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A HISTORY OF EXCELLENCE.

A CULTURE OF INNOVATION.

The creative arm of the Wilen Group was founded over 50 years ago as a custom publishing company catering to the burgeoning cable television industry.

Wilen now specializes in creating direct marketing communications for a wide range of industries.

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Through The Years

1971

1972

1973

1973 – 1975

1978

1980

1981

1982

1983

1985

1987

1991

1995

1997

2000

2001

2003

2004

2005

2006

2007

2009

2010

2011

2012

2013

2014

2015

2016

2017

2018

2019

2020

2021

1971

Wilen Founds Seal Send Systems

Richard Wilen starts a company called Seal Send Systems. Wilen and Bob Bemer (the founder of ASCII computer code) combine forces to produce the Honeywell Computer Journal.

1972

First Cable Television Customer

Richard Wilen is introduced to his first cable television customer — Athena Communications (Gulf & Western).

1973

HBO® Guide

Wilen produces the HBO® Guide, the first program guide to incorporate editorial content.

1973 – 1975

Newspaper, Direct Mail & Inserts

Wilen produces newspaper advertising, direct mailers and bill inserts for Teleprompter Corporation (Manhattan's first cable TV company).

1978

Long Island

Wilen Media opens for business on Long Island, NY.

1980

Premium Channels

John Sie (Founder of Encore TV Network) and Jerry Maglio (1st President of CTAM: Cable & Telecommunications Association for Marketing) approach Wilen with the idea of promoting both HBO® and SHOWTIME® to the same cable subscriber. Wilen publishes Premium Channels; including the first “Bundled” offer ever.

1981

Combining Word Processing & Typesetting

Wilen combines word processing and computer typesetting to create automated program guides.

1982

The Lightest Weight Paper

Wilen develops program guides printed on the lightest weight paper manufactured. Premium Channels become the only publication in history to qualify for Periodical (Second Class) rates and to be inserted into a billing envelope.

1983

3 Million Served

Circulation for Wilen’s Premium Channels reaches 3 million. Wilen launches separate program guide including content for Playboy Channel, Disney Channel, Encore, Sports and Basic Cable.

1985

Request TV & Viewers Choice

Wilen publishes Pay-Per-View guides for both Request TV and Viewers Choice.

1987

1st PPV Guide

Wilen works with Richard Aurelio (Former Deputy Mayor of NYC) and Hugh Panero (Former CEO XM Radio) to publish PPV guides for 1 million homes in New York City.

1991

HBO Boxing & Pay-Per-View

Wilen begins a relationship with HBO®, becoming an authorized direct marketer to promote their boxing events on PPV; markets the legendary Tyson is Back! (Tyson vs. Douglas) fight.

1995

Gearing up for Production

After relying on outsourced resources and partnerships for production and fulfillment for almost 25 years, Wilen launches its first in-house pre-press business unit, a first step towards bringing production in-house.

1997

Wilen Press is Born

Wilen breaks ground on its primary manufacturing facility in Deerfield Beach, Florida, installing web presses specifically geared for direct mail and insert production. Wilen’s first year alone brings significant success to the tune of 200 million pieces.

2000

Inline Finishing

Wilen doubles-down on high-volume direct mail production, installing a second web press with complex inline finishing to produce unique direct mail formats engineered and patented by founder Richard Wilen.

2001

Client Diversification

Wilen relocates its agency to a larger office in Farmingdale, New York, and expands into new business verticals outside of the cable industry.

2003

Full-service Custom Publishing

Wilen introduces full-service custom publishing services packaging creative, content management, editorial and printing.

2004

Mailing/Lettershop/Logistics

Wilen begins in-house mailing services, including data processing/hygiene, addressing, on-site USPS verification and mail logistics management.

2005

Production Milestone

Wilen exceeds a production benchmark of 500 million pieces of direct mail within just ten years of opening its manufacturing arm.

2006

Expansion

A new building is constructed at Wilen’s press to accommodate higher volume output. Wilen creates W3, a centralized digital workflow tool to seamlessly manage complex versioning across campaigns.

2007

Variable Data Printing

Wilen installs a third web press equipped with inline inkjet heads re-engineered to lay down data driven content such as offers and personalization, eliminating black plate changes and consolidating mail streams for our clients. The potential to achieve significant production and postage costs through this technology is realized, and focus is shifted to Variable Data Printing.

2009

Wilen Direct

Wilen betas Kodak’s new Prosper S-10 inkjet system, the first application of high-definition 600 DPI inkjet imaging on a web press. Wilen re-launches its manufacturing arm as Wilen Direct, with a specific focus on 1:1 direct mail marketing.

2010

Madison Avenue Meets Manufacturing

Wilen Media’s growing agency services are strengthened by the addition of several Madison Avenue veterans to the creative team, including Executive Creative Director Wayne Schombs. Direct marketing experts realize the targeting and segmentation opportunities afforded by Wilen Direct’s variable data printing capabilities.

2011

Mail Tracking Re-defined

Wilen launches WheresMyMail.com and successfully matches USPS exit scan data to clients call center reports, enabling marketers to gain real-time insight into the delivery and performance of their campaigns in one simple dashboard.

2012

A New Era

Wilen Media is re-launched as Wilen New York, a full service agency led by top Madison Avenue talent leading change in the industry.

2013

Pioneering Print

Wilen Direct is recognized on the cover of Printing Impressions as a pioneer in the direct mail industry, coinciding with the installation of Kodak’s Prosper 5000XLi 4-color variable high-speed web press. New technology enables marketers limitless targeting flexibility and maximum postage discounts through the consolidation of mail streams.

2014

Continued Expansion

Wilen Direct further expands its footprint to accommodate more equipment and inventory, translating to faster turn-around times and speed to market for our clients. Staff grows to over 300 team members. Wilen Direct is operating 24/7/364 supporting the direct mail marketing needs of our clients.

2015

50 years and counting

The Wilen Group has now been in business for over 50 years! As we celebrate this major milestone, we are proud have remained not only relevant, but ahead of the curve. Unlike many agencies and printers that have struggled through acquisition, Wilen is designed to keep growing organically to ensure our clients' success. Our New York, Florida and Las Vegas locations form a powerful combination that is built to continue yielding outstanding results.

2016

50 years and counting

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2017

50 years and counting

The Wilen Group has now been in business for 50 years! As we celebrate this major milestone, we are proudt have remained not only relevant, but ahead of the curve. Unlike many agencies and printers that have struggled through acquisition, Wilen is designed to keep growing organically to ensure our clients success. Our New York, Florida and Las Vegas locations from a powerful combination that is built to continue yielding outstanding results.

2018

50 years and counting

The Wilen Group has now been in business for 50 years! As we celebrate this major milestone, we are proudt have remained not only relevant, but ahead of the curve. Unlike many agencies and printers that have struggled through acquisition, Wilen is designed to keep growing organically to ensure our clients success. Our New York, Florida and Las Vegas locations from a powerful combination that is built to continue yielding outstanding results.

2019

50 years and counting

The Wilen Group has now been in business for 50 years! As we celebrate this major milestone, we are proudt have remained not only relevant, but ahead of the curve. Unlike many agencies and printers that have struggled through acquisition, Wilen is designed to keep growing organically to ensure our clients success. Our New York, Florida and Las Vegas locations from a powerful combination that is built to continue yielding outstanding results.

2020

50 years and counting

The Wilen Group has now been in business for 50 years! As we celebrate this major milestone, we are proudt have remained not only relevant, but ahead of the curve. Unlike many agencies and printers that have struggled through acquisition, Wilen is designed to keep growing organically to ensure our clients success. Our New York, Florida and Las Vegas locations from a powerful combination that is built to continue yielding outstanding results.

2021

50 years and counting

The Wilen Group has now been in business for 50 years! As we celebrate this major milestone, we are proudt have remained not only relevant, but ahead of the curve. Unlike many agencies and printers that have struggled through acquisition, Wilen is designed to keep growing organically to ensure our clients success. Our New York, Florida and Las Vegas locations from a powerful combination that is built to continue yielding outstanding results.

THROUGH THE YEARS

1971 Wilen Founds Seal Send Systems

Richard Wilen starts a company called Seal Send Systems. Richard and Bob Bemer (the founder of ASCII computer code) combine forces to produce the Honeywell Computer Journal.

1972 First Cable Television Customer

Richard Wilen is introduced to his first cable television customerAthena Communications (Gulf & Western).

1973 HBO® Guide

Wilen produces the HBO® Guidethe first program guide to incorporate editorial content.

1973 – 1975 Newspaper, Direct Mail & Inserts

Wilen produces newspaper advertising, direct mailers and bill inserts for Teleprompter Corporation (Manhattan's first cable TV company).

1978 Long Island

Wilen Media opens for business on Long Island, NY.

1980 Premium Channels

John Sie (Founder of Encore TV Network) and Jerry Maglio (1st President of CTAM: Cable & Telecommunications Association for Marketing) approach Wilen with the idea of promoting both HBO® and SHOWTIME® to the same cable subscriber. Wilen publishes Premium Channels; including the first “Bundled” offer ever.

1981 Combining Word Processing & Typesetting

Wilen combines word processing and computer typesetting to create automated program guides.

1982 The Lightest Weight Paper

Wilen develops program guides printed on the lightest weight paper manufactured. Premium Channels becomes the only publication in history to qualify for Periodical (Second Class) rates and to be inserted into a billing envelope.

1983 3 Million Served

Circulation for Wilen’s Premium Channels reaches 3 million. Wilen launches separate program guides including content for Playboy Channel, Disney Channel, Encore, Sports and Basic Cable.

1985 Request TV & Viewers Choice

Wilen publishes Pay-Per-View guides for both Request TV and Viewers Choice.

1987 1st Pay-Per-View Guide

Wilen works with Richard Aurelio (Former Deputy Mayor of NYC) and Hugh Panero (Former CEO XM Radio) to publish Pay-Per-View guides for 1 million homes in New York City.

1991 HBO® Boxing & Pay-Per-View

Wilen begins a relationship with HBO®, becoming an authorized direct marketer to promote their Boxing events on Pay-Per-View; markets the legendary Tyson is Back! (Tyson vs. Douglas) fight.

1995 Gearing up for Production

After relying on outsourced resources and partnerships for production and fulfillment for almost 25 years, Wilen launches its first in-house pre-press business unit, a first step towards bringing production in-house.

1997 Wilen Press is Born

Wilen breaks ground on its primary manufacturing facility in Deerfield Beach, Florida, installing web presses specifically geared for direct mail and insert production. Wilen’s first year alone brings significant success to the tune of 200 million pieces.

2000 Inline Finishing

Wilen doubles-down on high-volume direct mail production, installing a second web press with complex inline finishing to produce unique direct mail formats engineered and patented by founder Richard Wilen.

2001 Client Diversification

Wilen relocates its agency to a larger office in Farmingdale, New York, and expands into new business verticals outside of the cable industry.

2003 Full-service Custom Publishing

Wilen introduces full-service custom publishing services, packaging creative, content management, editorial and printing.

2004 Mailing/Lettershop/Logistics

Wilen begins in-house mailing services, including data processing/hygiene, addressing, on-site USPS verification and mail logistics management.

2005 Production Milestone

Wilen exceeds a production benchmark of 500 million pieces of direct mail within just ten years of opening its manufacturing arm.

2006 Expansion Of Manufacturing Facility

A new building is constructed at Wilen’s press, its Florida facility to accommodate higher volume output. Wilen creates W3, a centralized digital workflow tool to seamlessly manage complex versioning across campaigns.

2007 Variable Data Printing

Wilen Press installs a third web press equipped with inline inkjet heads re-engineered to lay down data-driven content such as offers and personalization, eliminating black plate changes and consolidating mail streams for our clients. The potential to achieve significant production and postage costs through this technology is realized, and focus is shifted to Variable
Data Printing.

2009 Wilen Direct

Wilen betas Kodak’s new Prosper S-10 inkjet systemthe first application of high-definition 600 DPI inkjet imaging on a web press. Wilen re-launches its manufacturing arm as Wilen Direct, with a specific focus on 1:1 direct mail marketing.

2010 Madison Avenue Meets Manufacturing

Wilen Media’s growing agency services are strengthened by the addition of several Madison Avenue veterans to the creative team, including Executive Creative Director Wayne Schombs. Direct marketing experts realize the targeting and segmentation opportunities afforded by Wilen Direct’s variable data printing capabilities.

2011 Mail Tracking Re-defined

Wilen Media launches WheresMyMail.com and successfully matches USPS exit scan data to clients call center reports, enabling marketers to gain real-time insight into the delivery and performance of their campaigns in one simple dashboard.

2012 A New Era

Wilen Media is re-launched as Wilen New Yorka full service agency, led by top Madison Avenue talent, leading change in the industry.

2013 Pioneering Print

Wilen Direct is recognized on the cover of Printing Impressions as a pioneer in the direct mail industry, coinciding with the installation of Kodak’s Prosper 5000XLi 4-color variable high-speed web press. New technology enables marketers limitless targeting flexibility and maximum postage discounts through the consolidation of mail streams.

2014 Wilen Direct's Continued Expansion

Wilen Direct further expands its footprint to accommodate more equipment and inventory, translating to faster turn-around times and speed to market for our clients. Staff grows to over 300 team members. Wilen Direct is operating 24/7/364, supporting the direct mail marketing needs
of our clients.

2015 Next-Generation Direct Marketing Technology

Wilen ushers in the next wave of direct mail marketing advancements with the installation of the Kodak Prosper 6000C and Kodak NexPress SX3900. Output quality and speeds of high-definition 4-color variable direct mail are unmatched.

2016 Looking Forward

Wilen’s on-going efforts to bring limitless direct mail targeting capabilities to new industries was a key area of focus in 2016. Advancements in technology and processes increased capacity and output speeds, while HIPAA compliance paved the way for new verticals to take advantage of these opportunities.

2017 Let’s Get Growing

Wilen Direct, our cutting-edge manufacturing facility in Florida, continues to expand by adding a six-acre compound in order to house increased capacity and serve all of our clients’ direct marketing needs. This allows for more storage, and additional capacity for advanced logistics.

2018 WILEN RELOCATES

Wilen has relocated the agency to a more mobile and collaborative workspace. Our new space was designed specifically for a culture of seamless teamwork, with plenty of room for extra growth throughout the company. Conveniently located at 45 Melville Park Road, Melville, New York. We proudly go by 45 MPR—a city agency without the city commute.

2019 Rolling the Dice on Vegas

Wilen embarks on the next phase of growth, officially announcing plans to forge ahead with national expansion to Las Vegas, Nevada. A state-of-the-art, high-volume, digital printing facility in this location means tremendous manufacturing economic advantages.

2020 Vegas Is a Lock

Wilen Vegas facility construction is completed. This expansion empowers our current and future clients to reach the entire country with large-run, 100% variable-printed tactics, at scale, within 1-2 days—faster than any other manufacturer.

2021 50 Years and Counting

The Wilen Group has now been in business for 50 years! As we celebrate this major milestone, we are proud to have remained not only relevant, but ahead of the curve. Unlike many agencies and printers that have struggled through acquisition, Wilen is designed to keep growing organically to ensure our clients’ success. Our New York, Florida and Las Vegas locations form a powerful combination that is built to continue yielding outstanding results.

2022 Triple-Digit Growth

2022 began with a 50% expansion of our Las Vegas facility. This will increase our capacity and speed to market. We also saw triple-digit growth within our automated mail programs.

WHAT
WE
STAND
FOR

what-we-stand

LEADERSHIP TEAM

Leadership Team

leader-img
best-in-class-img1

Darrin Wilen

President

Lorem Ipsum is simply dummy text of the printing and typesetting industry. Lorem Ipsum has been the industrys standard dummy text ever since the 1500s, when an unknown printer took a galley of type and scrambled it to make a type specimen book. It has survived not only five centuries, but also the leap into electronic typesetting, remaining essentially unchanged

team1

Darrin Wilen

President

Lorem Ipsum is simply dummy text of the printing and typesetting industry. Lorem Ipsum has been the industrys standard dummy text ever since the 1500s

best-in-class-img1

Darrin Wilen

President

Lorem Ipsum is simply dummy text of the printing and typesetting industry. Lorem Ipsum has been the industrys standard dummy text ever since the 1500s, when an unknown printer took a galley of type and scrambled it to make a type specimen book. It has survived not only five centuries, but also the leap into electronic typesetting, remaining essentially unchanged

team1

Darrin Wilen

President

Lorem Ipsum is simply dummy text of the printing and typesetting industry. Lorem Ipsum has been the industrys standard dummy text ever since the 1500s

aiscpa2
hippa2
best-in-class-img1