HKM continues celebrating 100 years with you our customers, dedicated employees, partners & suppliers. We previously shared our humble beginnings in the 20’s and took you through the 80’s, if you missed them then follow this link.
The 1990’s is surprisingly known as the “Good Decade” because it is often remembered as a decade of relative peace and prosperity. The Soviet Union fell and the rise of the internet ushered in a new era of communications, business, and entertainment.
HKM During the 90’s
In 1991, George, Rob, and Scott Durham purchase Hauser-King-Marford from Howard Stingel and changed the corporate name to HKM Direct Market Communications, Inc. HKM builds a 40,000 sq. ft. distribution center opening a fulfillment and data-based management facility maintaining its Top 10 position in the greater Cleveland metro market. HKM purchases 2 Xerox laser printers, 2 color sheetfed lasers and installs a 40” 6 color Komori sheetfed press. HKM enters the 4-color digital era with the purchase of the Docucolor 40 press as personalization continued to grow. In 1996, Rob and Scott buy George’s company shares.
Cleveland Browns Stadium Opens
Rock & Roll Hall of Fame opens (’95) to major fanfare. The Cleveland Indians win the AL Pennant in ’95 and ’97. The city celebrates its Bicentennial (’96). The Gateway Sports Complex opens with the return of the Cleveland Browns (’99). Musically, Cleveland own rap group–Bone Thugs-n-Harmony win a Grammy for “The Crossroads” and Cleveland is named an “All American City” for the 5th time.
Happenings in the World
Nickelodeon, Friends, and Beanie Babies all debuted. The 1st Harry Potter book is published and surfing, Seinfeld and Celine Dion all appear. East and West Germany unite and the European Union is created. The Gulf War begins. In marketing the Internet continues to grow. AT&T runs 1st digital ad…” Have you ever clicked your mouse right here?” and Google, Yahoo Search, eBay, all launch with SEO becoming a thing. CRM gains dominance, and Adobe Photoshop and iMac are introduced along with the HIPPA Act being passed.