Visibility brings business with Spot on Signs

TRISH AND MIKE TRATOS started their sign and graphic business, Spot on Signs in 2010. At Spot on Signs clients can choose from a variety of materials —€” with environmentally friendly options —€” to draw customers' attention. Democrat photo by Krysten Kellum

Spot on Signs is in the business of helping other businesses. What every business needs is a sign and Spot on Signs’ motto is “to provide ideal sign solutions.” So now that the economy is beginning to pick back up it’s time to revitalize your signage.

Lotus residents Trish and Bill Tratos are the husband and wife team behind Spot on Signs.

“We wanted to be part of the local business community, and to help others build their business,” Trish said. The Tratoses are active members of all six chambers in El Dorado County.

Bill’s background as an artist — in particular ceramics, translates to skills in graphic design and composition, elements that make a sign eye-catching.

Trish was previously working at the executive level for a mortgage loan company, so as you might imagine she handles the financial aspects of running the business.

“We help other businesses increase sales. Signage is one of the best ways to do that,” Trish said. ”A quality sign is also a reflection of how the business owners feel about their business,” Bill said.

And signs are a great way to advertise as well.

“Signs last,” Trish said, explaining how cost-effective that form of marketing can be. “People often balk at the cost of a sign or vehicle graphic, but in reality signs are the most cost-effective advertising there is next to referrals.”

Trish also cited a study by the University of Cincinnati that found 46 percent of a business’ new customers were earned because of their sign. The study also found that 49 percent of people pass by a sign that is too small or hard to read.

Spot on Signs can produce any kind of sign including monument signs, channel letters, banners, customized wallpaper and graphics that can be applied to cars, walls, windows, vehicles, you name it.

Floor graphics are fairly new in the world of signage and Bill says they are a great way to grab and direct a potential customer’s attention. Just follow the yellow brick road — it’s easy.

Spot on Signs has environmentally sound options to draw attention to your business too. “We offer green alternatives to signage,” Bill said noting that Spot on Signs uses a latex-based ink printer, that does not use any environmentally harmful chemicals but still produces prints that are just as long-lasting as other inks. Not only that, but this Hewlett-Packard printer creates incredibly vivid and detailed images up to 60 inches wide with unlimited length. Bill says it’s the only printer like it in El Dorado County.

At Spot on Signs there’s all sorts of environmentally friendly options for signage like banners made from recycled ink cartridges. There are also signs that use velcro to allow single parts of a sign’s components to be switched out without having to replace the whole thing.

“We really work in partnership with our clients. We want their input and to make sure they are satisfied,” Trish said

One satisfied client had this to say: “You are a miracle worker! I’ve been wrestling trying to edit it down and you did it in minutes, to perfection! I’m so thankful for your talents. Our entire staff loves the new banner you did for us. The quality is lovely. You’ve demonstrated a nice blend of creative talents, yet also marketing savy,” — Alice Rush, Elder Options Inc.

Spot on Signs also works with local non-profits like Habitat for Humanity — whose board Trisch serves on— and Big Brothers Big Sisters at a special non-profit rate. Check out Spot on Signs on Facebook or follow them on Twitter where they promote each business they do a job for. Find tons of information, request a free estimate, upload graphics and order online through their website, spot-on-signs.com. For more information call 530-295 8285. Spot on Signs is located in Park West at 6166 Enterprise Drive Suite G in Diamond Springs.

Krysten Kellum

Krysten Kellum has worked for the Mountain Democrat since 2006 as a photographer and was named Photography Editor in 2009. Kellum is a 2004 graduate of UC Davis with degrees in English and French. Her Australian Cattle Dog Penny is the Mountain Democrat newshound.

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