Today we’d like to introduce you to Ross and Yesenia Williams.
Ross and Yesenia, can you briefly walk us through your story – how you started and how you got to where you are today.
Yesenia and I come from the non-profit world. We both have always enjoyed helping others in any way we could and even earned our degrees in search of helping others. At one point, we found ourselves contemplating what other avenues we could use to be of service. From the very beginning of our relationship, we had regular conversations about achieving the ultimate dream of owning our own small business. We talked about having the power to make a difference in family’s lives as well as building an empire for our own family. We wanted to be able to retire our parents, create jobs for families and friends while creating a community we could all be proud to be a part of. Yesenia and I have been working with graphic design programs since we were both in college. Usually without any hesitation, we would design a logo or publication for family, friends, organizations we were involved in and employers as a contribution to a project or event.
Shortly after our engagement, we were offered an opportunity to purchase printing equipment from an existing printing company that was closing its doors. Many of our friends, family and professional contacts had also expressed their need for such services over the years, but we never paid too much attention to it. Everyone always talked about having a personal graphic designer / printer they could trust. Someone they could rely on to print quality work and treat their business as their own personal responsibility. Many of the organizations we worked with frequently looked for better pricing on marketing and advertising materials.
Starting FPG was our opportunity to become artist, entrepreneurs and business partners. We could express our artistic talents while providing support to others and finally achieve our goals and aspirations. When we first started out in February of 2012, we were given several opportunities to work with a wide variety of existing companies, nonprofits, schools, artist, families, friends, retail customers and even politicians. Our clients expected a company that could give them a sense of comfort, confidence and professionalism. There was a natural understanding that with every project we received, it meant a great deal to us just as much to them. We treat every order with the respect it deserves and strive to exceed expectations. It also helps that we do it fast and for a fair price too! We used what experience we had in marketing, advertising, business and design from our previous employers and infused it with a passion for service. Our focus has always been to make sure we exceed our client’s expectations; however, our long term goal is to create a bonding professional relationship.
As of today, we went from a 400 sq. ft. office to an expansion of a 5,000 sq. ft. warehouse in the NRG Park area. Thanks to many opportunities such as the Super Bowl and contracts with local Universities, we have achieved our dream. We continue to build every day in fulfillment of the promise we made to others. Our goal from here on out is to create jobs, print works of art and encourage others to do the same.
Has it been a smooth road?
From the very beginning, we have had fun bringing ideas to life. We sit with our customers and we ask them a series of questions to better understand their project. We listen to what they have to say and we take note to even the simplest of request. As soon as we have an understanding of what they want to accomplish, we provide them with suggestions of what’s new, trending and if necessary; what has failed in the past. We don’t want to overwhelm our clients; however, we want them to feel like we are looking out for their best interest. With that being said, the road to success is not a straight shot.
In the beginning, we struggled with space. We operated out of a 400 sq. ft. office that left little to no room to do much of anything. The machines and work space alone could fill a 1,000 sq. ft. space with ease. Capital was also an issue like for most when starting out. We wanted to be able to provide everything from the very beginning; however, we decided to build our way up to where we are today. Lastly, finding the right personnel was always a struggle. In this industry, we have so much competition, people seek to start with small companies to learn the trade and then directly complete them after a few months. In an effort to fix that issue, we decided to support other printers instead by offering wholesale printing.
So let’s switch gears a bit and go into the FPG Fast Printing & Graphics story. Tell us more about the business.
At FPG Fast Printing & Graphics, we initially started with a large format printer and laminator. We pieced computers together and forged a 10 ft. work bench in the middle of our office. We specialized in everything from banners, decals, signs, posters, business cards, flyers, car wraps and vehicle graphics. We felt we could confidently compete with our competitors not just in our area, but all over the city. We limited ourselves to whatever we could produce in house concentrating on certain niches. We wanted to be known as an in-house extension of our client’s businesses or organizations. It was our way of really making a name for ourselves and to meet our client’s demands fast and efficiently.
Over the past five years, we have vastly progressed to include embroidery, screen printing, wall & floor graphics, invitations, canvas art, marketing materials and even uniforms. What sets us apart from others is that we take every opportunity we can to learn more about the products and services our clients need to continue working with us rather than offer them whatever is available. In turn, we spend a large amount of time researching, studying new techniques and attending any training we can. From design to installation, we have learned new techniques that have made us really stand out. As of today, we are most proud to be considered a branding specialist to our clients. From the very beginning, we all have grown our businesses as a team. We have earned the reputation of being a strong small business benefit and most importantly, we have earned their respect and loyalty.
How do you think the industry will change over the next decade?
The printing industry is constantly growing just as fast as technology can produce the next big breakthrough. We believe in the next 5 to 10 years, we will see bigger trends in e-marketing, 3D printing and even electronic circuit printing. Naturally, we are already looking forward to it.
Pricing:
- Full Color Business Cards: Qty: 1,000 = Starting @ $59.00
- One Full Color Digitally Printed T-Shirt (DTG) Starting @ $18.00
- 3ft x 6ft Full Color Outdoor/ Indoor Banner Starting @ $81.00
- 50 (1/0) Screen Printed Shirts @ $8.00 each
Contact Info:
- Address: 2309 Naomi St.
- Website: www.fastprintinggraphics.com
- Phone: 713-783-1777
- Email: ross@fastprintinggraphics.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/fpg_fast.printing.graphics
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/fastprintingandgraphics
- Twitter: https://twitter.com/fpgfastprinting
- Other: https://www.linkedin.com/company/fpg-fast-printing-&-graphics
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