Today we’d like to introduce you to Tom Numan & Brandon Ransfield. They and their team shared their story with us below:
Radikal Neon had incredibly humble beginnings in a garage in Christchurch, New Zealand – like any good start-up! Tom Numan, the founder, first began playing around with varying types of LED neon in 2013. He’d frequently used different colors to transform the feeling of his and fellow roommates’ bedrooms while studying at Massey University in Wellington, this was where that original lighting fascination really began.
Flash forward to 2016, and Tom finds himself fully committed to Radikal Neon – and living in China working with local lighting technicians to produce the exact type of LED Neon he knew he’d need to make his sign more like neon than anything available in the market at that time. Even today that LED diode is not far disconnected from the signs Radikal Neons sells today.
After a 6-month R&D journey in Southern China, Tom made his way back to his hometown of Christchurch, New Zealand to actually begin selling his signs. From there, after a range of savvy marketing moves via social media, the business grew exponentially, from strength to strength in the local market, and as the popularity of our signs grew so did our attention from the Canadian & US markets.
Along the journey, Tom reconnected with long-time friend Brandon Ransfield whom he studied with at university. Brandon just so happened to have a wealth of experience in the signage industry, which made him an ideal partner to take this show on the road. After a few beers, they both shared the same ambition of taking Radikal Neon to the forefront of the United States, Los Angeles officially in 2021.
The name of the business actually foreshadowed the eventual move to Los Angeles, with the name ‘Radikal’ taken from the popular Californian beachside catchphrase ‘Radical!’ – the business’ ethos and identity was always inspired by the colorful folks of Venice and the easy-going attitudes of those in the surrounding beachside communities.
Trimming out a lot of the fat, that brings us to today, where we have a range of incredible clients, having worked with production companies such as Universal, Paramount & Netflix – and celebrities like Justin Bieber, Anthony Davis, Bronny James & Jordin Sparks to name a few. Incredible projects are constantly in the works, and it’s a pleasure to pull off some of the most ambitious jobs for some of the most incredible people.
Today the business has offices in Toronto, Los Angeles, Dublin, Auckland & Melbourne with physical stores in West Hollywood, LA & Herne Bay, and Auckland.
I’m sure you wouldn’t say it’s been obstacle free, but so far would you say the journey have been a fairly smooth road?
There’s only ever really been small bumps to be honest!
The biggest hill to climb was actually getting our visas sorted for setting up the business in LA. This was due to COVID, we had originally come to LA at the start of 2020, signed a lease and had gone back to NZ while our visas were processed.
Ultimately almost 2 years went by before we would be able to get back to LA to continue the journey, in that time we scrapped our lease – so when we came back, it was a totally new game.
But we think it all worked out for the best, as in that period the business up-skilled hugely – and Tom & Brandon forged a better game plan for their re-arrival in LA that was designed to service the city in a faster manner with a higher quality LED neon too.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
Radikal Neon specializes in creating custom neon signs. We take client’s ideas and bring them to light exactly as they had envisioned.
Brandon has an extensive background in signage production, having grown up in a family that owned and operated a signage company had Brandon learning from a very young age.
Tom studied lighting design at university, that ultimately lead him to identify the exciting possibilities LED would have in the ever-changing neon industry.
We’re known for simplifying the process of getting a bespoke neon made. Previously it was a complicated process, with very little online access – we went as far to build our online ‘Custom Neon Builder’ so that at any time of the day/night someone could jump online, design their sign and buy it then and there.
What we’re most proud of is our work ethic. We outwork all of our competitors to provide the best client experience each time and in turn create returning clients – and clients that tell their colleagues and friends about us.
What matters most to you?
Providing our clients with both a high-quality product and a high-quality experience.
We find this valuable to growing a business, as word of mouth recommendations are the strongest leads anyone can provide.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.radikalneonsigns.com/us/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/radikalneon/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/radikalneon
- Linkedin: https://linkedin.com/company/radikal-neon
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCJm4MJiZxLLD6X69OJZohfA
- Other: https://www.pinterest.nz/radikalneon/
