By Kate Bartlett
Located in Jamestown, NY, Myers Pen Co. (MPC) is a family-run business known for crafting unique, hand-turned fountain pens. Led by Allen Myers and his sons Chris and Tristan, they specialize in affordable, high-quality pens and pen blanks with unique resin pours, providing a diverse range of models, personalized designs and excellent service to pen enthusiasts.
Allen started making pens about 10 years ago in 2016 as a hobby and for gift giving. He started with kit pens, and really enjoyed the process. His family joined him in his hobby, and they formed an official business. About 2 ½ years ago, Meyer’s Pen Co. transitioned to custom pens, making their own custom-poured resins and colorful dyes. The business grew organically, and now that Allen is retired, Meyer’s Pen Co. has become his full-time business.
The MPC core team is led by Allen, along with his two sons, Christopher and Tristan. “In addition to the core team, we are fortunate to have an extended family team that brings creativity and artistry to our operations”, says Allen. “Many of our finials are meticulously hand-painted and crafted by the women in our family, who also select color palettes and provide inspirational ideas for our custom resin-poured pen blanks.” Allen’s wife, Sheila, hand paints several of the blanks.
Currently, MPC offers 12 different models of pens and 500 varieties of blanks (small, solid poured resin prepared for crafters to shape into the body of a pen). “Our focus is on the creation of precision custom pens, says Allen. “We take great pleasure in collaborating with customers on custom pours. Our primary objective is to expand the fountain pen market by providing high-quality custom pens and pen blanks at competitive price points that appeal to a diverse customer base.”
Allen and the team listen to their customers, and frequently collaborate with them to create custom designs. “A recent customer wanted a pen that looked like coffee and cream. After we created it for her, it went on the market as the MK pen, taking her initials.” Many of their pens are named after Allen’s grandchildren, who enjoy having a part in the family business.
Myers Pen Co. features seasonal products, including colors that transition through the seasons, including fall and Christmas colors. “We’re always offering something new and different to their customers,” says Allen “They’re paying for a piece of functional art. It’s timeless and will last beyond a lifetime.” Many return customers have between 50-80 pens, including artists, collectors, estilophiles, and anyone who enjoys putting pen to paper. “We are so appreciative of our customers,” says Allen. “We aim to please each and every time; whether it’s your first pen, or your one hundredth.”
The MPC team attends several events each year, including the annual Pen Conference in Washington DC, which attracts around 30,000 attendees, in order to network, keep up on trends and explore new materials. “The trends have changed a bit over the years but we continue to produce high quality products,” says Allen.
Pursuing Allen’s passion has turned into a full-time business, but it doesn’t feel like work. “I love what I do, and I’m so grateful for that,” explains Allen. “We’re grateful to be a part of this community, and we’re thankful for every customer, near and far. I’m honored to be doing something I love, and to have turned it into a family-business is incredible.”
For more information, visit Myerspens.com and follow on social media. Myers Pen Co. is accepting commissions, email allenmyers66@gmail.com.