This is the first and only book dedicated to this popular and growing segment of the sign and vehicle graphics industries. Craig Campbell offers the benefits of his years of experience with vinyl products, ...
Matthew Rolli shuttered his shop, but enjoys his new role
| Tweet |
By Steve Aust
Matthew Rolli, a 16-year, sign-industry veteran, operated his own shop, Adcraft Custom Signs (Hudson, WI), for eight years. At its peak, he employed 11 people. However, in the summer of 2008, he began noticing a significant drop-off in orders and timely payment. After several months of struggling to meet financial obligations, Rolli shuttered Adcraft in March 2009.
Three months later, he found a job with CD Products, a Waconia, MN-based shop that produces monument and building signage and digitally printed graphics, among other types. There, he serves as a sales rep and consultant. One mutual benefit, of his experience and CD Products’ resources, is the broadening of the company’s portfolio to include more 3-D, routed signage. Although he appreciates the lessons he learned as a business owner, he doesn’t seek a return to being his own boss.
“As an owner of my own shop, the things I enjoyed most were working with clients to see projects through to completion, exploring new solutions and possibilities, and growing new business,” Rolli said. “In my current position, I experience the same satisfaction, and my experience helps me make decisions with an eye towards profitability and efficiency. My stress level is a lot lower. My family agrees. What I miss most is the opportunities to travel and learn more about the craft through the Letterheads. I regard closing my own shop as the end of a chapter, and I’m happily moving on to new phase in my life and career.”
Did you enjoy this article? Click here to subscribe to the magazine.
