Welcome to our WBE Spotlight Series! Today, we’re thrilled to shine the spotlight on Angie Weiss, Managing Partner of M&G Graphics. Join us as we delve into Angie’s entrepreneurial journey and uncover the driving force behind her success in the printing industry.
What inspired you to start your own business?
M&G was founded in August 1984 by my parents, Bob and Josephine Meyer. My dad was a skilled mechanic and pressman, and my mom was an immigrant from Ireland. My dad’s mechanical aptitude and my mother’s tenacious drive and determination to achieve the American dream of business ownership inspired M&G. It all started with the idea of providing printing services to growing businesses and institutions on the south side of Chicago. My mom pursued and received Women Business Enterprise (WBE) and Business Enterprise Program (BEP) certifications for M&G, opening doors and creating opportunities that helped our company gain traction and grow. I joined the family business in 1995 with my brother and husband. In 2022, M&G received accreditation from WBENC, enhancing our reputation as a trusted, women-led printing and marketing service provider.
What is a business milestone or achievement that you are most proud of?
I am so proud of the amazing work we produce day in and day out for our clients. I am proud of our dedicated and talented staff, who are committed to delivering the best for our clients. I am incredibly proud that M&G weathered the storm of COVID-19 pandemic and is still open and thriving today. I am honored to help lead this company that my parents built, and I am grateful to come to work with my family every day. Becoming a WBENC-certified company has been a phenomenal achievement for us and highlights our dedication to diversity and inclusion. It builds trust with clients who value supplier diversity and connects us with companies committed to promoting equality and innovation in the marketplace. Finally I could not be prouder to take M&G into the next chapter with my daughter Ellen and Nephew Nolan as they continue the family business’s legacy as the third generation.
What challenges have you faced as a woman business owner, and how did you overcome them?
My biggest challenge has been growing our business while raising my family. My four children spent many weekends at M&G, just like I did growing up. There was guilt about not giving 100% to either work or the kids. Now that they’re older, I can see they’ve developed a strong work ethic from watching how hard our family works. I feel incredibly fortunate to have worked with my family and had their support and understanding throughout the years. And having the third generation working here is a testament to the legacy our family has built together—there’s truth to the saying about hard work passing from one generation to the next.
What advice would you give to aspiring women entrepreneurs?
My advice is to find other women who inspire, challenge, and celebrate you. I did this by creating my own brain trust of entrepreneurial women who meet monthly to solve problems, brainstorm ideas, and provide support and affirmation. When I have a problem to solve, need a second opinion or want to share an accomplishment, this group is my sounding board.
M&G Graphics
Founded in 1984, M&G Graphics is Chicago’s WBENC-certified “printer of the amazing” helping businesses leverage printed and digital communications products to engage audiences, build brands, and drive growth for the past 40 years. In addition to offering different printed products, M&G’s services include strategic planning, graphics design, high-end finishing, personalized direct mail, digital storefronts, warehousing, kitting, fulfillment and global drop shipping. As women-owned, family powered business on Chicago’s South Side, M&G is committed to working with companies, institutions, and not-for-profits to unlock the amazing power of print.
Find other women who inspire, challenge, and celebrate you.