A Leader Among Cookbook Publishers for Fundraising
Cookbook Specialists is a woman-owned business in Iowa. Owner Sheri Hartkemeyer and her team of six cookbook publishers have a combined total of over 100 years’ experience designing and printing cookbooks for fundraising, gifting and reselling. They have printed 10 million specialized cookbooks including family cookbooks, school and clubs cookbooks and church and business cookbooks.
In 2018, Sheri expanded her business — Print Express, Miller Printerie and Brennan Printing — by acquiring G&R Publishing and General Publishing and Binding. This expanded the printing capabilities of Cookbook Specialists.
In 2021, Sheri expanded once again by purchasing Jumbo Jack’s Cookbooks. We now have our production facility and office in Independence and a branch office in Audubon, Iowa, to better serve our customers.
Today, this leader among cookbook publishers in the USA also provides customers a full range of book printing services including:
- Cookbooks
- Celebration books
- History books
- Reunion books
- Journals
- Perpetual calendars
- Stationery
Meet the Team
Owner
Sheri (Bitterman) Hartkemeyer was born and raised in Independence, Iowa. Sheri and her husband live on an acreage where they spend their spare time with horses, cattle and show pigs. They involve their family, including grandchildren, enjoying animals and the “simple” life.
Sheri began her printing career in 1983. Throughout her career, she obtained a vast knowledge of the printing industry. In 2003, Sheri purchased Print Express in Independence, Iowa. In 2007, Print Express purchased and merged Miller Printerie, a commercial printing company in Independence. In December of 2010, Brennan Printing Cookbooks joined the family, with G&R Publishing’s custom cookbook division following in May of 2018. Our most recent merger in May of 2021 is with Jumbo Jack’s Cookbooks, Student Planners and Calendars. This provides an advantage to customers who are wanting to do a reprint of books published by any of the Cookbook companies we have merged together. In many cases, we will still have the electronic file.
With the combined merger of companies, Print Express/Cookbook Specialists/Jumbo Jack’s offers high quality digital printing. We produce Newsletters, Postcards, Variable Data Mailings, Letterhead, Envelopes, Business Cards, Forms, Brochures, Flyers, Posters, Banners, Canvases, Labels, virtually anything printed on paper.
Our Cookbook division offers plastic coil bound, perfect bound or hard cover books. We also produce History, Veteran’s books, Class Reunion, Family Reunion books, just to name a few. UV coating, laminating, folding, and all bindery aspects to make your finished product shine!
Cookbook Project Manager
Jeanne Christensen, Cookbook Project Manager. Jeanne started working for Jumbo Jack’s in 1997 as a press operator. From the press room she moved into the PrePress Department, the “jack-of-all-trades” department. Soon, various other jobs were added, such as payroll, IT, typesetting and bindery. Eventually that morphed into General Manager. She loves every part of her job. There is always something new happening and she is constantly learning new things, which proves to her that no matter how old she gets, she can still learn! And thanks to Sheri and her crew, the merger with Cookbook Specialists in 2021 went very smoothly. It has been a very positive move for all involved and she still loves every part of her job!
On a personal note Jeanne says, “I live in Audubon with my husband and our toy poodle, Buddy. The rest of our family (my husband’s son, wife and daughter) live in southern Colorado, so we try to get out there as often as possible to see them.”
Cookbook Design & Layout
Julia Leisinger, Cookbook Design & Layout. Julia has lived in Waverly most of her life. She worked at the same printing company for nearly 37 years before settling into the design and layout department for the last 30 years. In 2018, she started a new and exciting journey with Print Express. Julia, her husband (and their dog) are empty-nesters, but they love to get together with family and friends and just have fun.
Bindery Supervisor
Tara Groth, Bindery Supervisor, came to Iowa after living in Wisconsin and Minnesota most of her life. She and her roommate enjoy riding Harley motorcycles and spending time with family.
Tara has worked in bindery in the Printing Industry for over 23 years. Tara’s attention to detail and making sure the customer is happy with their product is second to none. She prides herself on assuring that only top quality products are shipped out. In addition to bindery experience, Tara has a vast knowledge of best shipping practices and packaging materials for shipping.
Production Specialists
Nancy (Danehy) Sligh, Production Specialist, grew up in Independence, Iowa. Nancy moved to the Atlanta, Georgia, area from 1988-2013, and then returned to Iowa. In her spare time Nancy loves spending time with her four-legged furry friends, her kids and grandchildren. Nancy and her boyfriend enjoy watching the Waterloo Bucks’ baseball games, going to dirt track racing, kayaking and spending time outdoors. Her favorite indoor activities including baking, collecting and looking for antique/vintage cookbooks and kitchen items.
Nancy has over 21 years of printing experience. Nancy is very detail oriented and enjoys working with clients. She does everything from answering the phones, helping clients, imposing and printing the projects as well as helping in bindery and all other areas as needed. Nancy is always upbeat and has a smile on her face!
Graphic Designer
Zach Letzring grew up in North West Iowa and graduated from Grand View College with a BA in Graphic Design and Fine Arts. When not at work Zach enjoys spending time with family and friends. He currently lives in Oelwein with his wife and children.
Part Time Bindery Assistant
Leah Bonefas, Part Time Bindery Assistant, is married and has one daughter. In her spare time Leah enjoys reading, cooking and playing with her cats.
Leah has great attention to detail and enjoys seeing the printed projects come to life! Leah helps with all aspects of punching, assembling and finishing cookbooks, history books and other bindery projects.
Part Time Bindery Assistant
Kyle Eilers, Part Time Bindery Assistant, enjoys bicycling, playing piano, The Green Bay Packers and traveling.Kyle is very detail oriented and takes pride in his work. Kyle sets daily goals and accomplishes them! He is very driven to make sure due dates are met and has a great sense of humor. Kyle is a huge asset to our team.
Digital Administrator
Lea Ann has worked in the print world in a handful of capacities. She has been working with cookbook publications since 2013 primarily focused on customer service. She has written blogs including several for Cookbook Specialists.
When she’s not working on cookbooks Lea Ann spends time in her vegetable and flower gardens and loves sketching and painting. She lives on a small acreage with her husband, son, cats (Moose & Sunny), dog (Cooper) and 9 unruly chickens
Exceptional Service
Cookbook Specialists is renowned for its personalized, Iowa Nice service. Reach out! We can help with your cookbooks for fundraisers.
Flexible & Easy
Whether you’re comfortable designing your book online or would really rather order on the phone, Cookbook Specialists is prepared to assist you.
Competitive Pricing
We offer exceptional products and services at competitive prices. Our financing options can help make your project even more affordable.
Proven Expertise
With 10 million completed products, Cookbook Specialists is truly a standout among cookbook publishers for fundraising. Trust our experts!