Established in 1997, Beacon Images/Manitoulin Signs has vastly expanded into a one-stop shop for businesses and organizations on Manitoulin Island, Ont. Photos courtesy Beacon Images/Manitoulin Signs
By Ginny Mumm
When they launched Beacon Images/Manitoulin Signs on Manitoulin Island, Ont., Julie and Bob Pearson had experience with just about everything except signmaking. Julie had worked in bookkeeping, computers, banking, and real estate, while Bob had extensive sales and marketing experience in the logging and retail industries.
How did they end up running a successful sign shop, expanding their facilities twice, and building a thriving vehicle graphics business? We asked Julie and Bob these questions and more, including what lies ahead for the entrepreneurial couple.
Where did you get the idea to start Beacon Graphics/Manitoulin Signs?
Julie Pearson (JP): We started our shop in the spring of 1997—by accident. It was difficult finding year-round work on Manitoulin back then, and unless we could think of a business of our own to start, we would need to move off the island.
Since Bob had a background in sales and logging, we researched whether there was a market for cedar split rail fencing. He called several garden centres, and the interest was there. We decided to start a business and exhibit at the Manitoulin business trade show, but guess what we needed? Signs.
At the time, I was working for a computer company. A few years earlier, a client had asked my boss if we could source a vinyl cutter for them, and after some research, he sold them a 609.6-mm (24-in.) Roland DG CAMM 1. I was responsible for learning the software and training the client’s employees on how to use it.
Skipping forward to our new business, I asked the former client if we could use the cutter to make a sign. She said yes. However, when we arrived, she made us an unbelievable offer. She said we could take the cutter and work out payment options later, as long as we would cut snow machine registration numbers when she needed them.
We took the cutter home, and that’s how we started our sign business. We had no experience and no idea what the future would hold, but we were ready to learn and willing to give it our all. I remember Bob saying, “How many signs do you think we’ll actually sell?” I replied, “I don’t know. I guess we’ll see.”
Twenty-five years later, we’re still here.
What type of projects does your shop specialize in?
Bob Pearson (BP): We’re primarily a sign shop and a vehicle graphics facility. In 2019, we added an embroidery and imprinting capability, and at about the same time, we joined the Advertising Specialty Institute (ASI) to be able to offer promotional products. Now, we’re a convenient, easy, one-stop shop for local businesses and organizations.
What is your facility like today compared to when you started?
BP: Originally, we made signs in our living room and on our kitchen table, and we would decal vehicles in our driveway. To our surprise, business picked up quickly, and within a few short years, we were both able to quit our other jobs and focus our energy solely on our new venture.
We built a shop beside our home, and as we continued to grow, we tore down our house and built a new one with a walkout basement, allowing us to expand the business once again.
We now occupy an area of 130 m2 (1,400 sf) for production equipment in the lower portion of the house. The shop/garage is about 102.1 m2 (1,100 sf). It includes a vehicle bay and is used for wrap and graphic installation. The upper area, which is approximately 46.4 m2 (500 sf), is used for heat pressing and decorating apparel.
