Starting a business often means navigating uncertainty, making pivots, and learning lessons in real time. For Jared and Trisha at Gradient Print Services, the journey has been precisely that—grounded in persistence, problem-solving, and a genuine desire to serve their community.
Gradient Print Services is a local print shop offering a wide range of services, including black-and-white and color printing, lamination, coil binding, FedEx shipping, faxing, scanning to a flash drive or email, and photo printing. Their approach is customer-focused and straightforward: they are willing to try new things and work to find solutions that meet real needs.
A Space That Feels Welcoming and Inspired
Walking into Gradient Print, the space immediately feels warm and inviting. It is well-organized, thoughtfully decorated, and filled with beautiful work by local artists. The shop has neatly arranged materials, creative displays, and an atmosphere that feels both professional and fun. From behind the counter, warm smiles and genuine kindness greet visitors.
The presence of local artwork adds more than visual interest—it gives the space character and heart. Care and love are clearly part of the environment, creating a place where customers feel comfortable, welcomed, and inspired from the moment they walk through the door.
How Gradient Print Began
Jared has always wanted to run his own business. Over the years, he and Trisha explored several options, including working toward purchasing a franchise. When that plan didn’t work out, another opportunity appeared—a copy shop in town was for sale.
“We have looked at many things over the years,” Jared reflects, “and were in the process of working on a franchise. Things were not panning out with the franchise. There was another copy shop here in town that was selling. We started the process and worked to get financing. Financing fell through, and we had to find a different route.”
Rather than walk away, they found a new location and moved forward.
“We found a new location and have worked to learn what is needed in the community and work to provide great customer service.”
Learning Through the Challenges
Like most small business owners, Jared and Trisha continue to face daily challenges, especially in advertising and market research. What they’ve learned hasn’t always been evident in the moment.
“There are smaller challenges every day,” Jared expresses, “It is almost impossible to put every lesson learned down. They do not always stand out either; some days you don’t realize what you have learned until you look back and see where you were and where you are now.”
Their approach is rooted in patience, respect, and problem-solving.
“We try to approach each day and situation with a problem-solving mindset,” Jared says resolutely. “We are still learning as people and as business owners. We try to treat everyone with the same respect we would want as a customer somewhere else.”
A Space That Invites Creativity
One thing customers quickly discover at Gradient Print is that they are encouraged to ask.
“If they have something in mind, just ask us. We’re happy to try anything within reason,” says Trisha.
From custom cutouts to large-format and quantity printing, Jared and Trisha enjoy tackling unique requests.
Supporting Local Artists
One of the most meaningful ways Gradient Print makes an impact is by supporting local artists.
What started with helping a friend display crocheted creations grew into a rotating artist feature inside the shop.
“That’s where we just got the idea of every month featuring somebody else that would spotlight just people in the area,” Trisha explains. Each month, they highlight a new artist. Some sell their work, while others simply display it to get their name out into the community.
For Trisha, this has become one of the most rewarding parts of the business. “We do it because it’s just fun. It’s one of my favorite parts. I love resetting it every month and spotlighting someone new.”
Why Tooele County
Jared and Trisha chose to stay and build their business in Tooele County because the community needed it. “There was a need here in town, so we stayed,” Jared says simply. “I do feel that there are many people that are willing to shop and support local shops and stores.”
They’ve watched the community evolve, shaped by both long-time residents and new families, and they’ve seen how much local support matters.
Leading With Kindness
At the heart of Gradient Print is the understanding that everyone is learning and doing their best.
“We are learning every day,” Jared says. “We are happy to work with anyone to meet their printing needs. We know people are not perfect, and we are people also.”
And if Jared had one message for the world, it would be this:
Don’t ‘should’ on people. No two people are living the same reality. We never know why someone does or doesn’t do what they do. We don’t need to be the one to tell them what they ‘should’ or ‘shouldn’t’ do. But if we do everything in love and kindness, we all win and grow to be better.
Making an Impact, One Project at a Time
Gradient Print Services is not only a place to print—it is a business built on patience, creativity, and community. By staying flexible, supporting local artists, and treating every customer with care, Jared and Trisha are quietly making a meaningful impact in Tooele County—one print at a time.
