In the heart of sunny San Diego, CA, USA, Label King has become a fixture in the West Coast label community. The company blends old-school customer service with modern technology and the agility of an independent converter.

Founder Robert Parker never set out to build a printing company. After more than a decade of selling packaging, he saw an opportunity to serve customers better. “I look at this industry as a service business, not just a printing business,” says Parker. “That mindset shaped everything that came after.”

While still working full-time, Parker took night classes at Fullerton Junior College to learn the fundamentals of flexography. The two-hour drive each way, twice a week, was the first of many commitments he and his family would make to bring Label King to life.

A stroke of timing and a little luck helped the new venture get off the ground. When a local label company closed its doors, Parker was able to purchase tooling at auction and made a connection to buy equipment and assets, including a Webtron 650 press. In addition, he picked up a skilled press operator. It was just what he needed to open his doors.

In those early days, Label King focused on serving resellers, leveraging Parker’s packaging connections and deep understanding of what brokers needed.

“We’ve always seen ourselves as an extension of our customers,” Parker shares. “Whether that means putting their name on the proofs or helping them solve production challenges, our job is to make them look good.”

From one press to two locations

Growth came steadily and deliberately. Over the years, Label King expanded its capabilities from blanks to nearly all prime labels. The company built a robust technology lineup that now includes flexographic and digital presses such as the Domino N610i, Mark Andy P5, and Evolution Series E5.

Today, the company’s San Diego facility houses a fully standardized pressroom designed for consistency. Meanwhile, the newly opened Salt Lake City location extends Label King’s reach. The Utah expansion was born from a partnership with industry voice Adam Peek, who leads operations there.

“It wasn’t part of a grand plan, it evolved organically,” explains Parker. “We hit it off, saw the opportunity, and wanted to create something together.”

People, longevity, and a culture of care

For Parker, Label King’s success starts and ends with its people. Nearly 40% of the team has been with the company for more than 10 years. Plus, over 60% have been with the company for more than five years – impressive numbers in a competitive industry.

“I realized that families rely on this company for their livelihood,” says Parker. “That’s a responsibility I don’t take lightly.”

That commitment extends beyond words. Label King covers 100% of health insurance premiums for all employees, offers opportunities for internal growth, and celebrates team members who step up to lead initiatives such as ISO certification and digital press implementation. From customer service to prepress and production, employees are encouraged to learn, grow, and take ownership of their work.

Staying independent – and growing strong

While many in the label industry have shifted toward private equity ownership, Label King remains proudly independent. That independence fuels flexibility, responsiveness, and a personal level of service that larger corporate structures can’t match.

“We respect what private equity brings to the table,” Parker notes. “But our strength lies in being independent, in being able to decide quickly, adapt fast, and keep our customers front and center.”

FLAG Member Advantage

As an independent converter, joining FLAG was, in Parker’s words, “a no-brainer.”

“If you’re an independent label converter, why wouldn’t you join FLAG?” he remarks. “The rebates alone cover your dues; it’s no money out of your pocket. But beyond the savings, it’s the community that’s invaluable.”

Through FLAG, Label King connects with peers, accesses exclusive Vendor Partner programs, and participates in the Member Connections online portal, a network of shared knowledge and real-world problem solving. “It’s amazing to have people in the same industry, often competitors, who are genuinely happy to help each other.” comments Parker. “That’s rare, and that’s what makes FLAG special.”

Looking Ahead: Hosting the 2026 FLAG Annual Meeting

This March, Label King will open its doors to the FLAG community as the host of the 2026 FLAG Annual Meeting in San Diego. For Parker and his team, it’s both an honor and a motivator. “Hosting pushes us to be even better,” he says. “It’s a chance for our employees to showcase what they do, to grow, and to take pride in sharing their work with other members.”

Attendees can expect a tightly organized tour featuring multiple five-minute presentation stations led by Label King team members, each highlighting different areas of expertise and innovation. Parker says, “It’s our chance to represent the independent spirit that FLAG is all about.”

Interested in learning more about Label King? Be sure to register and attend the FLAG Annual Meeting taking place March 23-26, 2026, in San Diego, CA. www.flagmeeting.com. A highlight of the meeting will be a tour of Label King www.labelkingcorp.com