Today we’d like to introduce you to Penny Olson.
Hi Penny, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
In 1992 I was assistant manager of a jewelry store when corporate fired my boss. Due to their labor practices, I quit. My boss went to work for an accountant, their client needed help. This led to a phone call and a job interview. Hired me on the spot. Small business, family owned. Was supposed to be a part time job. This lasted one week. The owner Tom Wynne was a great person. I got the company set up on computer. Started doing payroll. My job now included buying, selling, accounts payable, accounts receivable and customer relations. We became family over the years. He did not like dealing with customers or conflict. This became my job. About 1999 I started running the business. He was still here at the time. In 2014 he officially retired. Handed me the keys and said “You take care of it.” 2018 I bought the business. Had the best year in the history of the business, then covid hit. Weathered Covid, made it through. In June 2025 a Derecho storm hit Bemidji. Major damage throughout the city. The building I was renting was destroyed. Now I am rebuilding. Things look different for me.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
When I started working here it was a struggle to make payroll. I initiated changes, pricing increases, no net 30 without PO’s etc.
Most of the way has been smooth. If not, I always had Tom to fall back on for advice. He would say “Something will change, hang in there.”
Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
Thunderbird Graphics is a screen print company. We also offer ad specialties. If you see something with a logo a company like us has printed it. Until recently we were doing all our own printing. It has always been fun to bring to life someone’s idea. We have prided ourselves on being the working man’s shop. Affordable for the income base around us.
To be able to create a design from a concept in someones mind and then print it onto garments is so satisfying.
Is there anyone you’d like to thank or give credit to?
Tom Wynne of course. He and his wife June are great people. They started the company after an idea for shirts for their fishing team. Was started in their kitchen and grew from there.
My family of course. My daughter grew up in the business. My husband and has been phenomenal.
Word of mouth is still the best form of advertising.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.tbirdgraphics.com
- Facebook: tbirdgrafx
