In a former Missouri City fire station along Glenn Lakes Lane sits Leonetti Graphics. Store owner and graphic designer Donald Leonetti purchased the building about 15 years ago, but he first started his business in 1992 as a means of sharing his passion for design and art with his hometown.

"As a kid I was always drawing and enjoying art," Leonetti said. "I was lucky because I always knew what I wanted to do. In high school I took on freelance jobs with local print shops, and I continued that into college."

Leonetti—who grew up in Missouri City and attended Dulles High School—said after he graduated college he began interviewing for jobs but had no luck finding a good fit. He decided to stay on at his part-time job as a local Quail Valley video store manager.

"On days that I didn't work I was pounding the pavement to get this creative business off the ground," he said.

At the time no one was designing customized T-shirts, he said, and Leonetti saw a lucrative business form in front of him. Leonetti launched Leonetti Graphics by designing T-shirts for Dulles High School students and local organizations, along with other businesses, such as Ticketmaster. Through his extensive networking and connection to the community, Leonetti came up with an idea to help local schools, organizations and businesses with their fundraising efforts.

"I began teaching students how they can use these services as a fundraising tool," he said.

By offering custom shirts to these groups at a discounted rate, the organization is able to turn around and make a profit for their cause.

In just a few short years, Leonetti went from working with about five schools to more than 50. Today Leonetti Graphics does work with about 500 schools in various districts around the state.

"Everything else has spun off of that," he said. "It has been a real snowball effect. If it can be designed, we can do it."

Leonetti has launched several other services, such as offering consultations to several local restaurateurs and other start-up business owners.

"Our services create great exposure and connect us with the community we love," he said. "I really enjoy working when it doesn't feel like I'm working."

From designing T-shirts and other wearable items to creating large banners for advertising to helping local business owners with designs and consultation services, Leonetti Graphics houses all of its services under two roofs. The primary location offers a place for customers to speak with staff and see the full range of services offered, and the company's production is done at a second location along FM 1092 in Missouri City, which typically runs operations close to 20 hours per day.

As business levels continue to rise and his services expand, Leonetti said he plans to double the size of his production center and relocate this side of his operation to a Stafford location.

Whether in need of a small flier, a billboard-size advertisement, or a custom shirt or hat for a company outing or fundraiser, Leonetti's expanding business is poised to meet the art and design needs of a growing community.

The Design Syndicate

Leonetti Graphics has morphed into a full-service design firm—Leonetti Graphics: The Design Syndicate—offering a wide range of services.

Customized wearable items

Leonetti Graphics got its start designing T-shirts and other customized clothing.

Vehicle graphics

Services also include vehicle wraps and branding.

Interior design

From remodeling and renovations to basic consultations, Leonetti Graphics works with businesses to help achieve the image they want.

Printing services

Whether a small flier or a large banner, Leonetti has the equipment to meet a variety of printing needs.

Graphic design

Leonetti can tackle nearly any design job, such as packaging, merchandise and signage.

3635 Glenn Lakes Lane

Missouri City 281-499-4959

www.leonettigraphics.com

Hours: Mon.–Fri. 8:30 a.m.–5 p.m. (closed Noon–1 p.m.)

Saturday by appointment, closed Sunday