Y Stories: No Dinx
The Albany-based printing and design company’s origins began at the Mid-Willamette Family YMCA.
Corey and Nina Barton, owners of No Dinx
No Dinx is known for its original designs, custom apparel, sign and banner printing, vehicle wraps, and more—yet, many might not know that the company’s origins began here, at the Mid-Willamette Family YMCA.
Corey Barton, owner and founder of No Dinx, described how the No Dinx name originated at the YMCA in the 1980s. Barton used to visit the Y several times a week—back when the gymnasium had a carpeted floor—to play pickup volleyball in the afternoons. Barton and the group he played with quickly became known as the “No Dinx” Volleyball Club.
From there, their organization grew. The No Dinx Volleyball Club had a graphic artist on their team, which encouraged them to design and produce shirts and sweatshirts to wear and sell. Barton said that, at first, their apparel was a hobby, but as interest grew, they decided to buy their own printing equipment. Before they knew it, they were also creating and selling YMCA shirts and designing garments for other groups and businesses. No Dinx—the company that exists in Albany today—was officially established in 1989.
Today, the business has 35 employees. Barton emphasized the importance of involvement in the Albany community as a small, local company.
“The community has supported us, and it’s very important to us, for our values, to be able to give back,” he said. “Even though we’re a small business—and there’s only so much we can do—we do as much as we can.” No Dinx has given back in the form of donations, partnerships, and sponsorships with local nonprofits, events, and organizations throughout the Mid-Willamette Valley.
Paris Barton, the marketing director of No Dinx, said that the company has a number of recurring sponsorships and partnerships that they are proud of, including work with Albany Pride, Greater Albany Public Schools, the Boys and Girls Club, the YMCA, and more. Each year, No Dinx also provides a college scholarship for a local student interested in art and design.
In May, No Dinx sponsored the Albany Community Carnival and Great Platypus Drop, a free event for local families hosted by the Mid-Willamette Family YMCA and the Albany Area Habitat for Humanity. They donated posters, yard signs, t-shirts, and billboard space to promote the event.
In total, No Dinx contributed $40,000 back to community organizations last year.
“That feels like such a huge amount to give back, and it feels like a true blessing to be in the position to do that,” Paris said. “We are super excited to be partnering with the same people as well as new people this year, and looking forward to the future and everything we can do to help grow the immediate community in Albany, as well as Corvallis, Lebanon, Sweet Home, and all these other places. It feels really amazing to be in the position to do that.”
For more information about No Dinx, visit their website: nodinx.com.
