FASTSIGNS® of Omaha – Custom Solutions For YOUR Business
FASTSIGNS® of Omaha (www.fastsigns.com/47-omaha-ne) – 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.
Interview with Bob Danielson, owner of the local FASTSIGNS® franchise at 114th and Dodge.
Give us a brief synopsis of what your company does.
At FASTSIGNS®, we use innovation and technology to make the sign-buying process simple. For the majority of our clients, signage is just one of the many facets of the job, and among the duties being performed on a deadline. With that in mind, we streamline the communication and production processes to meet your needs quickly – whether you need one sign or a thousand signs. We have a trained staff that provides our clients with sign ideas, and they know how to use all of the resources at their disposal to produce, deliver and install the signs too – whenever and where you need them.
How long have you been in Omaha?
The FASTSIGNS® of Omaha – 114th Street franchise was established in 1990 and I purchased it from the previous owner in 1991. I have lived in Omaha my whole life, growing up in the Benson area.
Who are the owners/important executives?
I am the owner with my previous wife Susanne Danielson. My son Andy Danielson works with me in sales and Mark Cullinane is the store manager.
What do you think makes you different from other companies similar to yours?
We take great pride in our consultative approach and ability to meet any of our clients’ signage needs. We obviously sell signs, but our most important offering is customer service. The final product is a direct result of the solutions we arrive at together throughout the process.
What do you like about doing business in Omaha?
Omaha is home. I have been many places but I can’t imagine living anywhere else.
Do you have a business philosophy or mission statement?
Our goal is to work with you, the client, to provide the right communications solutions to meet your business challenges and help your company realize its full potential. We want to make you look great, and we have both the sign/marketing knowledge and product expertise to help you succeed.
What changes have you seen in the industry and your company in the past few years?
The most impactful change in the industry has been the introduction of Dynamic Digital Signage or DDS. The biggest advantage it has over static signs is that content changes are dynamic, which means the digital signs can be updated remotely. Instead of purchasing a new sign the digital content can just be changed. This technology works great for menus, directories and advertising. As for our company, beginning in January of 2016, our point of sale system allowed us to become virtually paperless. Communication with our customers needing estimates, proofs, invoices and statements can all be done via email. Internally our work progresses from sales to graphics to production and installation if needed—all without paper.
What was the biggest turning point in your business?
I think it was in 2007 when we purchased our first UV Flatbed printer. This process allows for direct full-color printing on a wide variety of surfaces such as banners, plastics, glass, wood, metal, and even golf balls.
What is one thing about your business that most people don’t realize?
Everyone needs a sign, even if you are going out of business.
What do you see happening with the business in the next five years?
I believe that DDS is going to explode. Worldwide sales in 2017 are projected to be $17.1 billion. The technology has only been around for approximately 10 years, with the U.S. market accounting for over one third of sales.
What has been your most important achievement as a business?
Among over 615 FASTSIGNS locations worldwide, we have consistently been ranked in the top 5%. Over the last 25+ years we have had our ups and downs but I owe a lot of our success to my employees: Andrew Hofmann, Andy Danielson, Chalis Bristol, Jean Buick, Jillian Danielson, Mark Cullinane, Melanie Rueb, Rich Davenport, Ryan Malm, Shawn Cullinane and Thomas Adam.
FASTSIGNS® of Omaha – 114th Street is located at 751 N. 114th Street and is open from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday. Call or visit our website for more info! (402) 493-7960 | Online: www.fastsigns.com/47-omaha-ne.