We were lucky to catch up with THAD NELSON recently and have shared our conversation below.

THAD, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today Let’s jump right into the heart of things. Outsiders often think businesses or industries have much larger profit margins than they actually do – the reason is that outsiders are often unaware of the biggest challenges to profitability in various industries – what’s the biggest challenge to profitability in your industry?

Quite simply, inflation. The prices of products and materials we purchase as a sign and graphics company have increased tremendously over the past couple of years and there seems to be no end in sight. In short that means those increases will have to be passed on to the customer, so it’s a no win for everyone, which is not what we would choose to do. Today many customers in our industry will simply pass on projects or opt for a less expensive option which often doesn’t suit their desires or needs.

As always, we appreciate you sharing your insights and we’ve got a few more questions for you, but before we get to all of that can you take a minute to introduce yourself and give our readers some of your back background and context?

I started in this industry approximately 35 years ago. I knew I was creative and loved art and graphics but I did not know how to make a living at it. I started working for a company as a general laborer and this company happened to have a screen printing department. It wasn’t long before I was promoted to that department and it set the spark to light the fuse. Within a few short years, I had immersed myself in the graphics & printing industry and not long after had started my first printing business. The Graphics Group specializes in digital print graphics such as vehicle graphics, wall murals and window graphics. We also design, fabricate & install dimensional letters as well as ADA and way finding signage. We have an in-house, full service design department for handling everything from designing logos to complete company sign packages. As far as problem solving, companies have a need for signs and graphics and our team works closely to ensure their needs are met. From initial site surveys, through production and installation, we are there to answer questions as well as guide and direct them towards solutions to fit their needs. The Graphics Group is most proud of the relationships we have built over the years. We have always stated and will continue to state that we are here to help our clients. The money comes and goes, but the true legacy is having integrity and knowing that you have treated people right.

We’d love to hear a story of resilience from your journey.

First of all, starting a business is not for the weak of heart. There are many obstacles you will face and you need to find the courage and the strength to push through. After a few short years of starting my first business, I went through some hard times to say the least. These challenges affected my business tremendously. I found myself downsizing my life and living in my office. Ultimately, this version of my business did not last but I knew in the back of my mind that I wasn’t out of the game for good. I needed time to reinvent myself, gain my self confidence back and within another few years, started The Graphics Group which is still growing strong to this day.

How do you keep your team’s morale high?

The best advice on managing your team is to always give credit where it is due. We live in a society where criticism is the first thing off of our tongues but it does not induce a productive staff. I always believe in rewarding individuals for hard work & improvements. There’s not enough of that in this world today. With that said, I also feel that people shouldn’t be babied. When you’re an adult and have a job to do, you should conduct yourself as such. It helps to have a company that the work we produce happens to be fun to start with. But again you should just treat people the way you want to be treated which for most people that would simply be: good.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.thegraphicsgroup.us
• Instagram: the6raphics6roup
• Facebook: The Graphics Group
• Youtube: The Graphics Group