Family overcomes adversity to celebrate 40 years in business together

In September 1976, Joe and Odiele Keough purchased Graphic 14, a small paper wholesaler in Waukegan. Then part of a franchise, they soon became independent. Joe and Odiele's son Patrick left his job at UPS to take the helm and Odiele came in once a week to pay the bills.

Sadly, 15 months after purchasing the company, Patrick was killed in a tragic accident. "Pat did such a great job getting Graphic 14 off the ground," said his mother Odiele. "He moved us to a better location and established a loyal following. Other than a little help with bookkeeping, he ran the business on his own." Odiele left her job as a teacher and hired someone to do the heavy lifting. "At first, customers would call and ask if we had something in stock and I would say I have no idea," she said. "They told me where to find things, the difference in weights and finishes and I caught on quickly. I can't say enough about their kindness."

A few months after Patrick's passing, his twin sister Colleen joined the business, and two years later was joined by her sister Kathy. In 1987 they built a new building in Mundelein, where they are still located. The last sibling, younger brother Mike, came to Graphic 14 in 1988 after a few years of selling insurance with his father Joe.

Graphic 14 continues to be family owned and operated. They are a wholesale distributor of copy paper, printing paper, envelopes, labels, printing supplies and more. "Our employees and customers have always been like family to us," says Kathy. "We have our parents to thank for that. They taught us to treat people with compassion and respect." Family patriarch, Joe, passed away in 2014.

On Thursday, Aug. 18, Graphic 14, 948 Tower Road in Mundelein, will celebrate their 40th anniversary with an open house from 2 to 6 p.m. They will use the occasion to thank their customers for their loyalty and their friendship. For details, visit www.graphic14.com or www.facebook.com/Graphic14Paper/.