River City 6: Bob Danielson
FASTSIGNS® of Omaha (www.fastsigns.com/47) – 114th Street is an independently owned and operated sign, graphics and visual communications company that provides comprehensive visual marketing solutions to customers of all sizes and across all industries. Bob Danielson is the owner of the FASTSIGNS® located at 114th and Dodge.
Tell us a little about your business. – At FASTSIGNS®, we solve visual communications challenges – large and small. From the simple…to the simply impossible™. Leveraging our marketing and sign knowledge, state-of-the-art technology, project management and innovative thinking, we help your business, event or organization achieve your objectives (realize your full potential™) and make you the hero in the process.
How did you get started in the business? – I had my own plumbing business, Danielson Plumbing, for 10 years. In 1989 we installed restrooms for the previous owner of our store. I became interested in this fairly new technology for the sign industry–computer-generated graphics. In 1990 I pursued opening a FASTSIGNS store in Lincoln because the Omaha market was not available, but wasn’t able for a several reasons. The next year I was approached to purchase the Omaha store, and in a matter of three months, I had sold my plumbing business and purchased the Omaha FASTSIGNS franchise from the previous owner. My training at Fastsigns International took place in January 1991, the same month that ‘Operation Desert Shield’ was winding down. As I look back on it I could have picked a better time to start a new business venture.
What is the biggest challenge you’ve faced professionally? – Making the transition from master plumber to sign shop owner. Learning the technology was not an issue; that I enjoy.
What is your most important achievement professionally? – I have had my franchise since 1991. This year we are currently ranked 34th in a network of now over 600 stores today. We consistently have been in the top 5% grossing stores and have won numerous prestigious awards.
Tell us a little about your family. – I’m married to Cheryl Danielson and have two sons from my previous marriage with Susanne Danielson. Bob Jr. just started his own business with his partner Jason Halstead called Vector Commissioning. Andy works with me in outside sales with the store.
What is your favorite thing to do on a day off? – My wife Cheryl and I like to cook and entertain. We also love to play golf together.
What is the most unique or interesting thing about you that most people probably don’t know? – That I was on Jean’s Storytime for two years. It was a Sunday morning television show on KMTV with music, puppets and biblical teachings.
What are you the most proud of? – My sons and who they have become.
What is the best piece of advice you’ve ever received? – If your business isn’t growing it is going backwards.
If you could choose only one descriptive word to be remembered as, what would it be? – Fun.
What local non-profit organization(s) are you passionate about or involved with, and are there any special reasons why? – American Red Cross.
What is your favorite local restaurant? – The Drover. Whiskey Ribeye and the salad bar!
If you could have dinner with one famous person from the past or present, who would it be? – Bobby Jones.
If our readers would like to contact you, how should they do so? – Via our website at www.fastsigns.com/47 or email me directly at bob.danielson@fastsigns.com.
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