Dr. Don’s Buttons & Print Lab was founded in 1991 by Don Ratliff, a skilled wedding photographer with a passion for creativity. What began as a small side business producing custom photo buttons, soon blossomed into something much larger. Don initially used a small button-making machine to cater to individuals and organizations looking for personalized pins, a unique offering at the time.
In 1997, Don expanded his reach by taking HTML classes and launching Buttonsonline.com under the name Dr. Don’s Buttons, Badges, and More. The site quickly gained popularity for offering:
Dr. Don’s Buttons became a union printer early on, owing to Don's background with the postal service and his commitment to labor unions. This decision became integral to the business’s identity, benefiting not only the workforce but also the clients served. The union status allowed Dr. Don’s to offer union printing benefits such as:
With this strong foundation, Dr. Don’s Buttons carved out a niche specializing in political and union-related printing, including campaign materials, rally signs, and more.
Adam, Don’s son, joined Dr. Don’s Buttons in 2001 during his senior year of high school, beginning with small tasks like lawn mowing and running errands. It wasn’t long before he began working full-time, focusing on button production, and later progressing to Production Manager.
In 2012, after the retirement of long-time office manager Ardy Martin, Adam took on a greater role in overseeing the company’s day-to-day operations. Over time, the business expanded, offering:
During this time, the company’s website underwent a complete overhaul, transitioning to a fully functional Shopify platform to better serve customers.
After managing the company’s operations for 10 years, Adam fully acquired Dr. Don’s Buttons & Print Lab in 2024, continuing the legacy of excellence.
In response to growing demand and an expanding product line, Dr. Don’s Buttons, Badges, and More was renamed Dr. Don’s Buttons, Stickers, and More in the mid-2010s. This rebranding reflected the business's evolution and broader range of products, which included:
Lapel stickers, die-cut vinyl stickers, business cards, rally signs, postcards, and banners.
A continued focus on selling button machines and parts, but with an increasing emphasis on in-house production.
By this point, Dr. Don’s had firmly established itself as a leading provider of union-printed materials, earning the trust of political candidates and labor organizations alike.
With the expansion into custom shirts and hats, the company officially rebranded to Dr. Don’s Print Lab. The name change represented the business's ongoing commitment to innovation, quality, and craftsmanship, aligning with the “Lab” concept—symbolizing a space where custom-printed products are perfected with meticulous attention to detail.
Dr. Don’s Print Lab is now a trusted source for all custom printing needs, from promotional materials to personalized apparel, with a focus on meeting customers' unique needs and exceeding expectations.
At Dr. Don’s Buttons & Print Lab, we remain a small, family-run, second-generation print shop. Our deep industry expertise, combined with our dedication to quality and customer service, has been at the heart of everything we do. We take pride in offering products that reflect our core values:
Don’s passion for helping others and sharing knowledge remains central to our mission. He’s educated countless customers on how to make buttons and start their own businesses, empowering individuals and organizations along the way. As Don prepares to retire in April 2025, the values he instilled in the business will continue through the next generation, ensuring Dr. Don’s Buttons & Print Lab remains a trusted partner for years to come.
