Today we’d like to introduce you to Carmen Rad.
Hi Carmen, 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.
Three decades ago, I embarked on a journey into entrepreneurship, establishing my business in a spare bedroom. Today, our operations have blossomed into a thriving venture headquartered in a 28 thousand square foot facility at the heart of Los Angeles. Initially collaborating with movie studios to create promotional items for upcoming films, we have since evolved into a distinguished large-format printing and installation company. Our expertise lies in producing exceptional print graphics for experiential events, retail rollouts, and commercial environmental graphics.
Our portfolio proudly extends to well-known venues such as the Crypto Arena, LA Live, and numerous esteemed LA museums. Our influence can also be traced to major events, including the Super Bowl, National Football Championship, and The LA Auto Show, marking our footprint in these iconic spectacles. From small businesses to industry titans like Coca-Cola and Kaiser Permanente, our diverse clientele attests to our commitment to delivering top-notch services across various sectors.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall, and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
Overcoming numerous challenges stemming from limited funding and a lack of initial knowledge, I embarked on my entrepreneurial journey as a young business owner and a new mother. Despite facing financial constraints, I pursued my passion, driven by a profound love for what I do and a commitment to providing for my family. Throughout this 30-year odyssey, I navigated the hardships of financial strain, making substantial sacrifices along the way.
The process of learning how to collaborate with banks, preparing essential funding documents, and gaining financial literacy was time-consuming but pivotal. Actively participating in various free educational programs, generously supported by organizations such as the SBA, the city of LA, and business community entities, broadened my knowledge base.
My journey led me to discover the significance of supplier diversity, prompting me to evolve into an advocate for gender inclusivity. Engaging in discussions about policies aimed at securing equal opportunities for women in business became a personal mission. A pivotal turning point occurred with the award of a scholarship to UCLA’s MBE program, contributing significantly to a growth in our business.
Reflecting on the past, the intricate balance of going back to school, managing a business, and raising two children is a formidable challenge. However, the metaphorical comparison to Forrest Gump aptly captures the relentless momentum I maintained during that period—I was RUNNING.
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
We are a large format digital printing and installation company. We own some of the greenest, fastest, high-quality printing equipment in our industry. We also have an in-house design team, print production specialist, and a knowledgeable sales team able to assist with any printing needs.
What are your plans for the future?
In my personal life, I’ve never been one to make extensive forecasts. Embracing a mindset of gratitude, I take each experience as it comes.
In the realm of business, we’ve meticulously laid a robust foundation by investing in cutting-edge and environmentally friendly print technology. Furthermore, significant time and resources have been dedicated to implementing a customized software system or ERP. These strategic investments are poised to enhance our production efficiency, minimize waste, and reduce errors. As a result, we are positioning ourselves to be not only competitive but well-prepared for the anticipated growth on the horizon. Our approach towards a new potential clients is not just to be their printer but to be a supportive team player. Los Angeles in about to embark in some historical events with the LA28 Olympic Games, and we are hopeful to make the team.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.cracustom.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/cracustom/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CRACustom
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/carmenrad/
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@cracustominc
- Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/cr-and-a-custom-los-angeles?utm_campaign=www_business_share_popup&utm_medium=copy_link&utm_source=(direct)
- Other: https://www.pinterest.com/cracustom/cra-blogs/
