By Matt Polster
When I first ventured into the world of finding creative solutions for vehicle graphics at SpeedPro Addison, I expected a learning curve and was ready to take the opportunity, despite minimal industry experience. It was a leap of faith—a bold decision driven by ambition and a strong belief in myself.
The road has been challenging, but the lessons I’ve learned have been invaluable—lessons that go far beyond printing vehicle wraps and customizations. The principles of service, consistency and adaptability that have shaped my journey can be applied to any business.
As SpeedPro Addison, the business I bet my career on, celebrates its 20th year, I look back on the journey with pride, knowing how much we’ve learned, grown, and engaged with the community. SpeedPro Addison has transformed my career and shaped my life, my team and my business in ways I never imagined.
These 20 lessons are a distillation of that experience—lessons that any business owner can use to navigate their unique path to success:
1. Know What People Actually Pay You For
Clients don’t just pay for materials and installation. They’re paying for your reliability, attention to detail and ability to deliver on their vision quickly. Ensuring consistency in branding, especially across a fleet of vehicles, is essential to meeting their expectations and building long-term trust.
2. Relationships Over Transactions
It’s not enough to simply complete a project and move on. One client came to us after facing spacing and consistency issues with partial wrap placements from a competitor that the client felt didn’t prioritize relationship-building. By fixing these issues and delivering high-quality work with consistent communication, we were able to build a long-term relationship. Following up after the job also allowed us to earn their trust, take on future projects and turn them into a consistent client. The power of follow-up and nurturing relationships cannot be underestimated.
3. Show Up When It Matters Most
A last-minute request from an out-of-state client in need of a vehicle wrap over a holiday weekend tested our commitment. We went the extra mile, working through the weekend to meet their needs. This dedication helped us secure their loyalty and future business.
4. Your Team Is Your Greatest Asset
Our team and its deep understanding of customer needs is integral to our success. Whenever I ask clients for feedback, they consistently highlight the value of working with our people; not just receiving a great product. Strong communication, a shared understanding of goals and a customer-first attitude are essential to creating a strong team and culture.
5. Hire Character; Train Skill
At SpeedPro Addison, we hire people with a service-first mindset, ensuring alignment with our values. Our team is stronger because we prioritize character over skill. Skills can be taught, but you’re born with character. Once you have the right candidate in place, invest in them with the right training and tools, and you’ll see them flourish.
6. People Buy From People
Our company’s success stems from the service-oriented culture we’ve cultivated. When mistakes happen, we take responsibility and focus on fixing issues rather than casting blame. This fosters trust and has kept customers coming back for 20 years.
7. Passion Gets You Started—Discipline Keeps You Going
A recent project with a major commercial real estate client showcased how discipline drives success. We were tasked with wrapping a trailer, but unexpected challenges arose—shifting ground from rain, submerged tires and old vinyl. Despite these setbacks, the team stayed disciplined, communicating necessary budget and equipment changes with the client. We couldn’t walk away, and our disciplined approach ensured the project was completed successfully, proving that discipline sustains a business through complex projects.
8. Not Every Client Is a Good Fit
Sometimes, saying “no” is the wisest choice. We’ve turned down projects that didn’t align with our strengths, preferring to refer clients to trusted partners. This honesty builds trust and clients often return for future work that does align with our strengths, knowing we always have their best interests at heart.
9. Learn From the Misses
A difficult client once taught us the value of trusting our expertise. He came to us with a custom-painted car, and though I knew the results might not meet his expectations, we decided to try and make it work. Miscommunication surrounding our abilities led to a poor review, and after a month of trying to get it removed, we realized we should have set clearer expectations up front. Experiences like this one showed us the importance of clear communication and not overpromising to please clients.
10. Processes Set You Free
Our commitment to strict quality control ensures that every project meets high standards. Multiple standard checkpoints minimize mistakes and help maintain the quality we’re known for.
11. Consistency Beats Intensity
Rushing through a job might help check another task off the to-do list, but consistency is what wins in the long run. We ensure that every task is done with precision, reinforcing our commitment to quality.
12. Celebrate the Wins
Recognizing and celebrating small wins boosts morale and momentum within the team, ensuring continued success and motivation. Who doesn’t appreciate kudos for their good work?
13. Know Your Value & Price for It
Pricing is about more than just materials and labor. It’s about how your cost structure compares in the market and the experience provided, from initial contact to post-project follow-up. Our clients don’t just get a vehicle wrap—they get a professional, seamless experience that adds value.
14. Under-Promise, Over-Deliver
It’s a simple-but-effective rule—by consistently exceeding client expectations, whether by working overtime or handling unexpected challenges, we build long-lasting relationships and ensure repeat business. It’s critical to avoid going back on your word in business, as that leaves a lasting negative impression. Exceed expectations consistently, however, and you gain customers and recommendations for the long term.
15. Community Is a Competitive Edge
Our involvement in the local community—such as recently donating graphics for a special needs school gala—has helped strengthen our community and has created valuable connections that may turn into future business opportunities. Even if those opportunities are indirect benefits, customers like to work with good people. Building goodwill benefits your team, your local community and your business.
16. Brand Experience Matters
Every touchpoint with our clients, from the first call to post-project follow-up, shapes their experience. By ensuring we’re responsive, consistently available and helpful, we create a brand that stands for service and excellence.
17. Adapt or Fade
The key to staying competitive is embracing change. Whether it’s adopting new printing techniques or exploring new materials, SpeedPro’s willingness to adapt ensures we stay relevant and continue delivering high-quality results.
18. Your Space Reflects Your Standards
Our studio is a reflection of our dedication to professionalism and quality. From the moment you enter, you can tell we work hard to maintain a clean, organized and welcoming environment. Every office detail underscores our commitment to the high standards we uphold in our projects. After all, no one wants to eat in a dirty restaurant and no one expects quality graphics from a disorganized, dirty shop.
19. Be Easy to Work With
Clients value our open communication, honesty, and willingness to help with any issues. A positive, can-do attitude goes a long way in smoothing out the complexities of any job.
20. There’s No Finish Line
Even after 20 years, we remain committed to continuous improvement. We understand that perfection is a myth, but the pursuit of excellence drives us to constantly raise the bar, both professionally and personally.
The lessons I’ve learned over the past 20 years have shaped SpeedPro Addison and facilitated my personal and professional growth. In entrepreneurship, there’s no finish line—only the next challenge to tackle, the next lesson to learn and the next milestone to reach.
Matt Polster is the owner of SpeedPro Addison, part of the SpeedPro national brand specializing in a variety of printed products.