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The Fayetteville Observer, N.C., Business Spotlight column [The Fayetteville Observer, N.C.](Fayetteville Observer (NC) Via Acquire Media NewsEdge) Oct. 29--McGee Cadd on Fort Bragg Road, one in a chain of five stores, makes really, really big reproductions of documents and drawings for customers. Manager: Cheryl Mitchell Address: 2110 Fort Bragg Road Founded: January 1997 Employees: 3 What is it? The store is a large-format printing company that offers reproduction and representation of architectural, engineering and surveying supplies and equipment. What is reprographics? "Basically, it would be reproducing," Mitchell said. "We reproduce documents." Your business was established here in 1997. How has it evolved to remain viable? "Well, we jumped into the digital world. We have to. Before, everything was all hand drawn. Now everything is done on computers, software. What we've done is adapt to make it easier for our customers to reproduce their plans and drawings." Initially, the Fayetteville store offered computerized drafting and design, taught classes in computerized-assisted drafting, and offered restoration of antique maps and photographs, blueprints and the use of copiers. What are the services you now provide? McGee Cadd continues to offer most of those services. Classes in computer-assisted drafting are no longer taught, Mitchell said. "We've brought in small-format printing -- your business card, your letterhead, your basic office needs. We have full graphic design." Who are your customers? "Our customers are small businesses, large businesses, individuals, architects, engineers, contractors, anybody in the construction-type field, as well as basic businesses. Doctors, medical centers, as well." What aspect of the business has shown to be the most profitable? "I would say the reproducing of drawings and the sales of equipment supplies." Many businesses and government offices have gone paperless. Has that had an effect on your business? "It has. We do a lot of scanning of large-format printing, up to 42 (inches) by 30 (inches) and, in some cases, larger. We're able to reproduce those in (a) digital file." You are part of a chain: Where is the company's headquarters, and how many locations are there? The Wilmington-based company has five locations. Has your business suffered from the economy, and are you seeing a rebound from that? "Of course, we've all suffered. We have, as well. We've slowly rebounded, but I don't know if we'll be back to where it was prior to 2008." Does your business fluctuate or stay on an even keel? "We fluctuate. We fluctuate with the economy. If nothing is being built, that affects us. When they're building, we are affected. The economy definitely affects us." What's the best advice you have for anyone in business that you've learned over the years? "Try not to say no. Anybody who comes in here and asks if we can do something, I try not to say, 'No.' Try to find a way to make something happen." What does your business do to stand out in your particular field? "Customer service. We have a very good rapport with our customers. We know them, and they know us, and it makes a difference when they walk through the door." - Michael Futch ___ (c)2014 The Fayetteville Observer (Fayetteville, N.C.) Visit The Fayetteville Observer (Fayetteville, N.C.) at www.fayobserver.com Distributed by MCT Information Services [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ] |