6/1/2017
BackImage360 Traverse City has evolved significantly since it was launched as Signs Now some 27 years ago. Andrew Kohlmann started working at Signs Now when he was still in high school, before he and Amy purchased the business in 2008.
"We changed the focus of the company to work on more unique projects and larger scope projects," Andrew said.
The company went through another significant change in 2014, when it became Image360 Traverse City to better reflect its wide range of graphic design, communications and company branding services. Image360 Traverse City describes itself as a "team-based, employee-and-community-centric company with environmentally-friendly, forward-thinking production systems and the power of a network with hundreds of partners."
Andrew and Amy also take special pride in their outstanding team of employees.
"We really encourage everyone to do what they enjoy the most and know that, in the end, that’s going to benefit us all, and benefit the company," Andrew said.
The company’s growth and success is also gaining state-wide recognition. Image360 Traverse City was recently among a handful of Chamber members honored among the "Michigan 50 Companies of Watch" at the recent Michigan Celebrates Small Business Awards held in Lansing.
The team of Small Business Celebration judges said selecting a top candidate from a strong field of finalists was no easy task.
"Despite having a hard choice to make, the judges ultimately felt that Image360 Traverse City deserved to be recognized as the Hagerty Small Business of the Year for 2017," said Steve Nance, an SBC judge and general manager of Oryana Natural Foods Market, the 2014 Small Business of the Year. "Andrew Kohlmann and his team reflected a commitment to constant improvement in all areas including being a technical leader in signage in our area, providing exceptional customer service, supporting staff development and in doing good in the community."
Image360 Traverse City joins a long list of successful local companies honored as the Chamber’s Hagerty Small Business of the Year, a program launched by the Chamber back in 2005 to recognize the enormous economic and social impact of the small business sector in Northwest Michigan. Studio 415 Salon owned by Leslie Winkle was the 2016 honoree.
Nance said the judges felt all the Top 10 finalists were strong representatives. The other Top 10 finalists included Anavon Technology Group, Incredible Mo’s, Krause Realty Solutions, Leelanau Physical Therapy, Mid-American Title Company, Pets Naturally. Press On Juice, Shoreline Power Services, Inc. and St. Ambrose Cellars.
"The judges give kudos to all the Top Ten, whose strengths showed through during the rigorous and valuable Hagerty Small Business of the Year judging process," he said. "I can say in all honesty that they are all winners as they all are representative of the impactful attributes of our regions high-quality small businesses!"
