You just never know quite what life is going to deal you. My business took a major hit today with the new sign package release from a major client that has just contracted all their signs to one company. In the past each of their retail stores were allowed to purchase their signs from whomever they wanted as long as they followed a sytem standard. I was marked as one of the preffered outlets. Being as how the new standard is a digitally printed Dibond I would not have been competitive in any case. Such is life. Because the system and direct spinoffs from it was about 50% of my gross sales, I'm finding myself in a position where there are some big decisions to be made. Add that to our decision to separate from the family farm and bring our son on board as well as some other major unknowns in my life right now has left me with the feeling of having had the carpet pulled out from under my feet.
Sometimes what seems bad may not really be.
There are a lot of big choices on my plate. For years I have talked of focusing more on glass and the Saskatchewan market is there for someone who can provide sandblasting and etching on glass. We are in the planning stages of building a new shop on our farm and now would be the time to incorporate the glass handling facilities into the building.
My heart tells me to focus more on my art. My pocketbook disagrees.
Or maybe I should just take early retirement and go and play with my grandkids. What do you think Dan?
Well I'm off to try and decal up a trailer in the wind...that may help the decision along greatly.
[ June 18, 2008, 01:24 PM: Message edited by: Kelly Thorson ]
Posted by Si Allen (Member # 420) on :
Kelly....I wish you the best of luck in whichever way that you decide to go!
Posted by Dan Sawatzky (Member # 88) on :
Life is a continuous series of crossroads it seems. Every time we get a little comfortable we come to a set of unexpected curves and then a fork in the road. Its about the big ups and downs too. I live in mountainous territory.
We can let these things overwelm us or simply embrace them to the fullest and enjoy the ride. Life is best lived without a map... and in my case without a compass either. It makes for an exciting journey to say the least.
While I'd sometimes like to think things should be as smooth as straight as a freeway, the reality is I find a bumpy, curvy and steep road much more exciting. With that excitement comes the severe ups and downs, breakdowns, big potholes in the road. As I get older I'm in much less of a hurry to get where I'm going too. Its about the journey.
In my case its more like off roading than a road of any type...
I want to act like I'm retired when it comes to playing with my grandchild, Phoebe... but also take on the exciting work when it comes... I want the best of all worlds.
Bumping along in Yarrow...
-grampa dan
Posted by Rene Giroux (Member # 4980) on :
Take a deep breath..........
...........then follow your heart!
I'm sure you'll be fine
Posted by Nancie W. Phillips (Member # 3484) on :
I agree with Rene...
Posted by Jean Shimp (Member # 198) on :
Kelley, Everything happens for a reason. Hang in there and follow the good advise to follow your heart. If the market is there for the glasswork, focus on that - it's what you want. Who knows, maybe the digital dibond won't pan out and they will come back to you for your signs. If your son wants to work with you his first assignment will be to find new work Posted by Sonny Franks (Member # 588) on :
If you set up for sandblasting, you're not just limited to glass or art pieces. And with the internet, you can market to the world.
I just lost a huge account that I've done every sign for 26 years (I used to tell the manager they put my daughter thru college) The new manager has another company he's been doing business with and I'm shut out of my ex-gravy train. Surprisingly, though, I'm as busy as I've always been. With your enthusiasm and finesse, you'll do fine......
[ June 18, 2008, 03:51 PM: Message edited by: Sonny Franks ]
Posted by Dale Feicke (Member # 767) on :
It happens, Kelly. It really hurts a smaller operation when the main account disappears. We had the same thing happen to us years ago, too. One of our old friends told us, "See, I told you not to put all your eggs in one basket". It was tough; at least 50% of our work.
But it made us stronger, more aggressive and we came out better off, after awhile. Many times,when we have an account like this, like Sonny's, we can become complacent; stop selling and promoting, and just get lazy. God has a purpose for everything in our lives. Where he closes one door, he opens a window. You have many talents, and maybe you need to focus on more of them.
Take advantage of the opportunity; use your son to help with decisions; play with the grandkids, and just let fun be a part of getting your new act together. Blessings to you and your family.
Posted by Mike Pipes (Member # 1573) on :
Well, maybe that account was a crutch that took up the time you needed to explore other facets of business, art and life, and now you can get crackin' on the important stuff! Posted by Lotti Prokott (Member # 2684) on :
Ouch, that hurts! I think you mentioned something about them changing their image but I didn't realize you would lose all their business. I guess the best advice is what the others already said, focus on what you love to do and find a way to make it profitable. Hopefully it will turn out to be a blessing in disguise.
Posted by Ian Stewart-Koster (Member # 3500) on :
I know the blow, and the feeling of emptiness, Kelly- but it's the rough bits that help one out in the long run, even though the view looks fuzzy while you're going over them- all the best with the new path!
Posted by Laura Butler (Member # 1830) on :
I second what Mike said.
Posted by Susan Banasky (Member # 1164) on :
Kelly, I agree with all the points the others have said. I used to rely on the fishing industry ....then they closed most of the fishing. I supplied many race cars, sponsors and did many signs for our local race track...they closed that down. I used to do a lot of sandwich boards/roadside billboards...the city made new bylaws outlawing those signs. I did a lot of signs for the logging industry....now that is drying up here with many mill closures in our area. I could go on, but my point is....something else always comes along.
I havelearned that things shift...they change. I have learned not to panic if the phone does not ring all the time, but to enjoy that time to do some fun projects (or just tidy the paperwork that needs doing). I have recently completed two funky bird houses with the help of my grandaughters. A few sign jobs trickle in....for fun I project an image on an old pump house in the yard. A few more sign jobs trickle in...today the grandaughters were helping me to paint a mural on that old pump house...a few more jobs have trickled in.
I guess what I am saying here, is that with the loss of your large account, things will change, but now you can have your cake and eat it too. You can plan for your new shop to include making signs, plus add a glass station (because you are good at it) and in your slower times simply enjoy your grandkids.
Sometimes, less is more. You still make signs, it pays the bills and allows you to play. In some of the extra spare time you can market your glass talents. I feel if you 'retire' from signs you will become bored. You are one who needs to act retired with your grandkids , but still needs that creative challenge (as Dan mentioned above)
Keep filling the sign orders that do come in while doing the other things. (No one has to know about that portion of your business changing...your customers need not know) The profit will be slightly less, but you will also have more time to pick up other jobs, plus enjoy life....it sounds like this loss could be a very good thing for you. I say, DON'T GIVE UP.... all will be fine....Follow your heart, your passions, PROFITS AND HAPPINESS WILL INCREASE.
Posted by David Harding (Member # 108) on :
From experience, I can second just about all of the above.
Small shops often end up with many of the eggs in the same basket. It’s nice when it’s working but can be scary when the situation changes. Sixteen years ago, 80% of my work came from one major real estate developer. I rode that horse a long ways, however, they realized how much I relied on them and when their market changed, they started dictating the pricing and terms to me and I had to part ways with them. They owe me twenty grand, which I’ll never see. The change was tough but it all worked out and allowed me to focus on other types of work that I wanted to do but didn’t have time for.
A nice thing about being small is that it’s easier to “hunker down” to weather the storms and doesn’t take as much work to get busy again. Large companies with huge obligations and high overhead aren’t nearly as nimble and can be destroyed when their market goes in the dumpster.
With the farm shop, you’ve got a nice working environment. If you can swing it, I’d do as the others suggested and go ahead with your shop renovation plans, including the glass shop–you have a real talent for that.
In a recent post, you said Saskatchewan is in an unprecedented boom. If that’s the case, try not to sweat this too much, there should be plenty out there that matches your abilities and passion.
And hug and play with the grandkids lots and lots–they're worth more than the whole business put together.
Posted by Neil D. Butler (Member # 661) on :
Hi Kelly! Honestley I can't say anything thats not already been said. But I truely hope the best for you, and as we say in Newfoundland, "May long your big jib draw" or smooth sailing.
Good Luck, I'm sure things will work out for you Kelly, you are a good person and good things happen to good people.
Posted by Shane Durnford (Member # 8125) on :
It does knock the air out of your sails when you get a sudden turn of events - disappointing to say the least. Downturns force me to diversify, acquire new skills and re-assess the market place. It's like a branch on a tree that stretches and grows - not a new beginning just a continuation in a different direction. I'm of a mindset if it's a struggle to stay in one spot your not being true to your destiny. I would follow your instincts and follow your passion. Now that you don't have those pesky orders you'll have time to pursue what your really meant to do. We're pretty much going through the same type of changes here in Creemore. All the best and full steam ahead.
Posted by Donna in BC (Member # 130) on :
Kelly, I haven't seen your enhanced photography for some time now. I was in awe when you first posted your work. Now THAT was a very creative direction! Don't forget to hone that one too.
When my one main account slows down, I always wonder what it would be like to no longer rely on them. For now I utilize the lulls to work on other overdue projects. For the future, it kind of scares me for nothing is forever. That's why my head is turning towards (gasp!) digital for the future. That's a BIG new step for little 'ol "old fashioned PNC 1000A Roland plotter" me!
Lately I've REQUIRED the lulls to help with the house project. I'm never on top of it and if I attempt to stay on top of it, funds run low so back to work I go.
I believe in what Mike said....
Well, maybe that account was a crutch that took up the time you needed to explore other facets of business, art and life, and now you can get crackin' on the important stuff!
... so true! You WILL fill the void eventually with something else that could be even more profitable and interesting.
I had a yellow page call last night and they inquired about signs, and asked if I do vehicle lettering. For the first time in a long time, I really heard myself when I said, "That's what I specialize in." I haven't done work on a signboard for what seems like an eternity now. You too will find that niche and make it work for you again.
As you are busy filling up that vacant spot, I'll be dreaming to be in that lull of a place so I have time to figure out what my next gig is. Posted by Kelly Thorson (Member # 2958) on :
If I ever do get out of the sign business, this is what I am going to miss the most. What a wonderful community!
Did I sound like I was panicking? I think what Mike said sums my feeling up pretty closely. For the past year or two I've felt a restlessness that a few of you who posted on here are already aware of. The heart and soul of me is an artist and this business has grown bigger and faster than I maybe wanted. It's become all encompassing and I've struggled with decisions like to hire or not to hire. I'd like to go home in the evenings and relax, not worry about how I am going to meet the next deadline. I'd like to be able to drive down the highway and see the beauty, not the opportunity. I'd like to be able to pull out my easel and paints and let loose without thinking about what to charge. Shane(and some others)and I had a good talk about this at his workshop.
I'm not sure what decision I'll make, I've still got lots of work lined up to keep me going well into winter. I've been busier than ever this year and I have the ability to bring in help when I need it. Jim has covered and supported me for years while I was building Kel-T-Grafix, I owe him the same support as he builds Thunder Haak Ag. It's not that we are in financial difficulties, but farming has so many variables, weather, disease, insects, the economy - any of those could bring disaster. Having some back up is comforting.
I just know that the news about the client was accompanied with a sudden feeling of freedom, and that tells me that I've felt trapped. I'm ready for change, but I won't be making any hasty choices, there is just a whole lot to think about. Three years ago I registered Lost Mountain Glass Works, but I haven't had the time to do anything with it. I'm confident that with a little effort I can fill the void that will be left by the loss of the "big" client, I'm just wondering which direction I should go, and how to balance the financial with the emotional. Then again, who knows, change is constant and some other factors may paint an entirely different picture tomorrow. Whatever it becomes, I realize how lucky I am to have these options.
Posted by jack wills (Member # 521) on :
Hi Kelly,
I haven't been doing responses or many posts for a while but now I have to speak. First...I love you for who you are. Many of us have seen a few capital changes concerning the career choices and emotional decisions. From my own vantage point I (only) see a door that is opening to a fresh universe. I do not chase the puck at all.I let it be brought to me by the other team because they want me to have it and that creates the scoring chance. Sometimes controling efforts take a portion of our lives and nature gets left behind. My foot is so full of holes I can barely walk. I put the gun away. So...girl, go for it, get lucky, be happy.
ox
Jack
Posted by Catharine C. Kennedy (Member # 4459) on :
You go, Girl! You are one brilliant Kid- enjoy!
Posted by jake snow (Member # 5889) on :
You wanna put that in english Jack?
Life is to short Kelly, do what YOU want to do. Everything else will fall into place.
Posted by Duncan Wilkie (Member # 132) on :
There were some very good thoughts generated here. I know you'll find your way. Hey how about another Moose Jaw Walldog Meet to fill in your time... Posted by Kelly Thorson (Member # 2958) on :
Ok this is too funny - I put the decals on the wrong side of the trailer..... The good thing is the customer said it was his fault and wants the other side done too, as well as a bunch more decals on both sides - did I say good???? - a corrugated trailer that has been repainted - nooo repositioning, with metal roofing screws and cup hooks with rope lights. Shuuuudder! Posted by Kelly Thorson (Member # 2958) on :
Oh BTW Dunc - the trailer was in MJ Posted by Deri Russell (Member # 119) on :
Anyone who has the talent such as yourself should never think twice about doors closing because there will ALWAYS be new ones opening. It's just a matter of not panicing between when you hear the slam, and when you hear the sound of the knob turning. Easier said than done I know. Hang in there girl, you'll be just fine. Posted by Bill Biggs (Member # 18) on :
Kelly, oh Kelly, The only thing that is guaranteed in the sign business is change, God blesses us everyday. I have seen my business go from hand lettering boats, and doing gold leaf signs for banks, to screen printing mall posters and real estate signs to digital graphics and vinyl wraps and everything in between, I retired about two weeks one time, that is not the answer. Hang in there Gal it will all work out. Bill
Posted by Stephen Deveau (Member # 1305) on :
Kelly
I closed the 'Sign Door' about 6 years ago. I now just do designs and photograph's.
And I am haven fun with the new venture.
Posted by Ricky Jackson (Member # 5082) on :
I also got caught with all my eggs in one basket about 15 years ago. Never again will I get caught like that. Diversification is a beautiful security blanket. There is so much wisdom in so many of the posts here; I can't add anything else.
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