Murray - History

Murray has over three decades of graphic design, marketing and programming for industries including: accounting, business services, chemicals, cosmetics, education, finance, fragrance, healthcare, insurance, pharmaceuticals, security, shipping, technology, travel, and telecommunications.



	2 Carhart Street PO Box M Blairstown, NJ 07825 P: 908.362.8174 E: Contact Us

1970s.
The John R. Murray Company, Inc. was formed in 1972, operating as a "boutique" graphic design firm from the home of founders John and Marian Murray. The work consisted of traditional mechanical drafting and hand-drawn graphics by artist John Murray. Local clients consisted of banks and private schools and small businesses.

Murray made a major investment in the late 70’s in two big technology innovations: A stat camera and a Linotronic typesetter. By age 15, daughter Wendy was helping out part-time. Murray business grew to include other businesses including insurance agencies, hospitals and college communications, as well as pharmaceutical sales training.

1980s.
In 1984, Alice Frable joined the team. The company grew and prospered due to Alice’s attention to detail and strong organizational abilities.

Always an innovator, John purchased his first Macintosh computer in late 1986 because it would "revolutionize the way we do business". John was right.

Wendy graduated The Cooper Union for the Advancement of Science and Art and returned to Murray to take part in a new, digital creativity.

1990s.
The company outgrew the Murray home and relocated to downtown Blairstown. After earning his degree from University of the Arts in Philadelphia, Dirk Herrmann was immediately and enthusiastically employed at Murray.

With this trio in place, John was able to focus on sales, leaving Wendy, Alice and Dirk to get the work done. By 1994, Dirk had Murray exploring a world of programming and new media.

Our first Website launched in 1995 for GHI, embracing creative and technology by welcoming the Internet. We never looked back.

In 1996, we became Murray MultiMedia due to the volume of work focused on new media and Internet delivery. The team had grown substantially, with staff programmers, designers, writers, proofreaders, photographers, and sales people. The work changed from small business to mid- and large-sized companies in the pharmaceutical and business services industries.

By 1998, Dirk and Alice were both heavily involved in customer service and business strategy for clients. Dirk left behind the role of new media production and became dedicated to sales and customer relationship management. Alice continued to manage the everyday workflow and customer service. Wendy supervised the creative team and started to increase sales of her own.

2000s.
Wendy, Dirk, and Alice consistently increased corporate revenue. In 2001, they partnered to buy Murray. Dirk Herrmann became President, a natural fit with his ongoing business process and marketing solutions that are focused on innovation, and out-of-the-box ingenuity. Alice Frable became Vice President. Alice has always been integral to financial balance and office management. Although she developed her own strong client roster, she continued to be on site and involved in day to day operations. Wendy Flanagan became Vice President. Although involved in sales and customer service, she continued to drive the creative of the firm.

By 2004, the trio had better defined their roles for ongoing growth. Dirk continued to focus on vision and account growth. Alice made investments internally to optimize efficiency. And Wendy turned her focus to new business development and marketing initiatives for Murray and clients.

The achievements gained between 2002 and 2006 included internal process re-organization with specialists to achieve seamless and efficient workflow. We coined this system the Murray D⁵ Methodology. Such enhancement brought new quality assurances and more award-winning work.

2007 saw more advancement in technology and in quality of life for Murray employees. Murray became a Platinum-level Ektron Partner, and implemented the CMS for our clients with rapid deployment and outstanding results. We implemented a telecommuter policy, and a 401(k) match to the benefit of our employees.

Murray registered a Service Mark from the US Patent and Trademark Office for Branduse.com., our online brand management service and administrative toolset.

Our clients continued to consist of mid-sized to Fortune-level accounts.

January 2007 found Murray located at 2 Carhart Street, the historic Blairstown Firehouse dating back to 1890, which had been completely renovated to meet the technology and aesthetic needs of the Murray team.