The pace of technological and cultural change has accelerated rapidly over the last century. In the early part of the 20th century, for example, Henry Ford stuck to the Model A in basic black for simplicity's sake. Charlie Chaplin and Buster Keaton remained kings at the box office for more than a decade.

In today's fast-paced world, actors often flame out after one highly publicized movie.Businesses rapidly shuffle their menu of offerings and services in an effort to satisfy customers and increase their size of the pie.

Rapids Reproductions Inc., which celebrated its 50 th anniversary in 2002, is a living model of how the times have changed. Founded in 1952 as Standard Blueprint of Iowa, Rapids Reproductions was still specializing in blueprinting and photographic services more than 20 years later when Ralph S. Wasik purchased the Cedar Rapids, IA shop and gave it it's current name. Wasik had been with the shop since 1963. He had worked his way up through sales manager and general manager positions until he was able to purchase the shop in 1974 from its original owners, Standard Blueprint of Omaha.

With new ownership, Rapids Reproductions expanded its business line to offer equipment and supplies for architects, engineers, and contractors. In 1984, the shop began selling Point Line CAD software and by 1986 it had become a dealer for AutoCAD. Rapids Reproductions also got into color copying work by the late 80s back when a single color copy retailed for $3.00.

Much of the change came about through the efforts of Wasik's two sons, Ronald and Ralph. Ronald succeeded his father as President of Rapids Reproductions in 1986 and remained in that position until 1992, when he sold his share of the company to his brother.

Wasik still serves as President today and is aided in his work by Co-Owner and Vice President Gerald Mohwinkle.