move on.”

Despite the hurdles, our willingness to take risks and be creative paid off. The company’s reputation for customer-centric solutions and technical expertise began to spread, and soon LexJet was recognized as a digital printing leader. “We built the business on relationships,” says Art. “We knew that if we put our customers first, the rest would follow.”

Today, S-One is known for its innovative spirit and ability to adapt to a constantly evolving landscape. What started as a small project has grown into a company that serves vendors, partners, suppliers, and customers across the globe, with multiple divisions, providing cutting-edge solutions.