Today we’d like to introduce you to Jim Santoro.
Jim, can you briefly walk us through your story – how you started and how you got to where you are today.
My wife, Zackari and I started the business as SecondLife Exhibits in 1991 selling used Tradeshow Displays on consignment. We received them into our warehouse, sold them to new clients, and refurbished them to meet the needs of the new client. We also installed new graphics.
That’s where the name came from. Over the years we have transitioned to new displays. We are the local distributor for several national display manufacturing companies such as “Classic Exhibits,” and “Abex Displays.” We focus on aluminum frame displays with tension fabric or rigid graphic insert panels. We also provide storage and repair in between shows.
Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
The Tradeshow industry is inherently complex. Understanding the role of many contractors involved with each show and each display from freight to set up to av and more is important to creating a good show site experience for our client.
Display design is constantly changing with new styles and materials for displays and graphics. We keep up with the newest trends and work with manufacturers that offer the best products. Our attention to detail with show logistics and display components has made our customers’ experiences both efficient and enjoyable.
When we entered the trade show industry in the early 80’s, social media didn’t even exist. Since then the need for digital marketing has grown substantially. SL Exhibits has begun to create its own digital footprint; but I feel we can continue to grow.
Please tell us about SL Exhibits.
As founder of the business I’m involved in the day to day management, but I’m also the project manager. With 25 years of experience, I try to be sure that our clients are prepared for whatever may come up at the show. I believe our clients are very happy with the lack of last minute, stressful phone calls looking for that last piece.
If you had to go back in time and start over, would you have done anything differently?
I would focus more on just managing the business and add and train more staff to perform each piece of the puzzle. A good training program is critically important.
Contact Info:
- Address: SL Exhibits
82 Sanderson Ave
Lynn, MA - Website: SLExhibits.com
- Phone: 781-596-7455
- Email: jsantoro@slexhibits.com, Sales@SLExhibits.com
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