Annie Bonvouloir is a second-generation driver/member of the Sports Car Club of America. Having been around racing most of her life, she's seen the gamut of graphics from black numbers in white circles to fluorescent flashes of color encircling a driver.
Her first work was hand-cut out of contact paper about twenty years ago when she did the graphics for her husband's race cars. After a few years spent in the San Francisco Region working grid, it was back to Colorado and long-time S.C.C.A. friends...the 1985 SSC National Champion still had some of Annie's graphics on his car 10 years later!
As technology advanced to computerized graphics, she decided that was the way to go and began a sign shop in 1995. This was a perfect way to connect work with racing and make new acquaintances.
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"When you enjoy what you are doing and who you are doing it for, you don't mind working all night if necessary. It makes me feel like part of their team. The year we did the Showroom Stock Endurance Series, it took real teamwork and a commitment from all of us. I absolutely loved that feeling of working hard to help the team. I feel the same way with this. I tell the drivers I will do whatever it takes to get the the job done, and I've been tested a few times! It takes something beyond feeling committed, but the excitement I get out of being part of racing makes it all worth while. When possible, I follow my work to the track where I join the crew and help out in other areas besides making and putting on the graphics!"
Sign Edge is a full service sign shop located just east of the Continental Divide high in the Rocky Mountains, open 24 hours a day by phone or fax. As sole proprietor, Annie is in charge of all aspects of the operation. Working out of the house allows her the versatility to target her clientele and give them the special attention and service lacking with larger outfits. Although she often goes to the customer, they are always welcome to come to Nederland where the coffee is always on!
I use the "Computer Graphics Pricing Guide". Updated annually since 1969, it Is a national average of thousands of similar jobs. As I don't have the additional expenses found with the larger shops, I can reduce my costs to 75% of those in the pricing guide.
I work with the customer to find a price that fits their budget. Often a small reduction in size or using fewer colors Is enough.... without losing quality!
The pricing guide does not cover the wide variety of work I can do. Therefore, I needed a guide priced by the foot, including labor, for the ever-expanding list of materials. Pricing by the foot allows me to give a better deal than if priced per piece. I maximize the graphics on the material utilizing all available space. Also, the graphics are made to order, not a standardized, pre-cut shape.
Another break in cost comes to those within the taxing area. As I am located just outside the city limits, my taxing rate is about half that found in Boulder and Denver!
I try very hard to offer a quality service with a reasonable price. I truly enjoy my work and guarantee your satisfaction. I welcome comments and suggestions.
I use the best...Gerber Scientific Products hardware, software and materials. The vinyls are specifically developed for Gerber by 3-M and provide exceptional quality and durability. Gerber's web site, http://www.GSPlnc.com, is a great place to check out the latest in the sign industry.
