From Handset Type to Laser Technology!

 Bernice Wassner is founder and owner of the long-successful laser engraving business Genesee Stamp & Stationery, featuring custom made high-tech laser engraved rubber stamps and signage. Bernice is President, CEO, and the main Staple of her business venture that started in 1972 from a corner of her kitchen.

The way Bernice tells it, she wouldn’t have it any other way. “I enjoy being here everyday. I love running the business as much as I love meeting and visiting the people who have chosen to shop here.”

The Recognized Name

From the humble beginnings of hand-setting type, Bernice has been determined to grow Genesee Stamp to a business to be reckoned with. Over the years Genesee Stamp has been the recognized name for stamps, engraving, notary supplies, signatures and custom artwork stamps.

Most notable, though, is the exemplary customer service which Bernice prides her business with. Every customer that comes through the door receives individual attention and detailed assistance with their order. The staff is always ready to offer suggestions or answer questions about layout, styles, or special wording to make their purchase as creative as possible.

Outgrowing The Walls

In the 43 years of operation, Genesee Stamp has up-sized their location three times to expand their product line. With the addition of the laser engraver they were able to offer a larger variety of engraved items such as laser engraved specialty plaques, signage, nametags and industrial labels.

“Over the years, we’ve needed more room to accommodate production and an increased staff,” tells Bernice. “We also needed a place for our sales team to work from. We upgraded equipment and locations as the need developed.”

Where Did It All Begin?

“I wanted to start a business where I could be at home when the kids were home from school,” says Bernice. “So we borrowed $100 from a friend and set up shop. Within a couple years the business outgrew the kitchen workspace, and customer traffic increased so much that we were forced to consider moving to an outside location.”

“Back then, type was set by hand, letter by letter, into a 3” x 5” metal box, then heat treated with a small hand press to form the stamps. It was long, tedious work, but there was a growing market for a local shop to provide stamps to the townships and school districts as well as individual customers around the area. Once word got out, businesses and municipalities became our primary source of revenue.”