A successful wrap career

by carly_mchugh | 8 April 2024 2:00 pm

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.

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?

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.

Source URL: https://www.signmedia.ca/a-successful-wrap-career/

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