Beacon Images/Manitoulin Signs also specializes in fleet graphics for local businesses.
How have you continued to evolve your vehicle graphics business?
JP: In 2012 and 2013, we had the opportunity to train with some of the best wrap trainers in the industry, Vaughan and Brandon Blancher, through 3M’s wrap training program. Thanks to their excellent instruction and encouragement, I became one of the first women in Canada to complete the training and testing and achieved my preferred graphic installer designation in 2013. Our shop was also recognized as a select graphic provider, and in 2019, we became a member of the Auto Trim Group of Canada.
We have two staff members who are ready to take the tests for their vehicle graphics installer certification. We’re big believers in sending staff to training courses to increase their product knowledge and skill development.
How have requests for vehicle graphics changed over the years?
BP: In the early days, we had lots of requests for cut vinyl lettering, which later evolved to full-colour decals and lettering. Now, we get many more requests for full-colour wraps and colour changes.
Today, we offer four categories of vehicle graphics: full-colour commercial wraps, commercial lettering and decals, custom full-colour personal wraps, and full colour change personal wraps.
Do you install a lot of fleet graphics?
JP: We get calls for quotes on fleet graphic installations from Sudbury, Sault Ste Marie, and other locations throughout northern Ontario. However, our primary focus is our customer base here on Manitoulin Island.
What are some of the types of vehicles you have wrapped/decaled?
BP: We’ve been fortunate to wrap just about everything, from emergency medical services (EMS) vehicles and First Nation Anishinaabe police cruisers to a wide variety of boats, cars, trucks, sports utility vehicles (SUVs), cube vans, trailers, and food trucks.
Our market is different here than in the city. Businesses on the island tend to keep their vehicles longer, and most of our wrap installations are designed for long-term durability. We’ve recently noticed an increase in individuals wanting to do full-colour wraps on their personal vehicles.
Are there any tips you would give to a shop who is considering adding vehicle graphics to its product line?
Their expanded inksets make it easier to achieve specific brand palettes, as well as hard-to-hit colours such as orange and green.
JP: I would encourage anyone who is new to vehicle graphics to invest in training courses and to practise what you learn on your own vehicles. It’s also important to test different materials to see how they hold up under various conditions.
Be sure to choose quality materials and use a high-quality printer for the best colour and durability results. Don’t be in a hurry—if you rush, you may skip steps. Lastly, invest in your staff, educate them, and reward them.
Why do you think customers choose your shop for vehicle graphics?
BP: Here in the north, it’s all about reputation. Our customers know we’ll take good care of them, use quality materials and equipment, and take our time to do the job right. They also know if they have a problem, we’ll fix it without a hassle.
What production equipment do you use for your vehicle graphics?
JP: We’re using a 1,625.6-mm (64-in.) eco-solvent, wide-format printer/cutter with cyan, magenta, yellow, and black (CMYK), plus light cyan, light magenta, light black, and orange inks. This gives us access to a wide range of colour options.
What lies ahead for Beacon Images/Manitoulin Signs?
JP: Our company is in a great position, with state-of-the-art equipment and well-trained staff. We’ll continue to offer our customers great products and services.
That said, Bob and I have discussed the possibility of retiring and selling our business. We’d love to see someone else take the wheel and continue to grow the company into the future.
Ginny Mumm is a freelance consultant for digital inkjet printer/cutter provider Roland DGA. For more information, visit www.rolanddga.com.
