Today we’d like to introduce you to Warren Crawley.
Hi Warren, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstory.
My dad was doing construction for a man who put graphics on fancy cars as a hobby. He introduced me to him while I was in the 10th grade. Every summer I learned from him. In the summer of my senior year of high school, I began working at South DeKalb Mall screen-printing on t-shirts.
After I graduated high school, I decided to take one year off to figure out what I wanted to do. I worked for a few sign shops while I looked for work. Slowly I began to invest in my own equipment so that I could print and install graphics on cars as well as screen print on t-shirts. Gradually I branched off and started my own business wrapping vehicles for car clubs, providing marketing for small business owners and doing personal graphics for individuals. Eventually, I learned more and more.
I continued working, saving and investing until I was good at it. Soon I began to expand to include sign installations and became well-rounded in the industry. It’s been nine years + and I now install, repair, and replace signs of all sizes, including channel letter, lighted, non-lighted box and post signs in every industry you can imagine – fitness, medical, restaurants. I install half and full vehicle wraps and stickers. This includes interior and exterior banners and window decals on buildings. In addition to screening on t-shirts, we also print on hoodies, hats, jackets, and bags. We offer these services across many industries – fitness, medical, restaurants, landscaping, transportation, and beauty.
I’m sure you wouldn’t say it’s been obstacle free, but so far would you say the journey has been a fairly smooth road?
It has been a rollercoaster ride. I was fortunate to have good parents who allowed me to find myself and figure out what I wanted. They never pressured me to find a job or to go to college while I was figuring things out. They supported me.
I did one year of college. And soon, I began to realize what I liked and what I wanted to do with my life. That was the easy part. The tough part was that my family was unable to offer me financial support and I didn’t have much money as I was sorting it out. I wasn’t able to earn much money because I was still learning the business. Once I was clear about the potential of the industry, things changed for the better. Along with mistakes I had to make, I have met mentors that showed me the ins and outs of the industry, and I continue to learn every day.
We’ve been impressed with City Graphix Signs, but for folks who might not be as familiar, what can you share with them about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
Outdoor/Indoor Signage, Vehicle Graphics, Banners, Digital Printing, Apparel Printing and more.
We all have a different way of looking at and defining success. How do you define success?
Success is being happy with what you do and who you are. It is learning how to accept the failures and lessons you have to learn. I believe success is also learning from your mistakes.
Contact Info:
- Email: citygraphixllc@gmail.com
- Website: citygraphixsigns.com
- Instagram: citygraphixsigns
- Facebook: City Graphix Signs
Image Credits
Wardrobe; Chelsea Counts Photography; Will Price
