We recently connected with Terrance Hooks and have shared our conversation below.

Terrance, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. How did you scale up? What were the strategies, tactics, meaningful moments, twists/turns, obstacles, mistakes along the way? We’d love to hear the backstory the illustrates how you grew the firm
I began my career as a media sales professional (print, radio, tv production programming and out-of-home).

I became more motivated and confident that I could start a successful business after interviewing my prospective clients on how they got started.

Trans 1 Graphix Corp is heading into its 17 year and going strong as a out-of-home advertisement installation maintenance company to the transit bus, airport, light rail and tour bus industry.

In the beginning, I did not have any experience, role model or mentor to learn from.

As a manager for an outdoor transit bus advertising company, I met a number of graphic installers who installed for us and was not impressed with their overall professionalism. I always thought that if I had their business, I would run it totally different.

After speaking with a few of my colleagues regarding their graphic installers their frustrations and concerns mirrored mine. Months later, I resign my position and started preparing to start my company.

As a transit sales professional, I knew how to sale my services to other transit agencies or municipalities.

After I won my first contract in Indianapolis with Clear Channel Outdoor and learning on the job how to install graphics, I felt confident that I could do this in other cities.

Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers
Trans 1 Graphix Corp specializes in large format vinyl graphic installation.

* Mass Transit Bus Ad Installation

* Airport Advertising Maintenance

* Light Rail Graphic Installation

* Retail Signage – Windows, Wall Murals

* Rebranding Campaigns

* Tour Bus Wraps

* Fleet Graphics

Currently service 16 cities across the country.

How about pivoting – can you share the story of a time you’ve had to pivot?
During the pandemic, my business slowed down considerably due to cities shutting down until further notice. When cities reopened, business remained slow as advertising agencies held off buying outdoor media due to lack of travelers at the airport and on the road.

Since it seemed like this situation was going to be around for awhile, I started looking for solutions to help businesses and consumers.

I pivoted into the disinfectant business. I wanted to offer a unique, innovative and effective service to help control the virus.

I became a dealer with an innovative technology company that was testing a disinfectant drone with UV to kill microorganisms on contact. Additionally, I became a dealer with another that offer a clear anti-microbial film that is designed to kill organisms on most frequently touch surfaces.

The disinfectant drone was not as effective as the manufacturer would have liked so they pulled it from the market.

During the pandemic I tried to keep my employees on payroll regardless if we got paid or not.

Any advice for growing your clientele? What’s been most effective for you?
Our strategy with all of our clients is to try to always be available. When other contractors say no, we say yes.

We understand that we are an extension of our clients business and try to represent them well.

Because of our business model, we received a lot of referrals.

Contact Info:

• Website: thooks@trans1graphix.com
• Linkedin: Trans 1 Industries
• Youtube: Trans 1 Graphix Corp