Lashier family enhances CL one project at a time

(Above) Working together as a family at LRI Graphics is (L-R): Pete Lashier, Bob Lashier, Thomas Lashier and Andy Lashier.  LRI Graphics is responsible for many projects in the Clear Lake school and community.  -Submitted photo

by Michelle Watson

Bob Lashier, who grew up in Clear Lake and now splits his time between the Des Moines area and his  summer home on South Shore, is beautifying the town he loves one project at a time.  Lashier is the owner of LRI Graphics, the business that has supplied graphics at Lion’s Field, the Clear Lake High School gymnasium and soon to be completed “Welcome to Clear Lake” signs and LED video displays.

“Working on the Clear Lake projects is very special to me, because Clear Lake is my alma mater and I’m a lifelong Lions fan,” said Bob.

Bob and his wife, Anne (Bieber), are 1980 graduates of Clear Lake High School.

“I was very happy to have our company help Clear Lake schools,” said Bob.  “Superintendent Doug Gee and Activities Director Dale Ludwig were great to work with on the design, printing and installation of the beautiful new graphics for Lions Field and the CLHS gymnasium.  Both of these projects really enhanced the look and feel of both venues for all who attend Clear Lake athletic events.”

Bob said he is also excited about the new welcome signs that will be installed this spring.  Digital signs will be located at the intersection of Highway 18 and 8th Street and Highway 18 and Buddy Holly Place.  Two additional signs, without the LED light display option, will be placed at Highway 18 and the Fieldstone entrance near McDonald’s, and on 4th Avenue South, near TeamQuest.

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  “These signs will be highly visible, will welcome visitors to town, and will help promote Clear Lake’s awesome schedule of events.”

LRI Graphics is a large format printing business that Bob started in 2016 with his nephew, Andy Lashier, and son, Thomas Lashier.

“Since the early days of my professional life, my entrepreneurial dream was to start a company, build it into a successful family business, and offer customers the very best in quality products, world class support, and friendly customer service.  Starting LRI Graphics and Signs has allowed our family to turn this dream into a reality and I feel really lucky,” said Bob.

Bob serves as the company CEO and his two sons also hold positions.  Thomas Lashier is the company president and Pete Lashier is director of business development.  Bob’s nephew, Andy Lashier, is the chief financial ffficer.  Bob’s brother, Jack Lashier, also serves as a partner.  All five men are Iowa State University graduates, so of course, Iowa State University also boasts many LRI Graphics around campus.

Iowa State isn’t the only Iowa university to use the company.  The University of Iowa’s Kinnick Stadium and Carver Hawkeye Arena and Drake University’s Knapp Center also have frequently seen graphics and signage projects.  Other big clients include the Iowa State Fair, Iowa High School Athletic Association, Iowa Girls High School Athletic Union, Greater Des Moines Partnership, Catch DSM, Iowa Cubs, Iowa Wolves, Iowa Barnstormers, Casey’s General Stores, Homemakers Furniture, Nebraska Furniture Mart and over 50 schools, just to name a few.

After earning his degree from Iowa State in 1984, Bob went to work for Xerox, which is a leader in the printer and copier industry.  Following several years as a sales representative for Xerox, he was ready to run his own business.  In 1991, he was part of starting Laser Resources Inc., which provides high quality printing systems products, maintenance services, and technical support.

In 2015, Laser Resources was promoting new large format printers to clients, and found that most wanted to outsource those jobs.  This made Bob start thinking about offering large format printing.  They invested in the technology, people and facilities needed and LRI Graphics was created.

“We began offering design, print and installation of large format graphics,” said Bob.  “It’s turned out to be a great complementary business to Laser Resources.”

LRI Graphics has the technology to print on many medians, including glass, wood, aluminum, even carpet.  They can also print on vinyl adhesive material that can be applied to most surfaces.

The Lashier’s are a family that has proven that by working together and putting in the hard work, they are able to bring big ideas to life.

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