Andrea Riley is the co-owner of FASTSIGNS of Washington Township and alumna of LAEDA’s Entrepreneurial Development Training Program. FASTSIGNS of Washington Township, NJ creates engaging custom signs, banners, branding materials, and other visual solutions. The marketing strategists, graphic experts and problem solvers at FASTSIGNS of Washington Township, NJ solve clients’ visual communications challenges and tell their brand story. We had a chance to sit down with Andrea to ask about his experience with entrepreneurship and LAEDA’s training programs.
(1) LAEDA: Entrepreneurship is a very challenging path to take with many different possible directions. What made you decide to become an entrepreneur?
My family tree is full of business owners from a wide range of industries so I truly believe entrepreneurship was in my DNA.
I was raised with a strong work ethic and was encouraged to think “outside-the-box” to find ways of earning extra money. My very first business endeavor – a lemonade stand – soon evolved into selling products such as candy, gift baskets and providing services such as babysitting, house cleaning, laundry service, hair braiding, event planning, personal organizing, tutoring, and eventually biblical marriage counseling.
I also enjoyed the flexibility of setting my own schedule and being my own boss.
(2) LAEDA: Why did you choose your industry?
My family and I selected a field that would afford high-income potential and sustainability during economic shifts. We considered our collective skillsets, experiences, and interests throughout the decision-making process and chose an industry where we could work together to build generational wealth.
(3) LAEDA: Tell me about your experience while attending WBA/ EDTP. What have the major takeaways been from the program? Have you had any ‘Ah-ha!’ moments? How did the program help you?
In 2018, my husband, Cliff, and I formed an LLC for our relationship building and biblical counseling business. We found LAEDA at the perfect time, as we were eager to learn principles that would help us grow the company. After researching the Entrepreneurial Development Training Program (EDTP), my expectations were high, but I can honestly say that the program exceeded all my expectations. The staff was enthusiastic, encouraging, and supportive. Each presenter was knowledgeable, relevant and engaging. The range of topics covered was broad, varied and holistic. The class environment was conducive to discovery, inquiry, and growth.
I found the classes to be well planned; the exercises to be very beneficial; and the coursework to be appropriately challenging.
The EDTP program caused me to challenge pre-conceived assumptions by conducting extensive market research. I decided to rewrite our business plan to include all my newly acquired information. The homework assignments broke down the process (of writing a business plan) into bite-sized pieces.
An “ah-ha” moment took place during a real estate class. The presentation motivated me to expand my vision and redefine our long-range goals to include property ownership.
I finished the program far more confident and equipped to grow the business. We have since branched out into our current business endeavor. In addition, the knowledge and insight I gained through the EDTP remains relevant. It is an integral part of our success.
(4) LAEDA: Tell me about your journey on the road to business start-up. What have been some of the challenges, successes, failures, etc.?
Since attending LAEDA’s Entrepreneurial Development Training Program, we have branched out from the start-up biblical marriage counseling business we developed in 2018. Today, our primary business focus is growing our FASTSIGNS franchise business.
One of our biggest challenges has been the learning curve in this new industry. Although my family (business partners) and I possessed many transferrable skills for the new business, there are many nuances to the signage industry. As the saying goes, “you don’t know what you don’t know”. In this field, lack of knowledge can be costly so we are in a perpetual state of learning via training, mentors, networking, and, unfortunately, trial and error.
(5) LAEDA: Could you tell me a little about where your business is today?
Our FASTSIGNS signage and marketing business is celebrating one year of operation and we are currently on a growth streak. We are learning to manage a plethora of projects at once while completing each job with excellence. Our number one goal is customer satisfaction so I am proud to say that, to date, our Google rating is 5-Stars!
(6) LAEDA: Do you have any advice for future (or existing) entrepreneurs?
Three pieces of advice I would offer:
First, I would strongly encourage any future or existing entrepreneur to establish a firm foundation by taking advantage of the excellent resources offered by LAEDA.
Second, develop a business plan. The process of completing it is just as important as the end product. You will learn a great deal about your business, your industry, and about yourself along the way.
Last, always remain teachable, adaptable and hungry for knowledge and understanding in your industry. You should never stop reinventing yourself and always be willing to pivot when needed.
FASTSIGNS of Washington Township can be reached at:
Website: https://www.fastsigns.com/washington-township-nj/
Address: Fries Mills Plaza 198 Fries Mill Rd Unit 112, Turnersville, NJ 08012
Phone Number: (908) 574-1345
About the Entrepreneurial Development Training Program (EDTP):
The Entrepreneurial Development Training Program (EDTP) is a free, nine-week business skills training course offered in Camden, NJ in the spring and fall each year. Qualified entrepreneurs receive 72+ hours of training from industry professionals, business planning, and continued technical assistance. For more Information, visit us at laeda.com or use the refer an entrepreneur form.