Have you ever wondered who’s behind the beautifully printed PolyArts postcards that arrive in your mailbox throughout the year, or the polished programs handed out on Commencement day? Meet Jon Kalb ‘08, a proud alumnus and owner of Park Slope Copy—Poly’s trusted printing partner that helps bring our school’s special events to life.

by Jordan Millar ‘24

Park Slope Copy (PSC) has been a pillar in the Brooklyn community for decades, providing printing and helpful service for anyone who needs it. But PSC is far more than a local go-to place for printing needs. It is a family story, a father-and-son effort, and a working partnership between Poly and current PSC Vice President Jon Kalb ’08, a Poly alumnus that has helped PSC to thrive under a supportive network. 

Jon Kalb’s father, Bob Kalb, bought Park Slope Copy in the 80s from a friend who was moving toward exclusively printing prospectus books. The retail business, with more diverse products offered and a brick-and-mortar location, was sold to Kalb’s father. PSC was in full swing by the time Kalb was born in 1990 and a staple throughout his childhood. 

Before school, Kalb and his brother Jamie would join their father in the store helping with tasks like loading paper in the machines, cleaning, and binding books. “My brother and I were boots on the ground there by the time we were six years old,” he recalled.

In the fifth grade, Kalb started at Poly Prep, which became a second home. Kalb played competitive squash and was on the Varsity Lacrosse team. Of his Poly experience, he recalled taking the late bus home everyday, primarily to use the school’s athletic facilities, and to hang out in the Student Center and Commons. 

After graduating from Poly in 2008, Kalb attended Muhlenberg College in Allentown, Pennsylvania. But rather than sports, Kalb’s focus shifted to other pursuits: his father’s business. 

With more time for himself, he began working remotely for PSC and commuting between Brooklyn from Allentown to be at the store. “I switched gears and I didn’t know it then, but it was kind of my career,” Kalb said. In 2013, he officially took over Park Slope Copy, marking a turning point in his life. Since then, Kalb has worked hard to upgrade the store’s equipment and push the envelope of their offerings and products.

Though he admits that it can get stressful being face-to-face with clients and their needs, Kalb finds the physical completion of a project to be very rewarding, especially after being met with a tight deadline. “Putting that last piece of tape on a box before it ships out, from a big project—that’s the best,” he said. 

Kalb added that the sense of community is also one of the most meaningful parts of his job. “As much as you’re there for them, they’ll be there for you and your business,” said Kalb regarding the loyal customers and symbiotic relationships PSC has garnered over the years. One of these loyal customers has been Kalb’s very own alma mater: Poly. 

Although PSC had worked with Poly under Kalb’s father, their working relationship truly blossomed in 2020. During the COVID-19 pandemic, PSC’s business with Poly nearly tripled as the school needed directional signage for its socially-distanced outdoor learning environment. Kalb and the PSC team created signs for several scenarios, including locating bathrooms, face mask requirement reminders, tent numbers, and more. Kalb’s time as a Poly student proved useful, allowing him to easily envision the campus and create signage without being physically present. 

Five years later, PSC still prints pamphlets, booklets, flyers, and signage for the school. They create materials for Admissions tours, postcards to promote theater and dance events, banners and graphic fence banners for the athletic facilities, and of course materials for major school events like Homecoming, Reunion, and Commencement. 

The relationship has also been beneficial for Kalb and PSC. With a referral network like Poly’s, faculty and staff (including Coach Michael Junsch ’71, P’94, ’95  and Bill McNally) have become important clients. Being a Poly graduate also comes with advantages, according to Kalb, who noted that in talking to other business owners, Poly’s reputation acts as a referral in itself. 

As a business owner and a father, Kalb doesn’t usually have the time to partake in alumni-related activities, especially when they’re on campus. But PSC has allowed him to contribute to the Poly community.

“They’re easily one of my favorite customers, one of my most prioritized customers […] It’s that personal connection that also ties into a sense of accountability. You don’t want to embarrass yourself at your alma mater,” Kalb said with a laugh. “Jon and Jamie are great partners,” said Poly’s Director of Engagement & Communications Jennifer Slomack. “They’re not just printing pros, they’re problem solvers. They help me figure out how to bring a vision to life within budget, never miss a deadline, and will walk the campus with me to get everything just right. They make everything easier.”

As PSC continues its work with Poly while serving the community’s print needs, they’ve added two more locations—a production plant in Sunset Park’s Industry City and a second print shop in the Long Island area. 

As advice for those who may be interested in owning their own local business one day, Kalb emphasized that remaining open-minded is key. “You can definitely pull from other trades and degrees and match them to what you’re doing,” said Kalb, whose parents reminded him to be well-rounded in multiple areas despite his interest in business. “Early twenties is way too early to shut off exposure to other academic pursuits—you never know what random class might help you in your small business!” he added.