Source: Showalter, Max. “Planner maker expands through acquisition.” Journal & Courier (Lafayette, Indiana), 3 February 2012, p. 1, B5, newspapers.com
In 2012, we packed up more than just boxes – we packed up a vision for something bigger.
That year, School Datebooks – our flagship brand and the heart of what would eventually become SDI Innovations – acquired a Denver-based publishing company. It wasn’t just a new location. It was a strategic move to serve educators better, faster, and with more flexibility.
Growing to Meet the Moment
As demand for customizable planners and school solutions grew across the country, our team knew we had to evolve to keep up. Denver was a launchpad for expanding our logistics capabilities, improving distribution in the western United States, and building deeper relationships with schools across time zones.
What started at a kitchen table in Lafayette, Indiana, in 1985 had officially grown into a national operation.
Why Denver?
Denver represented more than a logistics solution. It allowed us to connect with a new regional workforce, grow our internal team, and add specialized services for our customers. That meant faster turnaround times, regional customer service reps, and even new formats and products designed to fit the unique needs of schools in that part of the country.
It was growth, but it was growth with purpose.
Partnerships Over Transactions
For us, everything comes back to relationships. From that first school district that ordered 50 planners in the ’80s to the thousands of schools we serve today, we know what matters: being responsive, reliable, and relational. Our Denver team became an extension of that commitment – people on the ground, ready to support educators however they needed us.
A Model That Works
That acquisition was one of many pivotal moments that helped shape who we are today. The same mindset – smart, scalable, purpose-driven growth – has since fueled our expansion into new industries and offerings through brands like Eventlink®, STEM Education Works, and Ag Printers.
Each one of those brands is built on the foundation of what started with School Datebooks.
From One City to Many Schools
When we look back at our Denver acquisition, we don’t just see square footage. We see classrooms. We see educators getting what they need. We see students learning time management, building confidence, and stepping into their full potential.
That’s what SDI Innovations is all about: scaling thoughtfully, growing responsibly, and always, always putting people first.
Learn More About Our Brands Explore Careers
SDI Innovations has market access, global manufacturing, capital, and experience that few other companies can provide. The combination of an in-house marketing agency, an aggressive sales department, and knowledgeable customer service representatives accelerates SDI Innovations’ brands with best-in-class promotion and follow-through. Plus, in-house IT and production capabilities, coupled with our global manufacturing reach and top-of-the-line logistics, keep SDI Innovations on the cutting edge of innovation. Learn more about what we do through our socials: Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and TikTok.