This isn't just about profits and productivity for John DiDonato, the CEO and founder. While financial success is part of the equation, his deeper mission is to help revive a vital cornerstone of the American economy: manufacturing. DiDonato's vision for K12 Print is rooted in the belief that manufacturing can be a catalyst for change—not just for the company, but for the country and its communities.

There is an ongoing conversation surrounding onshoring, especially following COVID when the global supply chain was disrupted. Businesses are considering it, but don't see the way forward. K12 Print knows the way, and it is done through investing in human capital.

"You shouldn't overlook an enterprise zone," DiDonato advises. "Yes, for the tax benefits you may find, but mostly for the community you will find there—a community hungry for opportunity."

Setting up shop in an enterprise zone wasn't just a business decision for DiDonato; it was a strategic move to breathe new life into American manufacturing and, by extension, into the local community of Riviera Beach. He saw potential in establishing a manufacturing base where it was most needed, offering jobs and training to local residents, and revitalizing the local economy.

"I thought as the company grew, it could actually change the city," DiDonato reflects.

For DiDonato, the decline in American manufacturing isn't just an economic issue; it's a societal one. He believes that the offshoring of manufacturing jobs has eroded the foundation of the American middle class and limited opportunities for many young people, particularly those in inner cities. According to DiDonato, manufacturing is crucial for creating wealth and maintaining a healthy economy.

"Manufacturing is the only thing that creates wealth," he says. "In order to have a healthy economy, you need a strong manufacturing base. We've outsourced so much of our manufacturing that it's affecting our economy and the opportunities available to our young people, especially in inner cities."