Doug and Lynne Trevett, with baby Reagan
Ask Doug Trevett what he wishes he had known when he and his wife, Lynne, founded Trevett’s Labels in 1988 and he has a ready answer.
“We had no idea how the business would change. The whole postal program—who could have forecast the impact of electronic mail and the fact that it would take so much business from the U.S Postal Service?” he said.
Ask Nathan Trevett, Doug’s son and his successor in the family business, what he sees on the horizon and you’ll get an answer just as quickly.
“Change,” Nathan said. “We know that where we are headed today is not where we will end up. That’s why we focus on staying nimble as we grow.”
Nathan Trevett with Landon, Conner and Reagan
It’s a good lesson for any business, and not so surprising given the fact that Nathan has a master’s degree in mechanical engineering with a focus on machine automation. As a youngster, he remembers standing in the “side room” of their home (which functioned as their office at the time), watching envelopes drop from the machine that processed them. “At five years old, I wanted to find ways to make it work better,” he said.
Success comes down to planning, father and son agree. That “side room” business now provides a full spectrum of digital printing, mailing, fulfillment and bindery services and is housed in its own 25,000 square foot factory.
Interestingly, the Trevett’s bought the property and completed construction three years ago. They moved in on September 1, 2008—just weeks before the U. S. economy tanked.
It was a scary time, with so much invested. They looked to First Community Bank for counsel on riding out the Recession in the best possible financial shape.
“They gave us really good advice and we took it,” said Doug.
Now the company is looking at broadening its product lines to include web development, communications and marketing, and to expanding geographically with new investments in digital technology. “By becoming more virtual, we can serve a client base that extends across the United States. That’s exciting.”
What advice do the Trevetts have for entrepreneurs in the Midlands?
1. Think long term. You will need capital to hang in there through good times and bad.
2. Be flexible. For success to be sustainable, you must pay attention to your customers’ needs and you must meet those needs with new products and services.
3. Remember to plan for your personal financial future, in addition to that of your company.