Today we’d like to introduce you to Bill Mann.
So, before we jump into specific questions about the business, why don’t you give us some details about you and your story.
I had a small advertising company, mostly developing web and print work. When not working (and often when I should have been working) I spent a lot of time messing around in boats. I had some sailing and fishing buddies ask me to help design their boat names. After doing a handful, I decided to get a plotter to cut the boat names in-house. That side work eventually became the bulk of our work, and over time, as our services, product range and customer reach expanded, turned into what is now a full-time graphics shop.
We’re always bombarded by how great it is to pursue your passion, etc – but we’ve spoken with enough people to know that it’s not always easy. Overall, would you say things have been easy for you?
When I thought the seasonality of doing boat names in the Northeast would be a short-lived profession, I took a Creative Director position with an apparel company. That lasted for several years, but eventually that company went out of business, and I found myself looking for another job. After a year of networking and sending out resumes, I picked back up with boat names when the busy season came around. And still, with no luck finding a job, I was kind of funneled back into the vinyl graphics side of life. I partnered with a friend and we set out to build and expand the business. We de-partnered (a good thing all around), and I continue to build the business now.
A few years in, speed bumps in the road of business could sometimes feel like one long rumble strip, but somewhere along the line (it seems that dues had to be paid first), it was like a switch got flicked, the phone started ringing and, knock on wood, keeps ringing. There are slow periods, as with any business, but they seem to be getting further apart and last for less time.
So, as you know, we’re impressed with Vinyl GraphicWorks – tell our readers more, for example what you’re most proud of as a company and what sets you apart from others.
Vinyl GraphicWorks is a full-service visual image solutions company based in Marblehead. We help small business owners build their business. Our primary objective is providing the highest possible return on investment. We’ve expanded our product offering, from the days of doing boat names for friends, to include all sorts of products and services. These days we do a lot of corporate work, graphics for vehicles, storefronts, small business signage, banners, large format printing, and the list goes on. But still, closest to my heart is designing, producing and installing graphics for boats. I love the interaction with the boat owners and delivering a product they’ll love for their years of ownership. It’s a very personal process, and I’m honored to be part of it. I feel the most reward when customers appreciate our finished product which we arrived at together, in partnership.
So, what’s next? Any big plans?
The road forward seems to set its own pace. As much as you’d like to control it, you can’t always. Fortunately, each year has been busier than the last, and we’re going to keep moving forward. We’re about to expand into new office space to accommodate more equipment. And plan on ramping up during the busy season with more support staff. I’m looking forward to partnering with installers and designers as the business grows.
Contact Info:
- Address: Marblehead, MA
- Website: https://vinylgraphicworks.com
- Phone: 781-631-7815
- Email: bill@vinylgw.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/vinylgraphicworks
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/VinylGraphicWorks
- Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/vinyl-graphicworks-marblehead
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