Today we’d like to introduce you to Jennifer Stone.
Hi Jennifer, it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for taking the time to share your story with us – to start maybe you can share some of your backstory with our readers?
In 2005, I started my business, Imprintability. I do printing, banners, promo items etc., all that fun stuff every business needs. But when I started, I was still working as an Operations Manager for a major retail office supplies store. I was walking through the store one day and a very nice couple asked me for help with a mouse for their computer. While I was talking to them, I just burst into tears. Luckily there was an associate nearby that saw me struggling and came over to help. I ran into the office and just had a breakdown. It was in that moment that I knew I needed things to change in my work life. Working in retail was hard, I never had two days off in a row, I worked holidays and weekends, and I rarely got a lunch break. So, after the breakdown, I started to be open to new opportunities even though I had been working for the same company for over 12 years.
Not long after that, I was at the LA County Fair walking through those buildings where they try to sell you all of the latest gadgets to clean your house or a better mattress when we came upon a booth that was selling screen printing equipment and talking about having a promo products business. It seemed so cool with all the promo items and t-shirts on display with different logos and colors. They had a seminar they were offering at a nearby hotel that was during the fair. So my wife and I went to check it out. I thought this is amazing, I can work for myself and get out of the “listen to the corporate office job” and just listen to myself. So we bought the equipment and I started on this new journey. I was still working at my retail management job and tried to start Imprintbility and get it running before I left the job. But it didn’t take me long to realize that you cannot grow a new business while still working 50-60 hours a week for someone else. So after a few months, I took my shot and left my job to work Imprintability full time. It’s been just over 16 years now and I could not be prouder to still be in business. I love what I do.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
I wouldn’t say it’s been a smooth road but it certainly could have been bumpier. My struggles are mostly with myself. I get in my own way. Over the years, I have realized that I have some ADD tendencies and as my business has grown, it’s hard to stay focused sometimes.
Appreciate you sharing that. What should we know about Imprintability?
My company, Imprintability is a small business that does printing, banners, promo items, awards, signs, wearables and more. I specialize in helping other small businesses brand themselves and look bigger than they are. You can be small and still look very pro. When you work with me, you become part of my Imprintability family and I look after your image and branding. I recommend products and services that I think could help your business grow. If you tell me you need XYZ sometimes I tell you that ABC is going to be better. Your brand is not just another face in the crowd to me. I care for each one of my clients and I look out for them. Most of my clients stay with me for years and years and I love that because we grow together. I am also a huge believer in networking and being members of local Chambers of Commerce. I am currently the Board President of the Arcadia Chamber of Commerce and a Past President of the Monrovia Chamber of Commerce. I love “Chambering”! I love doing business with people I see at events every month and build relationships with.
What makes you happy?
In business, what makes me happy seeing a client’s face when I deliver their pens or coffee mugs or banner. Their happiness becomes my happiness. Knowing that I helped them be happy in their own business gives me great joy. I love working behind the scenes to contribute to someone else’s success.
In life, the love and support of my wife, Dunia makes me happiest of all. We have known each other since 7th grade and everyday she makes me feel like I am the luckiest woman on earth.
Contact Info:
- Email: jennifer@imprintability.com
- Website: imprintability.com
- Instagram: @imprintability
- Facebook: @imprintability
- Twitter: @imprintability
