Since 1970, Rhoades Printing has been a fixture in downtown Covington business.

Specializing in business printing from cards to forms to full-color brochures, owner Robert Rhoades makes sure other businesses in the area have high quality, professional promotional items.

The business began as a family affair as the vision of Robert’s father Bill Rhoades.

"Dad asked me to stay home from college to help him get this started," Robert said.

Robert intended to study commercial art and has always had the hobby of drawing comics, so his artistic prowess is useful in the printing business.

"One of our selling points in the beginning was ‘my son will do your artwork for free,’" Robert said.

He has designed logos as well as spruced up flyers with his artwork for nearly 30 years. His original art is featured on Rhoades Printing’s line of stationery depicting the Newton County Historic Courthouse.

During the holidays, Rhoades printing offers a variety of personal printing including calling cards and Christmas cards.

Robert said he loved doing business in downtown Covington because he was serving his neighbors and friends.

"My dad told me years ago that I should always buy in town because if you buy from a guy at a big department store in Atlanta, he won’t buy from you," Robert said.

He said he tries to purchase everything he needs for the business from locally owned stores rather than shopping at "big box" stores.

"You’re supporting not just their business when you do that," Rhoades said, "but everything about them — their church, their family, and I think that’s the best way to be."