Olympus Group
Address: 9000 W. Heather Ave., Milwaukee
Year founded: 1893
Product or service offered: Large format digital printing including banners, event graphics, exhibits, POP displays, billboards, fleet and vehicle graphics and custom-made mascot costumes.
Projected 2014 revenue: $26 million
President: Brian Adam
Target clientele: Companies looking to improve their marketing efforts with large format graphics. Sports teams, universities and corporations looking to bring their brand to life through a mascot costume.
Business organization memberships: Specialty Graphic Imaging Association, Young President’s Organization, Florida Attractions Association
What has fueled your company’s growth? “Our team – we have 160 amazing people who work for us and we make some pretty cool products, including the Brewers Racing Sausages. We have no trade secrets or patents. The only way we have been and will be successful is by great execution. We pride ourselves on our responsiveness – turning projects faster than the competition, and quality – never letting a reject get to our customers.”
What is the biggest obstacle to your company’s growth? “Economic cycles – we produce promotional products and our sales are strong in years of growth. When the economy softens, our customers cut their tradeshow and promotional budgets. We need to be flexible and continually be looking at who we can support and help our customers grow.”
Do you plan to make any changes in your company in the coming months? “We are planning to invest another $1 million in new equipment and technology to ensure we stay cutting edge. We are also planning on hiring another 10 to 15 employees to help us manage our growth.”
What is the outlook for the business conditions of your industry over the next several months? “We aren’t economists – we make mascots – but we expect business conditions to lighten up for the next 12 to 18 months and have tempered expectations for our short-term growth.”
What is your company’s most important growth strategy right now? “Invest in great people and the latest technology – give our team members the tools and resources they need to be successful and then get out of their way and let them do what they do best – produce world class mascots and large format digital graphics.”
