TrueVIS Versatility Helps Launch J & R Signs & More

It was experiencing the pandemic that convinced Joseph Cavaretta, Jr. and his wife, Rachael Courtney, that they needed to start their own sign shop. “Everything shut down and my job ended. We decided we needed to work for ourselves,” said Rachael. Joseph, known to everyone as Jojo, had prior experience running a window tint and sign shop, and Rachael was ready to learn how to run a sign business.  

They opened J & R Signs & More from their home in Mahopac, New York, in November 2022. We talked with this dynamic duo about how they launched their business, what production equipment they’ve chosen, and how their product mix is evolving as their reputation for quality work spreads.

Please give us some background on yourselves. What brought you to signmaking? 

JoJo: I’ve always been into cars. I started out working at a car stereo shop, and when it closed, I joined a tint and sign shop. I left there and a year later opened my own window tint and sign shop. After seven years, I closed it because my mom wasn’t doing well.  

“I don’t think our sign business would be possible if we didn’t buy the Roland DG TrueVIS SG3-540 printer/cutter...The versatility is truly amazing.”

Over the following years, Rachael and I had other jobs, but we were still using a plotter to make some signs for friends and family. In 2022, we realized we wanted to reopen a shop, this time focused on signs and banners.  

How has having a wide-format printer/cutter worked for you as you started your shop? 

Rachael: I don’t think our sign business would be possible if we didn’t buy the Roland DG TrueVIS SG3-540 printer/cutter. What used to take so long on the plotter takes 15 minutes on our printer. It has given us the ability to open our business and operate at a high level immediately. We love our Roland DG printer/cutter – we use it for everything. The versatility is truly amazing. 

JoJo:  I specifically chose the SG3-540 54-inch printer/cutter because I’d been researching it for a long time. I’ve wanted that printer since before it came out. I love the SG3’s combined print/cut workflow, and that it can print and cut so many types of signs and graphics. Some people love sneakers or pocketbooks, I love printers.  

I’ve always wanted to buy the best technology available. From what I’ve seen, Roland DG is the best. I have a buddy that has a different manufacturer’s printer. You can really see the difference in the quality of the output –Roland DG’s color quality is amazing. 

We contacted our Roland DGA dealer, Garston. They installed the SG3 in our basement, and we’ve been making signs ever since. 

How do you manage the business as a husband-and-wife team?

Rachael:  This is something we love to do – but I’m not going to lie –  starting our own business from home was a little scary. A lot of couples aren’t able do it, but it works for us. We do everything together – the design, printing, installation, and customer relations. 

I’ve had the chance to get really creative in designing graphics. The expanded color gamut means we can hit almost any color. I’ve also learned how to properly size graphics for decals and stickers. The VersaWorks software that came with our printer makes it easy to lay out graphics so that we don’t waste material. I’m happy to print out small samples for clients to ensure we deliver what they’re looking for. 

What products have proven most popular for your shop?

Rachael: Our life-size cutouts of people and our movie poster products are very popular. We’re also getting requests for heat transfer vinyl (HTV) for apparel.  

JoJo: We’re still trying to get established, so we’re trying lots of different products. We do seasonal decals and window décor, and we make lots of banners and posters. We also offer signs, vehicle lettering, and wall graphics.  

Our town is a lake town, so we get a lot of boat lettering opportunities, and we do a lot of storefront lettering as well. We also get a large number of requests to personalize items like kids’ toys and water bottles.  

Our clients are primarily small and medium-sized businesses in the construction, landscaping, retail, and restaurant industries. We also work with local organizations, including the Frank Lloyd Wright house here. 

How are you attracting new business? 

JoJo: In a small town like Mahopac, everybody knows everybody. We get a lot of referrals, and there’s a lot of opportunity. People like our friendly service and are happy to work with us. We don’t get every job, but we get a lot of them.

One of the things that works in our favor is the quality of our prints. The Roland DG TR2 eco-solvent inks produce rich, vibrant colors, which our our clients love. 

Our shop is also on Facebook, and we get a lot of orders there. We even produce some print-and-ship graphics and stickers.  

Why do you think your clients choose J & R Signs & More? 

JoJo: We have earned a reputation for being an honest, friendly business, and for  making things right. Because of that, word travels pretty quickly. People trust businesses that are referred by people they trust. We provide high-quality products at fair prices, and we always strive to provide excellent customer service.  

What do you see for the future of your business? Are there areas you’re looking to expand? 

JoJo:  We’d like to buy a laminator, which would allow us to expand our wall wrap and vehicle graphics offerings. Right now, we need to send prints out to have them laminated. 

We’d also like to start an Etsy shop to offer some of our products online. The versatility of our SG3 allows us to take our product line in a lot of different directions.