Today we’d like to introduce you to Mark Morris.
Thanks for sharing your story with us Mark. So, let’s start at the beginning and we can move on from there.
I was looking to purchase a business, a franchise or start a business about midway through 2017. Through research into businesses to buy or start, My wife, Lisa, and I discovered Signworld. Signworld sells a sign manufacturing business package similar to a franchise, but it is not a franchise as I am an independent owner in a business network with over 300 other Signworld business partners across North America. Sign Craft has neither financial nor functional ties to Signworld – only a network of independent owners who help one another, collaborate on projects and teach others in the sign-making industry. My wife Lisa is co-owner of Sign Craft and helps with social media posts and as a sounding board. She works full time as a consultant pharmacist. I work full-time operating Sign Craft.
I am an electrical engineer with over 25 years of working in engineering and management of engineering projects. Sign making has several parallels with engineering that attracted me to the industry. Both follow customer specifications, both follow codes and standards, and both construct things.
In September 2017, Lisa and I traveled to Southern California for a Signworld Discovery Day to learn more about the sign-making business. We liked what we experienced and decided to purchase from Signworld in November 2017. Soon afterward I spent two weeks in SoCal in training where I learned about running a business as well as enough technical skills to know what to expect of my team members. Upon returning home to the Houston area, I began the process of setting up Sign Craft – obtaining licenses, leasing space, opening bank accounts, purchasing equipment, and networking with potential customers.
Sign Craft opened our doors in February 2018 with one full-time employee. We still have one full-time team member but also rely heavily these days on contractors for additional help in the fabrication and especially in the installation. We expect to hire another full-time team member before the end of the year. Through trial and error and great support from our business partners, I continue to learn and grow Sign Craft. We continue to refine our business processes, focus the types of projects we undertake, and try to have some fun along the way.
Great, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
The first year of operations was not smooth. We struggled with generating enough leads to keep busy. We tried many different methods for marketing Sign Craft with limited success. My daily efforts nor the resources we employed were able to generate leads as quickly as we needed…until April of this year when we took the advice of a trusted friend and employed a new marketing company. That decision has allowed us to grow significantly in leads, and more importantly in leads focused on the type of sign projects we find rewarding and profitable.
Another struggle was not unlike many businesses, finding the right team member who understands our culture and contributes in positive ways to grow Sign Craft. I operated about six weeks solo, which was very limiting in what I could sell and produce.
All endeavors have struggles, challenges, and missteps along the way and Sign Craft is no exception. We face these issues and rely on problem-solving experience to provide solutions for our customers and ourselves.
Please tell us about Sign Craft.
Sign Craft designs manufactures, installs and repairs custom business signage. Our approach is to help the clients convey their message in the most effective manner using signage that attracts customers, inspires members, and motivates team members. The message must be the focus – the sign type is determined after the message. I am proud to have created a business culture of helping clients instead of merely selling an object.
We fabricate many types of signs with focus on wall murals, fleet branding, and acrylic lobby signs. We are happy to discuss anything a client visualizes and will work with them to design something special. However, we are also not afraid to advise clients when their vision does not meet local codes, will not withstand the environment, or will not convey their message effectively. Our clients rely on our expertise to guide them and ensure their message reaches the intended audience.
We are often asked, “What type of signs do you make?” Our answer is “YES” we make all types including electric signs on your building facade, ADA compliant room signs including Braille, acrylic or metal cutout logos and text, wall murals on brick or textured walls that look like paint, safety signs on walls, doors, windows, and floors. If you can imagine it, we can make it. Our motto is, “The only limitation is your imagination.”
Do you look back particularly fondly on any memories from childhood?
I grew up in Maplewood North, a neighborhood full of boys and girls who loved to play outside. We played football, baseball, basketball, street hockey, frisbee golf, ANY sport we could find a group to play. Those days in the front yard, street, or nearby parks are my best memories.
Contact Info:
- Address: 2635 Miller Ranch Road
Suite 103
Pearland, TX 77584 - Website: www.SouthHoustonSignCompany.com
- Phone: 832-850-6035
- Email: markmorris@signcrafttexas.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/signcrafttexas/?hl=en
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/SignCraftTexas/?ref=bookmarks
- Twitter: @signcrafttexas
- Other: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mark-morris-pe/
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