How Switch Graphics Found Entrepreneurial Success with A&V

Who hasn’t dreamed of opening their own shop? The problem, of course, is that the stars have to align exactly right for success. Evidently the stars aligned for Switch Graphics, the Barrie-based flexo trade shop that opened its doors on June 10, 2014. Their success story is inspiring for any entrepreneur.

Mike Dennis, Steve Dane, and Stan Bradley are seasoned veterans in the manufacture of flexo printing plates for the corrugated packaging, polybag, and label industries.  While working for a flexo trade shop, they saw a void in the marketplace for a service-oriented trade shop. One that makes it easier to do business and creates a user-friendly experience.

The collective experience offered by Mike, Steve, and Stan covered all facets required for a successful trade shop. Mike had 30 years of experience including serving as a controller, Steve was a top salesman with 23 years experience, and Stan’s 20 years of manufacturing expertise covered production and logistics.

The stars were aligning. There was a demand for a service-oriented trade shop and they had the right skillset required for success. So Switch Graphics was born.

To move their business forward, the next step required purchasing flexo platemaking equipment and materials, however, this was a significant investment with long-term consequences. Initially… Mike, Steve, and Stan used their network of suppliers to determine what was out there, what was available and the associated costs.

“Anderson & Vreeland was the one company that really stepped up to the plate and recommended equipment and different options, put pricing together, and backed it with a tremendous amount of support,” said Stan, who oversees production and logistics for Switch Graphics.

“We needed a partner who did more than sell equipment and materials,” noted Mike, who serves as the company’s controller. A&V went beyond the sale of equipment by providing training plus support tailored for their business.

“In fact, training was an on-going process at our location, over the phone, and over the web,” said Steve, who oversees sales for Switch Graphics. “Almost all of Anderson & Vreeland’s technical group was involved to provide support,” he added.

It has been six months since Switch Graphics began operations and their business continues to grow. The company is hiring additional production staff and expanding into new markets. Their formula of offering great service and customer support has worked well for the company… just like it has for Anderson & Vreeland.