A brief history of the company . . .

In 1981, two years after graduating from Kansas State University with a degree in Journalism and Advertising and a stint as Advertising Manager for a small newspaper, I was aching to start a business. So, in my mind, I took what seemed the first logical step:  I had business cards printed.  According to the cards, I was President of ThompCo Enterprises, a company that possessed both a post office box address and a phone number. The part that was missing was a description of what the business was, mainly because I was clueless.

My “well-researched” business plan incorporated a two-step approach. The first step was to cold call business owners with my cards, my smile and my eagerness.  (I found out later that this was referred to as “B2B Sales”).  My goal was to find out what the potential client needed.  The second step was to figure out if I could actually do whatever it was they needed to have done.  I painted a sign or two, painted a house, laid some tile and painted some more signs. I found out that the sign work turned out to be more interesting than the other stuff. 

I gradually taught myself the art of hand lettering as I slowly built a client base.  I’ve always some artistic talent and a decent eye for advertising design. The journalism background didn’t hurt either. At least I could spell. (A typo on a sign is a horrible thing). 
 

Later, I became Steve H. Thompson and Associates and in the late 1980s, made the transition into computerized vinyl sign making. My focus on customer service fueled repeat business and referrals and the client base grew to include large corporations, local sports teams, manufacturing companies, and national restaurant chains. 

By 2006, I had been in the business for 25 years. Although I truly enjoyed the work, I wondered if there was something else was out there that I should try. (I was wrong, but didn’t know it yet.)  With some ambivalence, I sold the business. 

Big mistake.  I missed the design, the production and the pleasure that came from creating something good.  But mainly, I missed the clients. I was grateful for their support, loyalty and friendship and I had worked with many of them for ten, fifteen, twenty years.  Sometimes, a person doesn’t realize how good something is until it’s gone!  

In early 2010, I started trying to track down my old clients. The ones I found  were mostly pleased, and even excited in some cases, that I was considering coming back.  (Maybe that’s called market research). Those votes of confidence helped propel me to take the leap again and later that year, I opened my doors for business.  I am excited to be back and I’m here to stay. 

The important things haven't changed. Customer service is still my primary focus, along with providing outstanding quality and competitive pricing.  I am utilizing the same proven methods of sign and banner production that my clients are accustomed to and happy with, but have also now expanded my capabilities through new technology to better serve my clients, including full-color large format digital printing. 

Whether you are a new potential client or returning client, thank you for considering my company, Steve Thompson Signs and Graphics, as your primary source for signs, banners, graphics and more. 

Sincerely,

Steve H. Thompson

 Steve H. Thompson


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