The Signs of Business

AmeriStamp Sign-A-Rama Evansville, Indiana

We are proud members of the world’s largest sign franchise, Sign-A-Rama. With nearly 1000 independently owned and operated stores in over 40 countries, Sign-A-Rama is truly Where The World Goes For Signs. Sign-A-Rama has been a wonderful operation of which to be a part. Since joining Sign-A-Rama in 1997 we have consistently found that the help provided through this family of small business owners has been a great resource.

For us in Evansville, Indiana, 2010 was a great year. I got to thinking about what the rest of our sign family thought of 2010 so I sent out a quick email to several owners and corporate personnel from around the world. Here are their highlights of 2010:

Bob Chapa – Sign-A-Rama Detroit, Michigan

Bob and Melissa Chapa - Detroit Sign-A-Rama

From a business perspective, we have seen a much appreciated leap in the economy here in Detroit. Looking back on the entire year, we have been forced to take a good hard look at our bottom line expenses and redevelop our goals. This has worked wonders to bring our focus onto the important topics, and of course keeping our customers happy. Our team environment has strengthened more than we could have ever expected as everyone understands the need to huddle together and “get the job done”. Overall, 2010 has been a tricky year to navigate… but one that has helped to shape us for success like we never intended!

On a personal side, having a family owned small business during tricky economic times has its share of ups and downs. By far the best thing that has happened to us in 2010 was the need for my wife to get more involved in the day to day operations of the business. We are coming into our tenth year of marriage, and nothing could have brought us closer than feeling the need to rely on each other and lean on the other person through tough times. She has been amazing both at home and at work. I have a whole new love for Melissa!

Mike Reese – Sign-A-Rama Ventura, California

Mike and Laura Reese - SignARama Ventura California

Check out Sign-A-Rama Ventura’s website and LinkedIn.

The best thing to happen to SignARama Ventura, CA in 2010 was we moved the business nearly doubling our square footage while cutting our rent by 40%. At the same time we have enjoyed an increase of almost 20% in volume over the previous year!

The best thing to happen to me personally in 2010 was I competed in the California Bass Championship at Clear Lake, CA., the first tournament circuit I have fished as a professional. Thanks to our Sign A Rama team, I was able to take a week away from the store and just fish! [Ed. note: check out their website for pics of the boat they wrapped for the tournament.]

Evan Foster – United Franchise Group Australia Director

Evan Foster, UFG Australia Director

Follow Evan on twitter, and LinkedIn and have a look at Sign-A-Rama Australia.

Best Personal Event of 2010: The birth of my second daughter Claudia, another little sparkling personality. If I look into the future I can see ballet recitals, fending off boyfriends and never being able to get into my own bathroom (or maybe having to build a second one!).

Best Business Event of 2010: Forcing myself to get engaged with Social Media, and some of the relationships that I have forged as a result. I’ve learnt so much new stuff like: marketing strategy from @nataliegiddings, franchise financial analysis from @kategroom and search engine optimisation tips from @signaramaEVV [Ed. note: Aww shucks.]. Turning on TweetDeck in the morning is like going to University every day (except for the irresponsible, drunken early 20’s behaviour!)

Vanessa Dellatezza – Sign-A-Rama Baltimore, Maryland

Sign-A-Rama Baltimore owned by Vanessa Dellatezza

The best thing that happened to my business in 2010 is that I felt hope. Since I opened in 2008, the prospect of being a small business owner in these challenging times really impacted me. I questioned my sanity for opening a business, and was fearful about my business surviving. I learned to take things in stride, and live for today instead of worrying about last week, yesterday, and next week. I learned to celebrate the milestones and not to dwell on the negative. For the first time, I started to feel comfortable with my decision to quit a very good career to start my own business. I started to feel hope for the future. The best part of this journey has been my personal gain. I have learned there are a lot of other women business owners who are small business owners and are going through the same challenges that I am going through. These women are my customers and my colleagues. They have become my very good friends. I cannot tell you how rewarding that has been!

Chris Duncan – Sign-A-Rama Kingstown, Ontario

Chris Duncan Sign-A-Rama Kingston, Ontario

Personal: 2010 has been a rebuilding year for the relationship with my 20 year old son. Stephen lives in Montreal with my first wife and the last couple of years have been a little rocky. This fall Stephen made time to travel 4 hours to Kingston and we spent a wonderful weekend visiting family and friends that he had not seen in some time. Although Linda and I have made many trips to Montreal this is the first time in 2 years that Stephen has been to Kingston. We stay in close contact weekly now and the bond is being restored.

Business: Attending 2010 World Expo has to rank as the best business thing that has happened in 2010. Both Linda and myself got a chance this year to build strong relationships with fellow store owners and vendors. The knowledge and support that we gained at EXPO propelled us into a very large multi-year contract with the City of Kingston that continues to pay dividends every month with new contacts, referrals and closed business.

Dawn Homa – Sign-A-Rama Lakewood, Colorado

Dawn Homa Welcoming you to Sign-A-Rama Lakewood, Colorado

Personal: Working 12 hours + each day to stay ahead of or at least even with last year was taking its toll on my mind and body. When several friends and business associates suffered serious health issues, I realized I needed to find my happy place and make changes in my life. I now have a “Bucket List” of places and things I want to see and do. I also stopped associating with negative-minded people. I feel more grounded and purposeful in my business and personal life. Oh… and my husband and staff are happier, too!

Business: The best part of 2010 was that we had to quickly and efficiently determine what the best use of every dime was that came in. We updated our web site, and created a facebook page. We created some new marketing campaigns which included assisting nonprofit organizations with discounted or free signs. The joy of these organizations to get help with their marketing efforts really gives you and your staff an emotional boost.

We purchased a Laser Engraver this year and it was the best investment ever! It enabled us to make fun and creative dimensional signs from all kinds of materials. Our customers love the products and we are constantly challenging ourselves on what we can fabricate.

Overall, 2010 was a year to assess what really matters in my personal and business life and it was the best thing that could have happened to me and my business.

We hope that everyone is able to enjoy the holidays, relax with your friends and family, and cherish those things that are truly important in life. It may sound cliched by now but: “No one on their deathbed has ever said, ‘I wish I spent more time at the office.’” Let’s have an amazing 2011!

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