Nearly 28 months ago I started an adventure. What I thought was going to be an interesting industry, turned out to be a fascinating circus of large-format equipment, print technology and signage. I have learned so much at my job and yet I still feel like I know next to nothing today.
Large- or Wide-Format Printing is defined as a printer that prints on large paper, which can range from three to fifteen feet in width. These machines usually use inkjet technology, and are capable of printing on a variety of substrates, including but not limited to: vinyls, banners, papers and canvas.
I love this world. But when I started it, I had no idea what it was.
Two years ago I accepted a role with a national company involved in selling and servicing digital printing equipment and medias for signmaking. We are that in-between B2B/B2C organization which means I see walk-in customers asking,
"Do you sell vinyl here?"
And I receive phone calls from our regular clients saying, "I'll get my usual bundle please."
Bundle refers to a roll; normally 54"-64" in width, and at least 150 feet long, of printable vinyl and overlaminate. And though some are not at all educated in signage and print, I love my customers equally.
In 2016 I was still a bit upset about being kicked out of the car world. After my marketing gig with Toyota ended, the natural thing for me was to get back behind the bar. At the same time I was concerned about flipping work schedules - no longer bathing in banker's hours, I would start at 4:00 pm and finish around midnight. I wouldn't see my boyfriend until Sundays (if I wasn't scheduled to work, that is). But quickly I fell back into that familiar routine of taking care of others.
Bartending is an intimate profession. I have met very few career bartenders. I guess because it's not a lifestyle most people crave. I envy them. Bartenders hold a special place in the hearts of their customers. They are often good listeners. And usually available in the middle of the night if you need to talk.
So I went back to bartending and suddenly felt needed again.
I developed regular visitors like Pat, a Dad of twin tree-year-old boys from Oshawa, ON. Pat worked for a company that dealt with speedometer/odometer conversions for vehicles imported and exported to and from the USA and Canada. Matt, a single, "Storm Chaser" who worked for an international Dent Repair company. His job was literally to follow thunderstorms around the globe and contract vehicle repairs. Ethan's father or father-in-law was the owner of an import/export company in the US and he would come up at least twice a month to purchase cars at weak, Canadian dollar prices. I learned a lot about a lot of people but the majority were involved in automotive industries. It felt like I just couldn't escape the car world. But I wasn't going back.
Two years ago I said yes to an opportunity. I said I was, Okay with $14.00 hourly wage to start. After three months I received a small pay rise and continued to learn and work, keeping my head down. I grew into the role of "Telemarketing Sales/Customer Service Representative." I went to Red Deer, Brooks, Edmonton, Lloydminster, Lethbridge, and Toronto. I was given a company cell phone to be more efficient. And I thought I was working really hard that first year. Then I missed my target. I was expected to sell $800,000.00 and I sold $679,834.00. And it still bothers me to this day.
Last year I accepted a target of 1M. I have exactly two weeks to reach it. And without a doubt this time, I have done nearly everything in my power to get there. I have worked late, I have started early and I have gone miles beyond my remit. Not for any other reason than wanting to meet that goal. To prove to my owners, and myself, that I can set and meet targets effectively.
I don't make tons of money today but I do love what I do. I would not trade being part of a team that looks out for each other, for anything. I can tell when my colleagues haven't had enough sleep. And I'll pop in a K-cup for him/her. When I closed a massive deal, my co-worker's Mom made a cake. Our Manager brings me a Growler of my favourite beer to thank me for my hard work. You cannot put a price on healthy work-life systems. I have access to a safe space and opportunities for a lifetime now. My job is simple: develop the business; keep everyone motivated, educated and coming back. I get to create promotions, plan events, and if for some reason I don't feel like working, it's easy to say so. Even though my job is challenging, it's not complicated. It's people. And people need people.
