Been in business for almost 35 years
Location: Hamilton
Contact Name: Nicola Ross
Website: www.stripesandsigns.co.nz
Business mission and vision:
We surround ourselves with innovation, customer centric values, a winning spirit, ethics and integrity.
“We offer a full signage service, from design and manufacture to installation. We specialise in vehicle signage, wraps and semi wraps, along with completing a fare amount of fleet work, along with the supply and installation of livery for serval different emergency services.”
We pride ourselves on only using proven materials, high quality workmanship and equipment. We see a lot of substandard work out there, but here, nothing leaves the shop until we are 100% happy it is perfect.
Owners Mark and Nic have worked at Hamilton Stripes and Signs for 30 and 20 years respectively, which is their entire signwriting careers. Starting on the broom sweeping the floor, then progressing through the ranks and developing a myriad of skills. Then teaming up to buy the business 5 years ago, which was a natural progression that has brought the company to a modern innovative place, improving productivity, competitiveness and profitability. We wanted to continue to better the systems and processes within the business and share our passion with the younger team members coming through.
The main challenges in the industry at the moment are acquiring new staff and dealing with continuous price increases from our suppliers. To remain competitive, we can only absorb so much before we have to pass it on. We know this is a problem across the board, fortunately most customers understand and accept it to a point.
One main challenge to the business over the last few years has been the effects from Covid-19 and how to adjust the business to work with the restrictions. At the beginning of the pandemic, we engaged a business mentor and focused on business survival, forecasting a range of scenarios and plans to make it through. A structured strategy has enabled us to move forward, retain staff and clientele. We are positive and optimistic about our future.
We have always had a philosophy that we don’t need to take over the world by being the biggest sign shop in Hamilton. Our motto is “The greatest little sign shop in Hamilton” and we all love working in this cool little sign shop in Frankton. We are realistic and just want to keep improving and refining our systems and our workmanship. We feel quite humble about what we do.
One aspect in business we are proud of is our reputation for customer centric values. It is about being hands on and dealing with customers on a personal level. Good old fashioned customer satisfaction means everything to us. It feels great that we still have customers who have been coming back to us for 30 years or more and enjoy a great experience with us.
We have 7 full time team members and 1 part timer.
We focus on trying to keep things local supporting Hamilton based small business’s first and foremost.
Since becoming owners, we have taken the opportunity to offer the company’s first ever apprenticeship. This apprentice has recently passed with high merit after 4 years of studies and is now fully qualified. Training has a “feel good” factor, and we want to provide the opportunity for the next generation of young sign writers. We have always taken pride in the fact that we have a good retention of staff by providing a structured and enjoyable work environment.
Hamilton Stripes and Signs are reliable and responsive and offer superior value for money with highly competitive pricing. Mark’s team also go beyond the extra mile to ensure that they achieve satisfied customers through being accountable; and of course, in delivering a perfect product every time. I have absolutely no reservations in giving my personal recommendation to Hamilton Stripes and Signs; and know that you will be delighted that you considered; and then used, their one-stop shop for all things signs and designs in your next project.”
Satisfaction and pride with being able to positively contribute to the lives of our dynamic staff members and local community.
We enjoy supporting a range of community based organisations that are in line with our values, from the Waihi Beach Coast Guard, to the Waikato Mustang Club who raise money for the Cancer Society and the Stragglers Custom Car Club with their various charity projects.
We have had a relationship with the Gateway programme at Hamilton Boys High School over the years, investing time into students who want to experience a workshop environment to ready them for leaving high school and entering employment.
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