For Pitt Community College graduate Stacey Wilson, the most satisfying part of his job is turning a customer’s vision into a well-designed logo that conveys the individual’s business brand and values and helps their company grow and prosper for years to come.
A Greenville native, the 32-year-old Wilson co-owns Phoenix Sign Pros in Winterville with Eddie Thornton. The shop, which opened in 2017, is located just across the street from PCC, where Wilson earned an associate degree in Advertising & Graphic Design.
Though technology and software have changed in the 10 years since Wilson was a Pitt student, he still calls upon the typography skills and spatial concepts he developed at his alma mater.
Wilson recently shared his thoughts and advice for those who would like to follow in his footsteps …
For anyone unfamiliar with Phoenix Sign Pros, how would you describe the business?
Wilson: “We are a small, local shop with two co-owners and four employees. We believe in treating the customer like family by supplying a custom product that meets their needs while respecting the fact that they work hard, just like we do. So, we take pride in our work and want their satisfaction to be our primary goal.”
How did you get into the sign-making business?
Wilson: “I started working at a sign shop in the area in 2010. I worked at that shop for about four years while simultaneously working toward my degree. I left there and started working with my dad, restoring cars and doing sign work on the side at the house. I later had a job offer at an ambulance restoration shop, designing and applying all of the graphics.”
Who are your primary customers?
Wilson: “We have a wide variety of customers, such as schools, realty agencies, construction, landscaping, plumbing and HVAC companies, and customers in the food industry. We are also open to the general public and welcome walk-ins.”
What are some of the products Phoenix makes and services it provides?
Wilson: “Vehicle wraps, trailer graphics, canvases, Coro yard signs, real estate signs, custom decals, window tinting, banners, storefront signs, computer numerical control-routed signs (and) logo/branding design.”
Describe a typical day in the sign business:
Wilson: “We start our day at 8 a.m. by going over the day’s schedule and work orders in the queue. We then work through the work orders by priority of due date. Some employees work to finish up designs while others laminate, cut, weed and apply graphics for our installers to complete the projects.”
What kind of personal traits/skills would benefit a person who wants to work in your field?
Wilson: “Hands-on experience is a plus. Being able to read a tape measure, problem-solving skills, and the ability to work as a team are also helpful.”
If the best part of your job is creating a design that turns a customer’s vision into reality, what’s the toughest part?
Wilson: “Mondays are the worst. Haha, just playing. The toughest part is making sure that every job looks seamless and effortless.”
What advice do you wish someone had given you before you first opened your business?
Wilson: “Go ahead and get a business degree, also.”
