Courage and Dedication Help Build Local Business

Some years ago I met Glenn and Linda Kremer, who were the owners of AlphaGraphics, at that time located at the intersection of Electric and Starkey Road.   As an Account Executive for a local media company, I frequented the business to check on their current advertising campaign.  Glenn Kremer was my main contact with the business.

Each time I would stop by, Glenn came out of his office with a smile on his face; he always seemed willing to stand and talk for hours if needed – he was never in a rush.  You would have thought he had all the time in the world.

Prior to a scheduled meeting, I received a call from Glenn telling me we would need to hold off due to a medical issue.  I truly hoped it was not serious and told him so.  Glenn responded, “When you enter the hospital, it’s always serious”- but he said it with a smile in his voice, which was true Glenn style.

In the weeks to come I made several calls to AlphaGraphics to check on Glenn’s status.  I decided to take him a gift (The Top News Stories of the 60’s on compact disc which he could listen to in the hospital.)  I was greeted by an employee at AlphaGraphics and asked her to please pass the gift along to Glenn.  She looked at me saying, “I’m sorry, Glenn passed away yesterday.”  The empty numbness I felt that morning is something I will never forget. I want people to know that Glenn Kremer was a very good man.

The medical challenges had begun in the late 70’s.  Their son was only five months old when the doctor told them Glenn had four weeks to live, maybe six.  The doctor said there was no treatment and he didn’t know what to do.  Linda’s response was to get on the phone and find someone who did know what to do.  There was no Internet or easily accessible national data base in 1978.  After four days of calling across the country, the doctor told them Glenn had been accepted into a research program at Indiana University Medical School.

Glenn’s cancer was the result of a germ cell – something he had before he was born.  They couldn’t save him, but maybe what the doctors would learn would save their kids.  Glenn signed the papers and the battle began.

Glenn fought and the four-week verdict became 29 years.  It was one rare cancer after another.  There were surgeries, chemo, radiation, and more chemo.  Yet Glenn’s cancer did not define him.  Those around him may have never known.  Between the battles, he managed to become a controller and chief financial officer.

Because the threat of the cancer returning continuously hung over their heads, they always lived frugally.  When other kids were on softball teams, Glenn and Linda’s kids were working in the one-acre garden, canning fruits and vegetables.  The savings account was key in preparing for the next round of medical bills.

Eventually word got around about Glenn’s illness.  Companies didn’t want to take the risk of keeping him on board.  Linda’s salary alone could not support the medical insurance premiums.  To keep the insurance coverage, they took their life savings and started their own company.  Linda had worked in a print shop during high school, which helped pay for her math degree.  They selected an AlphaGraphics franchise because of the commitment to research and development.

Glenn’s work had taken the family from the East coast of Wilmington, NC, to the West coast of Los Angeles.  But for their own company, they came back to Roanoke and “AlphaGraphics US542” opened its doors on February 14, 2003.  People ask “Why Valentine’s Day” – because on Valentine’s Day in 1983, Glenn underwent an experimental surgery that was touch and go as he spent days in intensive care, but again he fought his way back.

In 2005, the cancer was back again.  Glenn faced it head on as usual, but the years of treatments had taken their toll.  Sometimes, success is difficult to recognize from the outside.  We often never know about the internal battles which drive others forward.  Even though it seemed life was unfair, their prayers were answered that day in 1978 in the doctor’s office, when they asked “please allow the kids time to remember their father.”  Today Glenn’s four-year old grandson and namesake continues down the road.  He sweeps the floor of the new Kremer (farm) – AlphaGraphics US542.

Recently, Linda Kremer and her team re-located and expanded the company, which is considered to be a leading print visual and marketing services company.  The business center is now located and thriving in Oak Grove Plaza.

I know Glenn Kremer would be proud.