May 11, 2012

King Pin Lawn Service

It's not everyday that a pro-bowler mows your lawn.





Oh, wait!  That's not a pro-bowler... that's my Uncle Jim!  Sometimes in the office we get a hold of sample shirts or mix up's that we don't know what to do with.  Well when your Uncle is a pack rat (I say that in the nicest way possible and he knows it's true) I just give them to him.  He is not bothered about silly things like style or fashion.  And even though I pick on him quite a bit he knows that I only pick on the people I like the most.

As a matter of fact when people ask me how to get started in business I tell them that you have to have the support of family and friends or it doesn't work.  And when I say that I always think about Uncle Jim the most.  You see, most people don't realize what a huge role Jim has played in my company.  And even though he will be angry at me for telling this story I'm going to tell it anyway.  After all, he can't stay mad at me for long because I give him free shirts and he loves free junk more than anything in this world.

When I first started my business I was working out of my parents house and trying to figure out how to make my crazy idea of a shirt shop work.  And one day out of the blue my Uncle Jim called and said, "hey, you know I own the old hardware shop in town and I was thinking you might want to use it for your new place."

I was super excited that he had offered it but I really didn't know how I would pay rent and afford everything I needed since I was just getting started.  I explained that I appreciated the offer but maybe when I save a little more money I can make it work.  And what he said next launched my entire career... "that's okay, why don't you just use the building and pay the utilities and we will worry about rent after you're there for a year."

That actually was the nicest, craziest thing anyone has ever done for this company and my crazy shirt shop idea.  I have a lot of people in my life to thank for helping me out along the way but Uncle Jim is at the top of the list.  He still to this day comes to pick up the rent check every month and tells me that if I don't have the money this month to just let him know and I can pay him later.  That makes him the worst landlord ever, but the best uncle on the planet.

Thanks Uncle Jim!  By the way, there will be no questions this month when my rent is higher because I published this and secretly took pictures of you mowing my grass at the office in a bowling shirt.  It was just too funny to pass up.  

May 10, 2012

Triad Middle School presents... "The Music Man"

I remember when I was in junior high and we would put on school plays and sing a few songs in the middle of it and our parents would suffer through and act like it was the best performance that they had ever seen.  Times have changed!  The Triad Middle School puts on some of the best musicals that I have ever seen.  They have some really talented kids and they take it very seriously.  My good pal and office security, Kodey, is in the musical this year and has rehearsed some of the music in the office for the shirt ninja and I and we LOVE it!  

I have been printing the shirts for the musical for the last 9 years and the performances get more elaborate each year.  Just when I think that they can't out do the previous year, they do.  And this isn't like when I was in school and everyone drug their family along to suffer through my solo. (Shout out to Mrs. Bernaix, my favorite music teacher who gave me solo's to practice so that I would quit talking during chorus practice.)  Triad Middle School has advance ticket sales and usually sells out every show!!!  It is hugely supported by the school and the community.  That is why I am proud to announce The TMS musical is this weeks client of the week!



I already have my tickets for the Friday night performance and I can't wait.  If you have time bring your family out to see a great performance by a great group of kids.  Tonight is opening night and the show starts at 7.  Friday and Saturday have performances at 7 as well.

Break a leg Kodey!

May 3, 2012

it's a piece of cake

the kelly tracy advertising and design client of the week is "it's a piece of cake" bakery in st. jacob.




when cathy gillomen, the owner and baker, first came in around this time last year and asked me to create a logo for her new business i was really excited to work with her.  and not just because she brought me cupcakes.  (although that didn't hurt)  it was because she's one of those business women that had a good idea and works as hard supporting her brand as possible.  i love it when people have a fire in their belly for what they do and have the confidence to pursue their amazing, yet super scary goal of a new business.  cathy is one of the sweetest clients on the planet but everything she creates is almost to pretty to eat!  don't worry, i struggle through and eat it anyway.

 


kudos to cathy and her staff at "it's a piece of cake" on a job well done!  stop by and support her bakery and treat yourself to a cupcake, pastry, breakfast sandwich, doughnut... okay i have to stop.  now i'm hungry.