As one of the largest independently owned providers of packaging, direct marketing and print solutions in the Southeast U.S., Salem One has steadily expanded its capabilities, its team, and its impact. But what sets Salem One apart is something deeper: a commitment to presence, both in business and in the communities it serves.

This philosophy — of being mindfully engaged with customers, teammates and the local community — isn’t just a guiding principle. It’s a competitive advantage, one that has fueled business growth, industry leadership and a culture of generosity that stretches beyond the shop floor.

A Philosophy of Presence and Profitability

Headquartered in Winston-Salem, NC, Salem One delivers award-winning print, packaging, and direct marketing solutions to some of the most recognizable brands across the region and the country. The company has been recognized by Printing Impressions as a Top 300 printer, named one of the Fastest-Growing Companies in America by Inc. Magazine and continues to scale through strategic acquisitions like the recent addition of Charlotte, NC-based iTek Graphics.

While innovation and operational excellence have helped drive the company's growth, CEO Phil Kelley Jr. credits Salem One’s continued momentum to something else entirely: a belief that authentic relationships drive profitability.

Phil didn’t set out to build one of the industry’s leading print companies. But over the years, he’s found that real success — both in business and in life — is rooted in being present. That idea is the foundation of his book, Presence and Profitability, which explores how businesses can move beyond shallow connections and cultivate meaningful, results-driven relationships. In the book, he argues that simply being connected isn’t enough — companies must engage, listen and respond in ways that truly create value.

For Salem One, that means staying deeply connected to its clients, working alongside them to solve challenges and build solutions that drive real impact. For example, in 2024, the company helped clients save over $1 million in postage through strategic planning and the USPS Mail Growth Incentive program. Staying connected also means extending that same spirit of presence and service to the wider community.

Salem One Lives Its Values

"Presence leads to profitability," Phil says. "When you’re truly engaged — with your customers, your team and your industry — you create opportunities for growth that go far beyond the bottom line."

Whether it’s helping communities in crisis, mentoring future leaders, or empowering employees to share their expertise, Salem One has made giving back as much a priority as growing the business.

Disaster Relief: Delivering Hope to North Carolina Communities

When floods devastated communities in Western North Carolina, Salem One mobilized. The team coordinated a supply chain of essential goods, leveraging industry connections and logistics expertise to get truckloads of supplies directly into the hardest-hit areas. With the help of partners across the print community, Salem One turned an emergency response into an ongoing mission, ensuring that relief efforts reached deep into the Appalachian region.

The effort is ongoing. So far, Phil and his team have delivered 70 pallets and 53,000 lbs. of goods. "We remain committed to 'Fill the Truck' and send one up the mountain at least every three weeks," he said. The company updates a wishlist of the latest needs for Appalachia hurricane and flood victims.

Educating Dscoopers and Other Business Leaders

Andrew Bowman (below, left), a rising leader in IT, has taken his expertise beyond Salem One’s walls, sharing cybersecurity best practices with Dscoopers, local business groups and community organizations. His insights on data security, phishing and digital safety are just one example of how Salem One’s employees aren’t just workers — they’re educators, mentors, and industry ambassadors. Andrew's father, industry veteran Jon Bowman (below, right), has spoken at multiple National Postal Forums and regularly guest lectures to marketing classes at universities.

Investing in the Next Generation

Salem One recently helped develop a direct mail curriculum at Appalachian State University, where team members serve as guest lecturers, introducing students to USPS logistics, data management and hands-on marketing strategy. In addition to helping develop the syllabus, Salem One has multiple staff members participating frequently through the semester as guest lecturers. Also, students visit Salem One during the semester to experience how direct mail projects come together.

Congratulations to the team at Salem One for its culture and growth!