Today we’d like to introduce you to Ben Nosek.
So, before we jump into specific questions about the business, why don’t you give us some details about you and your story.
After seven years in the financial services industry, I needed a change. I enrolled at Gibbs College, earning Associates Degrees in both Graphic Design and Digital Media Production. After graduating, I found myself back in finance, but this time as a graphic designer. From there I went on to work in the printing, mailing and technology industries. Flexibility was ultimately the driving motivator for me to leave my corporate job and venture out on my own as a freelance graphic designer. At the time, my son was 6 months old and my wife was returning to work in a demanding occupation. I needed more flexibility in my schedule. Three years later I am still running my own business offering design, print, mail, promotional items, apparel (silkscreen / embroidery) and video services. It’s been an excitingly nerve racking experience, but one I wouldn’t change.
Most of my business has come through referrals or word of mouth. Connecting with former contacts and letting them know I was available to help with design or video projects was a key to getting started. I strive to be responsive to client requests and follow up with referrals as quickly as I can. In speaking with potential clients, I was shocked to learn that their calls to other designers usually went unreturned. I quickly realized this was a differentiating factor for my business, and made it a priority of my approach. Through this approach I have been able to create a diverse client base that spans industries such as technology, education, insurance, law, government agencies, entertainment, non-profit, health & wellness, real estate, and investment banking.
Has it been a smooth road?
There are always hiccups as a business owner, but I’ve turned them into learning experiences and have emerged stronger on the other side, armed with more knowledge to conquer similar situations that may arise.
Saying yes to every project that came my way often ended in frustration if the scope of the project was beyond my capabilities. There were times I struggled to figure out programs I wasn’t versed in, or got myself in over my head with a complicated project I had no experience with. Over the years I have built relationships with vendors and other creative professionals who have more experience in certain areas. Creating partners in the industry has been a great way to fill those gaps and offer more services while continuing to concentrate on the creative avenues at which I thrive.
So, as you know, we’re impressed with Graflix – tell our readers more, for example what you’re most proud of as a company and what sets you apart from others.
Graflix is a creative solutions company located just outside of Boston, MA. At Graflix, I create compelling graphical solutions for both print and video, customized for companies of all sizes. We handle all aspects of your project, from initial ideas and concepts to project completion and final distribution. Graflix can help promote your business with an online commercial, direct mail campaign, marketing materials, promotional items or apparel (screen print or embroidery).
What do I do?
Promotional Products: Choose from 1,000’s of items to Attract New Customers, Reward Clients, Build Brand Awareness, Hand Out at Trade Shows, Fill the Swag Bag, and Increase Employee Morale. Screen Printed or Embroidered Apparel for all occasions.
Corporate Printing: Annual Reports, Letterhead, Business Cards, Postcards, Brochures, Posters, Banners, Signs, Stickers, Custom Die Cutting, Greeting Cards, Presentation Folders, Booklets and more.
Graphic Design: Logo Design, Collateral Design, Ad Layouts, Flyers, Brochures, Mailers, Newsletters, Sales Presentation Folders/Packets, Book Covers, Desktop Publishing, Posters, Banners, Signs, Vector Conversions, T-shirt Design and more.
Video Production: Animation, Video Editing, Slides & Negative Conversion, Video Cassette Conversion, 8mm Reel Conversions, Photo Montage Video Keepsakes, Online Business Commercials, Filming & Photography Services, Corporate Video Production and more.
Direct Marketing: Addressing, Mailing, NCOA, Bulk Mail Discounts, Fast Envelope Printing, Every Door Direct Mail, Shared Ad Mail Program, Document Mail Merges, Tabbing, Folding, Inserting, Targeted Mailing Lists, Project Fulfillment and more.
I’m known for being responsive and offering quick turnaround times. I’m also a one-stop shop for businesses of all sizes looking for design help and production of marketing and promotional materials. I simplify the process for my customers by offering many services a business can utilize without having to source multiple vendors.
I’m fulfilled by the positive customer reactions to my creative work. Designing and producing marketing materials and promotional products a customer is proud of makes it all worthwhile.
What sets me apart from others? I would say my style and approach are what set me apart. I am responsive, easy to work with, and offer many greatly-needed creative services. I’m able to take clients creative needs and make them a reality.
Let’s touch on your thoughts about our city – what do you like the most and least?
Although I have clients outside Massachusetts, most of my clients are based in the Greater Boston Area. I have found working in Boston to be great for word of mouth and referral marketing. I’ve had the opportunity to make some really great contacts in the area who trust my capabilities and continuously speak highly of my skills to their network of professionals and business owners.
I definitely would recommend Boston to somebody looking to begin a creative services business. I would only warn them not to expect business to fall in their lap. A willingness to network and strong work ethic are essential to succeeding in this business.
Contact Info:
- Address: Greater Boston Area
- Website: www.graflix.com
- Phone: 617-298-3549
- Email: info@graflix.com
- Instagram: instagram.com/graflix_
- Facebook: facebook.com/graflix
- Twitter: twitter.com/graflix
- Yelp: yelp.com/biz/graflix-milton
- Other: behance.net/graflix
Image Credit:
Graflix
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