Today we’d like to introduce you to Ben Naughton.
Hi Ben, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
I got into the large format print industry back in Omaha, NE working as a shipping clerk for a great company called Renze Display in 2008. I was still trying to figure out what I wanted to do as a realism artist and commercial digital graphics and displays seemed to be the most secure direction to go for a stable career where I could use my talents. I accepted a position with Renze to learn more about the industry and also work my way up. I worked my way into many different roles there that helped shape what I would eventually become as a business owner. My wife and I decided it was time for a change and moved to Austin in May of 2017. I got a job as a sales person at Austin SignCo and have been here ever since. My wife and I purchased the business and took over Austin SignCo in February of 2022. We are now working our way through our 5th year.
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
We’ve certainly had our fair share of challenges a very new business owners in 2022 and even now with much more wisdom in year 5. The biggest challenges we face stem from the usual areas such as employee related issues and challenges, setting strict budgets and maintaining profitability in an ever changing economical climate, trusting in our providers/suppliers to be transparent with us and inform us in ways that help eliminate mistakes, etc. While I certainly have a ton of product knowledge and how to apply it in any given scenario, I did not have a lot of knowledge with the backend of running the business, such as HR and Accounting. We have really come a long way in these past few years and we are always continuing to learn more as we go.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
Austin SignCo is a Large Format print shop first and foremost, but we also offer anything from business cards to buildings signs. The only thing we do not currently offer is apparel and promotional items with branding. We have a full staff of creative minds with years of experience in the industry. Commercial vehicle wraps continue to be our biggest seller year after year, but it only holds about 25%-30% of our total work. We offer design assistance when it comes to layout/proofing for many of our products at no additional cost, unless of course it a more of a logo from scratch type of scenario.
How can people work with you, collaborate with you or support you?
We are open to walk-in clients as well as B2B relationships. Our process is very collaborative and all of the signage is made to order custom items. We love working with other businesses and is our primary focus here at Austin SignCo. My wife and I are both in BNI chapters and is a big part of our focus right now.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.austinsignco.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/austinsignco/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AustinSignCo
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@theaustinsignco
