A quick snap shot about John will assist you to understand our philosophy and the way we can help in developing innovation and improvements in your business.
Joining the Sign and Graphics industry in 1968, John spent the traditional training years working in various sign manufacturing business until finishing his completing an apprenticeship in signwriting. While learning project management, people management, quoting and one could say many of the skills necessary to run a small sign business – first hand business training and observations of serval small and medium sign and print operations. Looking for new challenges John embarked on a sole trader business, Hadfield Signs, in July 1972. Growing the business rapidly for many years meant answering all the usual challenges encountered such as expediential growth, financial growth issues, work place training and planning for growth. Having the benefit of several quality mentors and skilled business operators I could rely on for reliable advice. Additional training through education institutions and business courses help grow knowledge and capabilities.
Professional membership to SAA, SGIAA, ME&SA, NSCA to name a few provided board member opportunities and experiences. After a term as National Chairman of the Sign Association of Australia John was awarded Life membership in 1990.
The 1980’s saw first time opportunities in computerisation and automated signmaking and the company took a leading role in capitalising on systemisation, leveraging computers in manufacturing and administration. Hadfield Sign Co was a high-level supplier of both trade and end user sign, print and fabricated sign manufacturing all run and managed by a team of highly skilled and devoted sign people. Openings and time available allowed creating a wholesale sign supply business Letter & Sign Systems in Melbourne 1986, then in Sydney in 1987, this sign supply business traded successfully until it was sold to Vogel’s (now HVG) in 1993. A decision was made to return to Johns primary passion and core competencies …. Sign and Print Manufacturing.
John had experiences in running a medium sized manufacturing business employing typically 25 – 32 staff in peak times, being actively involved in a Sydney and Melbourne based supply based business.
Reflection of the success of the business spanning almost 30 years raised the question, “what is this all about?”
The answer was – Innovation and a focus on best practice to adopt continuous improvement in the business. A simple statement that the team set about the challenges of building, directing and managing a focused profit centre working with the set ideals we jointly developed.
Milestones included:
1. Quality Assurance to ISO 9002. Which included integration of specific custom built software to manage the production processes.
2. Accreditation to Environmental Standards including recycling and waste management.
3. Complete development and embracing systemisation and process driven business
4. While reviewing methods and practices at Hadfield Sign Co many developments and concepts lead to accreditation to the Australian Technology Showcase. The first of two products “Sign One Sign Systems”.
5. Purchase of competitive Aluminium sign systems including Hosplan – the custom designed hospital planning suite of sign panels.
6. Purchase of Patents and intellectual property of Clips-in Banner framing system – a large format 6x3m wall banner frame and sign system
7. Published Author and Speaker – Have a read of articles dating back to 2005 Link to Download and resources page
Another time of reflection during the heady days of 2000 – Olympics, boom times in the sign and print business and a reflective couple of months of on an extended holiday in Europe. Where more self-probing questions asked – “what is in our future?”
A plan started in 1995 can to conclusion in February 2001 - The core business “Hadfield Sign Co“ was sold to another leading sign manufacturer in Sydney in 2001 and is still trading successfully. In 2001 Sign One was sold to an International company Gravograph (Now Gravotech) and John took the role of International Manager of Sign Products, travelling the world for two plus years teaching sign techniques, marketing, building knowledge and skills. While marketing and training sales Gravograph staff and users of the product range. A wonderful and educational experience.
Nowadays, John takes a hands-on approach, and guides you to discover your needs and desires. Using tools developed, accrued along the way. All aimed to build your skills to assist you to make your OWN decisions based on assessing your best options.
Better still see what others have to say about how John has helped their businesses on our Testimonial page.