AS CUSTOMERS, we walk into businesses not always knowing the history or hard work that it takes to make a successful business. We often don’t know the first days when a business was just dreams and a garage.
Working every day in a local factory for 19 years, John Long had a dream of owning his own business. After years of contemplation, he decided to start a part-time vinyl business in his garage. After starting 580 Graphics and growing over a few years, John was able to leave his factory position. However, it was not without months of hesitation. A doubt that could only be overcome by faith. During this time, John’s father became ill and passed away. On the day of the funeral, John was speaking with the Pastor and the conversation turned toward the doubts John was having.
“Do you believe in God?” his Pastor asked him.
“Yes, I do!” John replied. The Pastor proceeded to tell John “If you believe, have faith, and He will take care of you.”
John felt that this was the confirmation he was praying for. The next day, John went into his full time job and gave his resignation notice. Years later, his faith and hard work would pay off for 580 Graphics.
John and his wife Cathy both are very active and present in daily operations at 580 Graphics, they work 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. just like the employees. They have had multiple offers of buyouts and partnerships, but that was simply not an option to the couple.
“We love what we do, our customers, and most of all being a custom shop that can make people happy with a unique product,” Cathy said.
580 Graphics offers an extensive list of graphic services, including but not limited to custom logo creation, vehicle wraps, screen printing, and embroidery. They ship items, from signs to shirts, all across the United States. On their website they address their ability to create a quality product by exclaiming “We have professional graphic designers in-house that take pride in turning your standard logo into a custom art piece.” They can also help with the designing process of any logo. The customer is truly the Longs top priority, and guaranteeing satisfaction has yet to be an issue for this successful small town business.
Businesses like 580 Graphics change Shelbyville for the better, not just because we need their services, but because we need their hospitality.
“We always remind ourselves that we could not do anything without our great employees and we remind our employees that they would not be here without our great customers,” Cathy said. “But above all, we owe it all to God for blessing us—and without Him, we would have nothing and are nothing.” -GN
