The UPS Store Lakeshore Plaza

Before it was The UPS Store, the Lake Shore location was a Mail Boxes Etc. The storefront has provided the Pasadena community with a variety of business and personal services for more than 20 years. In 2004, the location became The UPS Store.

Billy Garver took over as the owner and franchisee in 2007. “I realized throughout the years of owning this business that customer service is key,” Garver said. “I’ve worked in the restaurant business and retail practically all my adult life, so I come from a background where customer service is always in demand. We are known in this center for going above and beyond for our customers.”

The UPS Store is currently running an advertising campaign for “all the ‘ings’ in your life.” The business offers a variety of services, including faxing, copying, printing, shipping, packing, notarizing and shredding, as well as mailbox services.

In November, The UPS Store rolled out canvas printing and mounting. As a member of the Pasadena Business Association, Garver understands the importance of playing a role in the community, which is why The UPS Store works closely with schools and local businesses. “We do Chesapeake High School, Northeast High School, Chesapeake Bay Middle School,” Garver said. “They have marketing campaigns that we do advertising for and sponsor.” This partnership has included custom shopping bags, megaphones for sporting events and printing raffle tickets.

For local business, The UPS Store does a lot of special printing. The store prints blueprints and posters for construction companies, as well as menus and weekly specials for area restaurants, including Two Rivers Steak & Fish House and Twain’s Tavern.

During the holiday season, The UPS Store is a donation location for Toys for Tots. A collection box in the store allows people to drop off toys. Outside the holiday season, The UPS Store collects donations year-round for the Toys for Tots Literacy Program, which provides disadvantaged children with access to books and educational resources to help enhance their literacy abilities.

“Being a small business within the community, that’s another avenue of putting your name out there and what you offer,” Garver said. “I think it’s key to give back to the community because what you give to whatever community, you get back ten-times-fold.”