We had the good fortune of connecting with Michele DeFilippo and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Michele, can you walk us through the thought-process of starting your business?
I wish I could tell you I had a plan, but deciding to start a business was a matter of survival. In 1976, my husband and I moved to Phoenix from New York City, where I made a decent living as a graphic designer. Unfortunately, the same work in Phoenix paid only minimum wage, about $4/hour. When I learned that I could charge $50/hour for typesetting, it was a no-brainer to lease a two-room office and a $35,000 typesetting machine and give it a shot. We figured the worst that could happen was failure and working for minimum wage again. 🙂

Alright, so for those in our community who might not be familiar with your business, can you tell us more?
Well, my business life has been quite a rollercoaster.

In what can only be described as the universe’s sense of humor, I was waiting for my first typesetting machine to be delivered in 1980 when I saw an ad for an Apple computer. It looked like a toy with an unheard-of appendage called a “mouse,” so I didn’t give it a second thought.

In the early years, computers didn’t produce good work, so graphic designers rejected them. My typesetting business had grown considerably, but by 1993, it became clear that we were doomed as our customers eagerly embraced the new technology’s convenience and cost savings.

I joined the club, bought a Mac, and freelanced for eight years. In 2001, I formed my current company, 1106 Design, to take advantage of the new opportunities in independent book publishing.

Over the years, my immovable principle has been to deliver quality work with the personal customer service I expect and appreciate as a customer. I still listen to that first client’s advice to listen to every customer, and I still believe that our success is entirely due to my talented team. We’ll keep going as long as clients value great books and hire us to produce them.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
Definitely Arizona Diamondbacks or Phoenix Suns games, and as many meals at Chompie’s as possible, the only “real” New York deli in town.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
In 1980, one of my first customers offered the best business advice I ever received. He said, “Listen to your customers; they’ll tell you everything you need to know.” He was right, and I follow his advice to this day. (Hat tip to Rich’s Roofing, if the company still exists.)

I must also thank everyone who has ever worked for me, including my current team at 1106 Design. Their ideas, dedication, and goodwill have been responsible for every success, through good times and bad.

Website: https://1106design.com

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/2771108/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/1106Design

Facebook: https://facebook.com/1106design

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@micheledefilippo/videos

Other: We’re a recommended expert at IngramSpark.com, and a Partner/Member rated Excellent at The Alliance of Independent Authors (Alli) at self-publishingadvice.com. We’re rated A+ at the Better Business Bureau.

Image Credits
Ashley & Sam (@kindnessphotoco)

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