Interview with Owners Matt & Carolyn Hart. Be sure to follow Concept Signs & Graphics on Facebook.
How have you been able to pivot your business model?
We have modified our business model by producing products like floor/sidewalk graphics, COVID related safety signs, informational banners, yard signs for schools and churches, and started a Small Business Strong sign and banner campaign. Essential businesses, schools, churches, and those businesses preparing to reopen are reaching out with the need for signs to spread a positive message, promote safety, and let the public know they are open. We also started a Small Business Strong sign campaign. We are printing and providing these signs and banners free of charge. Our goal is to unite the community and promote local small businesses. We feel there is a need to inspire the public to patronize the local small businesses that support the local jobs and the local economy.
What has resonated with you most through your community giving?
What has resonated most with us is the overwhelming community support and overall sense of optimism. It is undeniable that the shut down has created a lot of strain and uncertainty for most businesses, yet the words of encouragement, hope, and optimism far outweigh the fear and uncertainly. Business owners we have talked with agree that if we pull together to support each other, spread the word that small business is vital to the economy, and keep pushing forward, that we will get through this trying time. The Small Business Strong campaign has allowed us to give back and promote the message of community and hope. The words of thanks and appreciation we have received in return has been a great encouragement to our business. It truly feels more like receiving than it does like giving.
What do you or your business need most to succeed/be resilient/support your staff?
First off we would like to recognize our group of family and employees that have pulled together, been flexible to fill in where needed, remained positive, been diligent to be safe, and have been understanding as we navigate through this. To succeed we need the local small business community to succeed. The vast majority of our work comes from other small businesses and institutions. When they succeed, they have a need for our signs, banners, awnings, and vehicle wraps to market or provide information to the public. Supporting the local economy supports businesses like ours even if you don’t have a personal need for a sign.
What else would you like to share with the community?
We really want to encourage the public to support local small businesses. There are so many great local businesses that offer virtually every product and service. Most businesses have had to make some tough decisions about keeping staff, closing temporarily or permanently, protecting employees and patrons, and the financial and personal impacts those decisions have on the business, the employees, and the patrons. Making that local purchase allows those businesses to support jobs and purchase products to ensure our local economy is vibrant and strong. United we shall stand together.
