Today we’d like to introduce you to Paul Smith.
Hi Paul, it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for taking the time to share your story with us – to start maybe you can share some of your backstory with our readers?
My story is a bit long but I’ll try and keep it brief. I have spent the last 30 years working in the electrical engineering world. Although it’s been a good living, there has always been something missing. I needed to fill the void of creativity. One way I have accomplished this is with side hustles. The first thing I did was landscaping. That was great because I could be creative through my landscape designs. Once my day job became too busy to continue landscaping, I gave that up but soon felt the need to create again.
I later had the opportunity, through my contacts, to start an industrial signage company. Later on, utilizing the equipment used in the commercial business, I started to design and build dollhouses and miniature furniture. We sold these items through websites and conventions. I really enjoyed this as it fulfilled my need to be creative and I had a great time with it. But soon, the commercial work grew to the point that there were not enough hours in the day to spend on the miniatures so that took a back seat as it was no longer a priority.
Recently, we have expanded into promotional products. I have teamed up with my daughter and son-in-law to open Disturbing Designs. This has been enjoyable for me because I get a chance to be creative again. This new business endeavor has been very enjoyable. Not only does it satisfy my creative side but I get to share it with my family and work together with them towards a common goal.
Alright, 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?
As with any business, there will be ups and downs when it comes to owning and operating it. There are always outside forces that will affect even best run companies in the world. Just like any business, our customers are affected by the economy, politics or the recent pandemic but finding ways to pivot and keep your doors open is the sign of a successful business. We have actually grown our commercial business as a result of competitors not working through the pandemic. We also started Disturbing Designs during the pandemic confident that we could make it work.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about Disturbing Designs?
We produce custom t-shirts, buttons, stickers, posters, hats and many other promotional items. We can also help with logo design and any other design projects our customers require. It’s truly a team effort that involves the whole family. My daughter, son-in-law and I all design the products. We all work in sales promoting the business and when we do events, my wife joins in at the merch booth. It’s a true family effort and I love it.
So maybe we end on discussing what matters most to you and why?
It is very important to me to provide the best quality and service possible. I firmly believe that the better the product and service our company delivers, the more repeat business and word of mouth advertising we receive.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.disturbingdesigns.com
- Instagram: www.instagram.com/disturbing_designs
