Today we’d like to introduce you to Betty Mendez.
So, before we jump into specific questions about the business, why don’t you give us some details about you and your story.
In 1997, I sold my house and took a big risk by opening a small sign shop in Medley, FL. It was really tough in the first couple of years, but with the help of my son and family we pulled thru! I remember times when we didn’t have the money to pay the bills, I would pray to God to help me and my son, to bring clients thru the doors, and He did! Long hours, hard work, patience and with God’s help we were able to be where we are today.
We now have a large repeat client base, and are super busy everyday, providing Miami with all kinds of signs from cut vinyl stickers to full color vehicle wraps, banners, t-shirts, invoices, postcards & more. 21 years in business and we’ve never advertised, it has been all thru word of mouth and repeat clientele.
My son, Sergio studied culinary and business management but is now with me full time helping the business grow to its full potential. We now started doing some advertising, opened a website, theworldofsign.com. We are looking to expand the business by adding more printing equipment and looking for a bigger location. Also, in the upcoming years we will be offering franchise opportunities nationwide!
I thank God and I am very grateful to Him, my son and my family that has helped me and this business grow. My mom and sisters have always been there for me. My mom used to work here at the sign shop, and now that she is retired she still comes everyday to greet the customers.
Over the years we have become known for our quality in products, great service and hard to beat prices. We only use the best brands like 3M, Oracal, Avery to give our customers the best materials so they can have peace of mind that they are in good hands. The key to our success is hard work, good business ethics, good products at a fair price, and a fast turnaround. Most jobs can be done same day or next day. Stop by and let us bring more color to your world!
We’re always bombarded by how great it is to pursue your passion, etc – but we’ve spoken with enough people to know that it’s not always easy. Overall, would you say things have been easy for you?
Smooth road? Ha! more like an off road obstacle course lol. In the beginning, it was the toughest years of my life. There were times where we didn’t have money to pay the electric bill at home and we would have to take cold showers, and carry a flashlight around the house, buy microwaveable meals and heat them up at public.
When I opened the business, I had worked for another sign company but didn’t know how to use the computer or design. I used to spend long nights reading the manual and my son would help me with the design program. He would come after school to help out at the shop and finish all the designs I wasn’t able to figure out, But after 21 years I can now say I am a master at what I do. We started with just one vinyl cutting machine, and now have three plotters, a large format printer, a screen printing press and other equipment. We’re looking to buy more printers by the end of the year.
So, as you know, we’re impressed with The World of Signs – tell our readers more, for example what you’re most proud of as a company and what sets you apart from others.
We specialize in Truck signs for the transportation industry. We have clients that come from all over, Naples, West Palm Beach, Homestead and even out of state. What sets us apart are a combination of things, We don’t treat customers like a number, I have conversations, we talk about life, the good and the bad. We develop friendships with our clients. Another reason that sets us apart is our fast turnaround, most clients can have their job within the hour, and depending on the process they choose the sign can be produced for next day service.
I would say I’m most proud as a company to be able to find solutions to our client’s problems and needs. It is very satisfying to bring smiles to our clients, thru our products and services that we give them. I’m also very proud that we practice good and moral business ethics. Other sign shops just see the customer as another dollar sign and treat them as if their time didn’t matter.
Our new logo is pretty awesome too! The super woman logo was actually designed from a picture of myself when I was younger. The logo is a super hero (me, lol) flying around the world bringing color to all, with my magic paint brush, my sign tool utility belt and cmyk color super suit. I bring color and awesome signs to the world.
So, what’s next? Any big plans?
Yes! We are looking to buy more printers and equipment by the end of the year. So we can produce faster and better looking signs for our customers. 21 years ago, we were only offering cut vinyl signs, but in the last ten years we have expanded our product line and now offer full color printed signs, from banners to vehicle wraps, screen printed t-shirts, embroidered shirts and hats, sublimation shirts and direct to garment printing. We also print invoices and ncr forms, copies, business cards, flyers, postcards & more.
We are also currently working on our website to offer products online for sale, and an easier way for clients to go thru the sign making process with us.
In the next 5 years, we will start offering franchise opportunities locally and nationwide. Our vision is to have a World of Signs in every major city and along the main truck routes for the transportation industry.
Contact Info:
- Address: 10302 N.W. South River Dr.
Suite 1&2
Medley, FL 33178 - Website: theworldofsign.com
- Phone: 305-393-5420
- Email: www.theworldofsigns@yahoo.com
- Instagram: www.instagram.com/theworldofsign
- Facebook: www.facebook.com/theworldofsigns
- Yelp: www.yelp.com/biz/the-world-of-signs-medley
Image Credit:
Twice Butter Food Truck
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