Richard Linton, owner of Lasting Impressions, is closing his doors after 43 years. The stamp department of his business is being transferred to The Coloring Book. (Jennifer M. Howell/News-Sentinel)

Making an impression

After 43 years in business, Lodi's stamp maker closing doors

What started as a simple hobby in 1965 and blossomed into a thriving business that spanned more than four decades is coming to an end.

Richard Linton, the founder and president of Lasting Impressions, will officially close the doors of the business this Friday. And it's safe to say he's made just that — a lasting impression — on the face of Lodi business.

When Linton began making rubber stamps, he had a hand-set type kit and small vulcanizer that he worked with in his bedroom at the age of 18. He called his creation Tokay Distributors. At the time, he was working at the Safeway on Lodi Avenue.

During those early years, Linton worked the rubber stamp business from Jim Turner's Bookstore, taking on clients like Farmers and Merchants Bank, Bank of Stockton and many other small banks.

Linton eventually integrated engraving into his business offerings when he bought a pantograph machine off a Safeway customer.

In the next few years, the budding business was moved to Linton's parents' garage. After he married and bought a house, Linton moved the business into his garage.

It was in 1972 that Linton took the leap into full-time business by leaving Safeway and opening a storefront on School Street in the Traveler's Hotel. Tokay Distributors was renamed to Central Valley Trophy and Rubber Stamps.

With advancing technology in the 1980s and changes in the industry, Linton wanted a name that reflected the product they offered. Lasting Impressions was born.

In 2000, the business, which served clients such as General Mills, Clark Pest Control, Lodi Memorial Hospital, Geweke and many others, moved four doors down to the space now occupied by Sierra Adventure Outfitters. They expanded their line of giftware to include items that could be personalized.

Throughout Lasting Impression's existence, the economy has seen ups and downs, and Linton has held on, continuing to serve his customers. However, in December of 2007, he was forced to downsize and move to his current location, 326 E. Lockeford St., Suite A.

With fewer overhead costs, the business continued. But the reduction in corporate clients, again due to the faltering economy, has faced Linton with some tough choices.

"The official word is that we're retiring," Linton said inside Lasting Impressions on Tuesday. But just like running a business, Linton admits that closing one has challenges, too. "I've never closed a business. It's not as simple as closing the door."

The rubber stamp equipment and clientele are being taken over by Tony and Mike Trassare of The Coloring Book on Lodi Avenue, while a buyer is still being sought for the engraving and trophy side of the business.

Originally, Linton planned to go to truck driving school and become a big rig operator after closing the business. It's been a sort of dream of his since the age of 8. However, his good friend, George Mullen, who owns a tax preparation business in Lodi, talked Linton into working for him this next tax season.

Linton said it's probably a good thing, since, healthwise, driving a truck wouldn't be good for him at this age. But one thing is for sure, he's OK with not being the boss anymore.

"Actually, I was never the boss. Every one of my customers was my boss, so I had 4,000 bosses," Linton said with a chuckle.

Looking over his office filled with waiting plaques and trophies, Linton says one of the things he'll miss is the constant deadlines, likening it to the newspaper business.

"If you miss the event the trophy is meant for, it's like getting yesterday's newspaper," Linton said.

Linton and his wife, Karin, are moving back to Lodi from Galt, and are turning in their fifth-wheel travel trailer, simplifying their lives. They will still travel to various bed and breakfasts, and they're thankful for the time they've had running Lasting Impressions (customers have told them it's a big loss for Lodi).

"When God closes a door, he opens something over there," said Linton. "If not for our faith, we wouldn't have lasted this long."

Contact Business Editor Marc Lutz at marcl@lodinews.com.