Founded in 1954 from the humble confines of George's garage, Rutler Screen Printing began as a specialized workshop crafting signs, decals, and bumper stickers. The operation's reputation for excellence quickly catalyzed growth, necessitating a move to a spacious 5,000-square-foot facility on Belview Road in Phillipsburg, NJ.
 

George's commitment to superior craftsmanship and efficient production timelines attracted prestigious clients, including renowned artist Clarence Carter and corporate giant Blockbuster Video. As the business flourished and demand intensified beyond what George could fulfill single-handedly, he embarked on a strategic search for a business partner to help sustain and expand the thriving enterprise.

In 1974, John established a modest engraving and screen printing operation in Irvington, NJ. The lengthy daily commute from Phillipsburg soon proved unsustainable, prompting a fortuitous introduction through his wife to her employer, George. Their professional chemistry led to a business merger in 1976, creating their first formal corporation.
 

Throughout the following decade, the partners expanded beyond their original offerings of signs, decals, and bumper stickers to embrace the lucrative market of garment printing. The 1980s marked a transformative period for their enterprise, highlighted by significant success in the concert merchandise industry—producing tour merchandise for prominent recording artists.
 

George's retirement in 1986 left John at the helm of their thriving business. He navigated the company independently for eight years until his son Allen joined the operation, initiating a new chapter in the family enterprise's evolution.

Allen embraced his heritage in 1994, stepping into the family business immediately following his high school graduation. Under his father's mentorship and guided by their enduring philosophy to "never disappoint and always amaze," he immersed himself in every aspect of the operation. Beginning in the art department, Allen mastered the rudimentary technologies of the era—systems that would appear painfully primitive by contemporary standards—before transitioning to the production floor to develop comprehensive expertise.
 

The millennium marked a strategic pivot for Rutler as they discontinued their signage division in 2000 to concentrate exclusively on apparel printing. Throughout the subsequent two decades, Allen methodically assimilated his father's business principles while progressively assuming greater operational responsibility. The leadership transition unfolded organically, without a definitive moment of handover, as father and son formed an exceptional management partnership until 2012, when John finally embraced his well-earned retirement after decades of dedication to the craft.