Member Spotlight: Keldon Imaging

Meet Ray Schroeder with KelDon Imaging...
​Tell us about yourself.
I guess I should begin by saying I am 80 years old and I grew up on Creve Coeur Lake which led to a love for sailing.  After high school graduation, I enlisted in the Air Force.  Upon completing my 4 years of service, I joined the St. Louis City Police Department and was a policeman for 7 years.  When I had my first child, a daughter, I realized that if I continued working the police schedule I would have to miss many important events in her life, and our future children’s lives. So I left the Police Department and obtained a job in sales for Olivetti Office Equipment Corporation.  Not having any sales experience, I was scared to death, and reasoned that if I worked hard and made more cold calls than my fellow sales employees, the sales would have to follow.  It paid off, and I was the No 1 Olivetti Salesman from over 700 sales people in the country my first year. Later, I started my own office equipment dealership, named KelDon after my 2 daughters, Kelly and Donna. I am also very proud of my son, Steve, a systems engineer, who works for JPL and helped design, build and land the Curiosity Rover on Mars.
 
Eventually, I sold the office equipment dealership, and started KelDon Medical which I also sold after 10 years..  My wonderful wife, Betty of 55 years, worked alongside with me in business for over 47 years.
 

Tell us about your organization.
I was unable to adapt to retirement and started KelDon Imaging, LLC which provides affordable marketing materials in the highest quality possible.  We are committed to developing and creating your business identity.  The most important part in your advertising success is the design.  Your design has approximately 6 seconds to either catch your viewers’ attention or lose them.  Many marketing materials are boring and uninspiring with very little creative style.  A great looking design will always be noticed and will make your prospective customer want to pick up your business cards, brochures, flyers, etc.
 

What is the mission/vision of your organization?
My vision is to continue operating KelDon Imaging as long as I am able.
 
Having owned several businesses, I am able to provide advice and assistance to small businesses.  I also have the one of the best, creative Graphic Designers in the area, who designs all my printing materials which make a lasting impression and generate great results for my customers.
 
To be able to continue assisting my customers and provide affordable design and printing services.
 

 What are you most looking forward to in the next 5 years for the company?
So much has changed since I started my first company. At that time, I was an expert in cold calling on businesses door-to-door to make initial contact, which has almost ceased to be used today.  Today, it’s all about networking. The O’Fallon Chamber is dedicated to helping business owners network and grow. Networking events are held at a variety of locations to help us connect with potential new customers. . Also, our members enjoy sharing lunch and information with fellow members looking to do business with each other.  In addition, all members are listed in the online business directory with a link to their website and a detailed description of their company, products, and services.
 

​Why would you recommend the O’Fallon Chamber?
I especially want to thank Erin and the Chamber staff and members for their assistance in helping me keep up with today’s technology.  When I was retired, it seemed as if most of my acquaintances were obsessed with discussing every detail of medical appointments and tests.  I found those conversations to be boring and depressing.  Belonging to the Chamber gives me the opportunity to participate in stimulating conversations and beneficial business discussions.  So my closing comment is …..Let’s keep talking!

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​Kel Don Imaging, LLC
636-561-6219 
ray@keldonimaging.com