We are excited to announce that construction is done, and we have an official move date!

McKenna Companies Will Be Closed June 9 Through June 13, 2025.

As we mentioned in last month’s blog, we have been planning and strategizing this transition for months to create very little disruption for you, our loyal customers. We know how much you rely on us to produce high-quality products with quick turnaround times for you to deliver finished products to your clients. We always have and will continue to take that very seriously.

Important Production Dates at the Waterloo Location

Our strategic planning will allow us to continue to run our normal turnaround times as we draw closer to our move date.

The average turn time for McKenna products is 1–2 business days, with more labor-intensive products, such as Integrity Albums, that can have up to a 3-day turnaround.

Photo Albums Direct turnaround times and Zookbinders turnaround times can be found on their website.

For all orders, keep in mind the average turnaround time needed to produce your product. Be sure to order early! We will do our best to ship all orders out before the move.

Important Production Dates at the Cedar Falls Location

Leverage Printing’s production will be minimally impacted by this move. Their equipment and the staff are already in the building and will continue business as usual.

Our Plan for Reopening

While our production is paused June 9th–June 13th, our ordering software for all McKenna companies will be up and running! Continue to place your orders during this time.

We have meticulously mapped out the new facility and completed all the prep work to ensure our move goes smoothly. We have the right people in place for packing, moving, and setting up our new facility. Our entire team will be working diligently to make sure every department is fully functioning on or before Monday, June 16th.

As we get each department up and running at the Cedar Falls location for McKenna, Photo Albums Direct, and Zookbinders, we will start the production on the orders we have received. There is a good chance we will have departments up and running ahead of schedule. We will begin processing your orders in the order they are scheduled in the queue. Watch our McKenna newsletter, Facebook, and Instagram for updates.

Contact Us With Questions

McKenna Customer Service:
800-238-3456  |  info@mckennapro.com  |  Live Chat

Photo Albums Direct Customer Service:
847-291-3954  |  help@photoalbumsdirect.com

Zookbinders Customer Service:
847-272-5745  |  customerservice@zookbinders.com  |  Live Chat

The post McKenna is Moving to Our New, Larger Facility! appeared first on McKenna.

The year 1969 was a time of bell bottoms, moon landings, and, most importantly, the start of McKenna. We set out with a simple but ambitious goal: to provide professional photographers with the best prints, products, and services possible. We started in a small space, but like any good success story, we didn’t stay there long. By 1974, growth pushed us into a bigger location—one that became more than just a workspace. It became our home.

For over five decades, we’ve grown, adapted, and maybe even shed a nostalgic tear or two in our Waterloo location as photography evolved from film negatives to digital, from darkrooms to high-tech printing. We’ve produced metal prints, canvases, and more photo albums than we ever could have imagined. We’ve expanded our building several times to accommodate our production space and our ideas—always keeping one step ahead of what’s next.

2024 was a blockbuster year for us. Business boomed, new printing capabilities rolled out, and—plot twist—we brought three new companies into the McKenna family: Leverage Printing, Photo Albums Direct, and Zookbinders. With all this success came an important topic of discussion: space. We needed more of it! We faced a choice—stay in close corners in our current space or take the leap. So, we leaped!

McKenna is Moving! But Only a Few Miles…

Although our roots have always been in Waterloo, we ran out of space to build at our Waterloo location and struggled to find a space large enough to accommodate our needs. After years of looking in Waterloo, we decided we would move to Cedar Falls because of the larger industrial spaces they have to offer. When we purchased Leverage Printing in 2024, we also purchased the building it was in, and we quickly began the hard work of expanding and remodeling that location.

In the summer of 2025, McKenna is making the 15-minute move to Cedar Falls, Iowa, the brand-new home for McKenna and our entire family of brands! Our new space (which is over 2x larger!) will house our production for all our brands, our people, and plenty of room for our growth and expansion to serve you and other photographers and commercial clients into the future!

Construction wraps up in late spring, and by early summer, we’ll be settling in—carefully, strategically, and with as little disruption to your workflow as possible. We know how much you rely on us, and we take that seriously! We’ll keep you posted every step of the way.

This move isn’t just about more space—it’s about building the next chapter of McKenna’s legacy. It’s about continuing to push boundaries, innovate, and, most importantly, serve you with the same quality and dedication we always have.

So, here’s to new beginnings, big moves, and even bigger dreams. We’re ready for what’s next—and we’re bringing you along for the ride. Watch for updates in our email newsletter as well as social media posts for blog updates as we share more details and important production dates in the upcoming months.

The post McKenna’s Next Chapter: Big News About a Big Expansion! appeared first on McKenna.

You may ask, how does all of this apply to me as a professional photographer? Well, that is a great question that can be answered with a short answer. You are a business owner who wants to grow your business and have people use your services. Here are a few ways that using printed marketing can help you do just that.

The Power of Print Marketing in the Digital Age

While we live in a digital world, print marketing remains a highly effective way to engage and create lasting brand awareness. Unlike digital ads that can be easily forgotten, print materials provide a tangible connection that people can keep, interact with, and share.

Why Does Print Marketing Work?

• Stronger Recall & Emotional Impact – Customers spend more time with print materials and retain more information than with digital ads.
• Tangible & Long-Lasting – Unlike fleeting online interactions, printed items stay in homes and offices for extended periods.
• Supports Digital Campaigns – QR codes and website links bridge the gap between print and online engagement.

What 6 Marketing Materials Should I Consider Bulk Printing?

1. Flyers
   • Versatile & Quick to Produce – Perfect for short-notice events and promotions.
   • Enhances Digital Campaigns – QR codes can drive traffic to your website or social media.
   • Premium Look – High-quality paper and brand colors boost recognition and professionalism.
2. Brochures
   • Like a Printed Website – Provides an engaging, portable way to showcase your brand.
   • Quick Impact – Use bold images and concise messaging to capture attention fast.
   • Customizable Folding Options – Add interest and functionality to your design.
3. Calendars
   • Year-Round Brand Visibility – Keeps your business top-of-mind every day.
   • Custom Designs – Feature landscapes, industry-related images, or company highlights.
   • Magnetic Versions – Tear-off styles work great for refrigerators and office spaces.
4. Business Cards
   • Essential for Networking – Quick, professional, and easy to distribute.
   • Customizable & Affordable – Choose unique paper stocks, finishes, and coatings.
   • Perfect for Sales Visits – Leave a lasting impression with potential clients.
5. Booklets
   • In-Depth Marketing Tool – Ideal for product catalogs, event promotions, or brand storytelling.
   • Builds Trust & Credibility – A polished booklet reinforces your company’s professionalism.
   • Great for Less Digital-Savvy Customers – Appeals to those who prefer print over online content.
6. Direct Mail or Every Door Direct Mailing (EDDM)
   • Direct Mail – Utilize your current customer data or purchase a list for dynamic messaging to each recipient
   • EDDM – This style of mail allows you to put a message in every mailbox you choose within a mail route in your zip code. An extremely cost-effective way to directly get your message to selected parts of town and make an impact like none other.

As a photographer, you already sell high-quality McKenna print products, so why not incorporate high-quality print marketing into your strategy? Your business will leave a lasting impression on potential clients in your area when your business appears in their mailbox or they see your brochures around town.

Ready to get started? Bulk print your marketing materials at leverageprinting.com or contact Leverage by phone or email today to discuss the details of your next project.

The post The Power of Print Marketing in the Digital Age appeared first on McKenna.

In 2024, Leverage joined our McKenna Family of Brands expanding our printing capabilities and services. For over two decades, Leverage has focused on quality print services and client support making them a leading provider of commercial printing services in the United States. With state-of-the-art printing technology and a dedication to high-touch service, Leverage provides business solutions for custom printing campaigns, direct mail, variable data, bulk mailing, specialty printing, and much more from their Cedar Falls, IA location. Leverage can offer photographers quality products with cost-effective solutions.

When Should I Use McKenna? When is Leverage the right fit?

Let’s break it down in a simple Q&A.

“I need a high-end look and feel for my grad or holiday cards. Which company should I choose?”

McKenna is your best option for high-quality press card runs. McKenna’s press cards are printed on premium, imported Italian-mill press papers, ensuring a top-of-the-line finish and textile feel. Leverage specializes in cost-effective bulk printing on American-made, commercial-grade papers, still giving you a quality product.

“Does Leverage handle large print runs?”

Yes! If you need high-quantity runs of marketing pieces like business cards, brochures, or magazines, Leverage can offer better pricing due to efficient setup and printing processes that comes from the longer print run time.

“What if I need Every Door Direct Mail (EDDM) or bulk mail campaigns?”

Leverage is the right choice for your mailing campaigns. They handle EDDM and bulk mailing services, making it easy for you to reach potential clients with your business mailers.

“What about shipping costs?”

McKenna offers a flat $2 shipping fee, while Leverage charges shipping at cost which is standard for commercial printers.

“I need brochures or magazines—where should I order?”

For a polished, high-end square fold and small runs, McKenna is your best choice. However, for standard folded brochures and magazines and large quantities, Leverage provides a budget-friendly solution.

“Can I place Leverage orders in Easy Order or use my McKenna account number?”

No, you cannot order Leverage products in McKenna’s ordering software or use your McKenna account number. Leverage remains running as an individual company under the McKenna Family of Brands with its own web-based ordering system at LeveragePrinting.com. You will create a Leverage account during checkout of your first order.

Whether You Order At McKenna Or Leverage, You’ll Receive The Best Customer Service.

If you have questions about Leverage’s wide variety of products or want to talk specifics about your commercial print project, call or email Leverage today!

The post Commercial Printing? Leverage Has You Covered! appeared first on McKenna.

Our Growing Family

This year was especially exciting as we expanded our offerings to better serve you by welcoming three exceptional companies into the McKenna family of brands:

• Photo Albums Direct offers thin and thick page albums crafted for professional photographers providing even more options for you to showcase your client’s favorite images.
• Zookbinders specializes in high-end, luxury photo albums. Their acrylic cover Zook Book is a customer favorite. We’ve moved their production facility to Iowa while proudly maintaining their exceptional customer service team.
• Leverage is a local commercial printer working with businesses nationally to offer print solutions such as large print runs, variable data printing, direct mail, and marketing materials. We are thrilled to continue operations in their Cedar Falls, IA location with their dedicated staff.

These additions enhance our ability to support you, professional photographers and creative businesses, with a comprehensive suite of premium products and services. Together, these additional brands represent our commitment to meeting your needs with quality, innovation, and care.

Looking Ahead

Going into 2025, we are energized by the opportunities to continue expanding and delivering exceptional products and services. Our goal remains steadfast: to provide you with innovative, top-quality products to showcase your client’s important moments. 

From my family to yours, and from everyone in the McKenna family of brands, we wish you a Merry Christmas, a joyous holiday season, and a prosperous New Year!

Jared Mason
President of the McKenna Family of Brands

Image by Nancy Steele Portraiture.

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