35 Years, One Community: The Kraus Family Behind Del Mar Blue

Let’s start with your story — how did the two of you meet, and what brought you both to Del Mar?
We met in high school in 1986 at Vista High School during our junior year in English class—that’s where our relationship began. We were both 16 years old at the time. Mike’s interest in printing started in high school when he ran a blueprint machine in his architecture class. This early experience led him to respond to a newspaper ad for a blueprint operator, and on May 23, 1990, he started working at Del Mar Blue Print Company, which was then owned by Lee and Mary Brothers. The company was originally founded by them in August of 1978. Mike worked under Lee until Lee retired in 2005, at which point we purchased the company. Since then, Del Mar Blue Print has remained a family-owned business—first by the Brothers family and now by the Kraus family. Maintaining that family environment has always been important to us. More than half of our team has been with us for over 10 years, and several have been with us for more than 20.

What inspired you to start or become involved in your respective businesses?
Mike’s passion for printing and building relationships with customers has been a constant. He graduated from Cal State San Marcos in 1998 with a Bachelor’s in Business Administration, which helped him deepen his understanding of the industry. Kelli, meanwhile, worked as Vice President of Human Resources at an environmental company for nearly 20 years, gaining valuable experience in business management and team building across domestic and international operations. She continued in that role until 2014 before dedicating herself full-time to Del Mar Blue Print Company.

How do you support each other professionally and personally while working in or running businesses within the same community?
We support each other by leaning on our individual strengths and work ethics. We stay updated on technology within our industry and divide responsibilities as needed to manage the many demands of running a small business. We also prioritize personal development and time to enjoy our hobbies.

In what ways do your businesses or roles complement each other within Del Mar Village?
Within Del Mar Village, our business roles naturally complement each other through our shared focus on strong relationships and excellent customer service. We also pride ourselves on being good neighbors within our community.

What’s a typical “day in the life” like for the two of you? Any shared routines or rituals?
We wake up at 4 AM every day—yes, really! It works for us. Interestingly, we drive separately to work, which gives us time to mentally prepare for the day and unwind afterward. Work-life balance is a priority. We enjoy walks along the River Path behind our business and love birdwatching. We also treasure time spent with friends and family, whether it’s dinner outings, pool parties, or milestone celebrations.

How do you stay grounded and connected as a couple while managing the demands of work and community involvement?
Staying grounded as a couple takes conscious effort. We are continuously inspired by the hard work of our team—the Del Mar Blue Crew. Their talent and dedication humble us. We also make time for each other’s interests. Mike is a long-time Padres fan, enjoys baseball and golf, and has recently taken up chess with coworkers. Kelli loves reading and gardening, especially tending to her plumerias, hydrangeas, roses, and gardenias.

What do you love most about being part of the Del Mar business community?
Being part of the Del Mar business community is incredibly meaningful. We value the longstanding relationships we’ve built, the rich history of Del Mar, and efforts to preserve its charm, including the San Dieguito River and our beautiful coastline.

Are there any specific moments or milestones in Del Mar that you’re especially proud of as a team?
We’re especially proud of two milestones this year: Mike’s 35th anniversary with Del Mar Blue and our 20th year of owning the company together.

What are your favorite spots or activities in Del Mar when you're not working?
When we’re not working, we love hanging out at Board & Brew with friends, enjoying lunch at the City of Del Mar park, grabbing coffee at Stratford Court Café, and visiting Torrey Pines State Beach—where Mike proposed to Kelli in February 1997. Dog Beach also holds a special place in our hearts, especially the memories of our beloved bullmastiff Bailey who passed in 2019.

What advice would you give to other couples considering going into business or working side-by-side in the same community?
Our advice to other couples considering going into business together: have a shared vision and align your core values. Celebrate even small wins, laugh often, and play to each other’s strengths. Balancing business and personal life is challenging but vital. Maintaining your identity and nurturing your relationship is just as important as growing your business.

How do you hope to continue contributing to the growth and vibrancy of Del Mar Village in the years ahead?
Looking ahead, we plan to continue supporting local businesses in Del Mar by providing signs, banners, and window coverings that help them thrive. We’re proud to partner with neighbors like Viewpoint Brewing, Del Mar Automotive, and RiverPath Chiropractic.

Is there anything else you’d love people to know about your journey together—personally, professionally, or as part of this community?
Lastly, a few fun facts: we love going to concerts and live performances, taking road trips up the California coast (Big Sur is a favorite), and supporting local theater. We’re also committed to breast cancer research and have participated in many 5Ks and 10Ks to support this cause close to our hearts.