Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Vee Meadows. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Vee, appreciate you joining us today. Coming up with the idea is so exciting, but then comes the hard part – executing. Too often the media ignores the execution part and goes from idea to success, skipping over the nitty, gritty details of executing in the early days. We think that’s a disservice both to the entrepreneurs who built something amazing as well as the public who isn’t getting a realistic picture of what it takes to succeed. So, we’d really appreciate if you could open up about your execution story – how did you go from idea to execution?

As an advocate for autism awareness, I have always sought innovative ways to promote understanding and inclusivity. Inspired to go beyond spreading awareness through music, I envisioned creating products that carry autism awareness messages. After conducting initial research, I discovered that items such as T-shirts, mugs, bags, and hats representing autism awareness were not widely available in the market. Recognizing this as an untapped opportunity, I decided to pursue this venture.

To bring this idea to life, I began by investing in printing equipment capable of handling a wide range of substrates. After thorough research and attending specialized classes, I selected the most suitable printing equipment. I also identified and acquired the machinery required to permanently affix prints onto items, ultimately purchasing four heat press units.

Next, I focused on building an inventory of substrates, including hats, T-shirts, mugs, tumblers, and other customizable products. To finance my business, I utilized a combination of small loans and income from my full-time job. As I acquired equipment and materials, I stored them in a secure storage facility.

Finding the right location for the business was crucial. I selected a building situated at a busy intersection along a main street, ensuring high visibility and accessibility. Preparing the space for operations was a significant undertaking. Balancing this effort with my regular job, I dedicated about a year to readying the building for my print shop.

Today, the shop is operational, offering services by appointment and during limited hours. While the journey required time, effort and perseverance, I am proud to contribute to autism awareness through this unique and meaningful initiative.

Vee, love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?

As a dedicated professional with over 17 years of service as a bus operator for San Diego’s Metropolitan Transit System (MTS), my journey to MTS began after losing my trucking business during the recession.

Seeking stability and a new direction, driving for the company became a career. In 2016, a chance conversation about autism with coworkers sparked a passion that would change the course of my life.

Inspired by the stories of children with autism, I came out of retirement as a musician, writing and producing the song called “Born This Way” to raise awareness. My efforts culminated in a successful campaign, winning a contest that raised $50,000 for the Autism Society of America. This milestone solidified my commitment to advocacy, using my talents to spread awareness both locally in San Diego and nationally through performances.

Currently, I operate a custom T-shirt print shop that supports my advocacy efforts. Proceeds from the shop help provide AngelSense tracking devices to families of children with special needs. These devices offer GPS tracking, assistive speakerphone capabilities, proactive alerting, and ensuring the safety and well-being of vulnerable individuals.

At our shop, we specialize in creating custom t-shirts, mugs, tumblers, bags, and a wide variety of other personalized items tailored to your specific needs. We pride ourselves on delivering high-quality printing services for virtually any project. What sets us apart is our commitment to giving back— a portion of every purchase supports a meaningful cause, allowing you to make a positive impact while meeting your printing needs.

In addition to my entrepreneurial efforts, I am developing a YouTube segment called “The Veeality Show.” The show will combine humor and social impact by featuring pranks involving my mannequin while promoting a message of anti-bullying with the slogan, “Be a Superhero, report bullying.”

With a goal to expand my business and eventually employ individuals with disabilities, I remain deeply committed to making a lasting impact in the special needs community.

Can you share one of your favorite marketing or sales stories?

In the realm of marketing, I pride myself on being a creative and innovative individual who consistently stands out from the crowd.

A few years ago, I invested in a mechanical realistic looking mannequin (animatronic) capable of running, which I customized by dressing it in various superhero costumes. I began with two different versions of Spider-Man and later added characters such as G.I. Joe, The Grinch, Batman, and Deadpool.

To further enhance my marketing efforts, I transformed my personal vehicle into a company asset. I taught myself how to wrap the vehicle in a striking two-tone blue and white chrome finish and used my own equipment to design and apply custom lettering and decals.

I then took it a step further by engineering a custom hitch that allowed me to attach the running mannequin to the vehicle. This unique idea, which had never been done before, garnered significant attention. Whenever I drive the vehicle, it consistently attracts onlookers who capture photos and videos, often leading to viral exposure. This one-time investment has resulted in advertising that reaches an international audience.

This success aligns with my proactive approach to promotion, particularly during events like San Diego Comic-Con, where I showcase my creativity to a receptive audience. Knowing I pioneered such an impactful marketing tactic with a simple yet bold idea is deeply rewarding.

Can you talk to us about your experience with selling businesses?

In 1993, I launched a carpet cleaning business within the apartment complex where I was living at the time. Initially, I served my neighbors, but the quality of my work quickly gained attention, leading to referrals and an expanding customer base throughout the complex and beyond. This growth necessitated the purchase of a van to accommodate the transportation of cleaning equipment.

By 1996, my dedication and professionalism earned me a contract with the United States Navy, providing cleaning services for all of their MWR (Morale, Welfare, and Recreation) facilities throughout San Diego.

In 1999, I obtained a Class A commercial driver’s license to capitalize on an opportunity to start a trucking business delivering for a major logistics company. At that point, I transitioned my cleaning business by transferring the Navy contract to another company that specialized in providing employment opportunities to at-risk youth.

After successfully building the trucking business, I sold it four years later to pursue a career in music. This experience taught me a valuable lesson: securing government contracts significantly increases the value and marketability of any business, regardless of its size or age.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.anautismplace.com
• Instagram: @vrsatylspeaks4us
• Facebook: @VrsatylSpeaks4Us
• Youtube: @VrsatylSpeaks4Us
• Other: TikTok @VrsatylSpeaks4Us