Troy Johnson grew up in a print shop.

“At age 12, I worked there every Saturday,” said the owner and manager of Modlin Printing & Office Supply Co. in Smithfield. “By the time I could get a ride there after school, it was every day.”

Johnson’s longtime commitment has paid off. Modlin Printing was the recipient of the Business of the Year award from the Isle of Wight-Smithfield-Windsor Chamber of Commerce.

“It’s quite an honor,” Johnson, 46, said. “We’ve been here for such a long time and do our best to provide an excellent service.”

Johnson’s father, Ray Johnson, learned the printing trade while working in Franklin at The Tidewater News. Johnson bought the business in 1993 from his father.

“After buying his first print shop in Suffolk in 1963, he began buying and selling print shops like most people buy and sell used cars,” Johnson said. “But apparently this shop was worth holding on to.”

Johnson bought the business in 1993 from his father.

The award was bestowed during the chamber’s annual meeting and 25th anniversary celebration on Thursday at a garden party gala hosted by Smithfield Foods at Smithfield Center.

This year’s speaker and award presenter was C. Larry Pope, president and CEO of Smithfield Foods.

The award is given to a Chamber member who exhibits steady growth of business, innovation and diversity of product, response to adversity and contribution to the community, according to a Chamber press release.

“Modlin Printing shows their commitment to the community through donations of printing products and services to many non-profit organizations, including this one,” the press release said. “As well, they partner with a regional women’s shelter through in-kind services and cash donations.”

Modlin is located in the former Merchants and Farmers Bank on Main Street in Smithfield and provides printing services of all types to local customers as well as businesses up and down the eastern seaboard.