From Concept to Completion
JDI designs, prints and installs large-scale graphics
When MOD Pizza asked JDI to install an adhesive wall covering in its store in Austin, Texas, JDI President Ryan Farquharson was pleased to not only offer installation services, but construction services as well—a new offering the company started providing in 2018. “Before installing the wall covering, we prepared the wall, applying drywall and paint. This new service offering ensures the surface is properly prepared, preventing any difficulties in installation and ultimately saving the client money,” Farquharson says.
Headquartered in San Antonio, Texas, JDI primarily designs, prints and installs large-scale wall coverings, vehicle wraps and architectural vinyl for clients that include Fortune 500 companies across Texas and the U.S. “We are perfectionists,” Farquharson says. “Clients trust that we deliver quality work, and we’ve added new services to meet client demand.”
JDI’s primary customers include plumbing, electrical and other trade contractors, general contractors and advertising agencies. “We work with ad agencies for large sporting goods stores and high-end clothing designers, like Louis Vuitton,” Farquharson says.
He explains that one of the most common services the company provides is the printing and installation of large-scale graphics for temporary walls in shopping malls. “We install wraps on barricades outside of an upcoming store or a store undergoing renovation,” he says. “After the mall closes, we’ll have a team of four installers work through the night to complete the wrap on the barricade by the time the mall opens in the morning.”
Standout projects include two in New York City’s Times Square. “We installed decorative signage that spanned 100 feet down one side of the Millennium Broadway hotel,” Farquharson. “For the New York Marriott Marquis hotel, we wrapped the windows of its revolving restaurant overlooking Times Square.”
Trusted Installer
JDI is a 3M Certified Graphics Installation Company. Companies with this distinction are recognized by 3M and the United Applications Standard Group (UASG) for their installation skills and knowledge, as well as their sound business practices and accountability. “The 3M certification gives clients extra assurance of the quality of our work. It’s definitely opened doors for us across the nation.”
The company also has 3M Endorsed Architectural Installers on staff. With architectural vinyl that mimics wood grain, stone and over 1,000 patterns, clients can transform a wall, cabinet or other surface to meet their aesthetic needs in a way that avoids costly demolition, according to Farquharson. “At JDI, we install architectural vinyl that updates existing spaces for less cost and downtime,” he says. The 3M certification ensures JDI has the tools and techniques needed to apply 3M™ DI-NOC™ Architectural Finishes in an interior and exterior design setting.
The company recently completed a renovation project for several La Quinta hotels across the U.S. “We installed architectural vinyl resembling wood in the elevators,” Farquharson says.
“It transformed the spaces, giving the elevators an updated, modern look.”
In addition to the installation of the architectural vinyl, the company also installed handrails and stainless steel kickplates. “To keep costs down, we sought out stainless steel producers in each city we were in. That way, we weren’t paying to ship kickplates from city to city. It was more efficient, and the client appreciated the effort to reduce costs,” Farquharson says.
The company also produced custom signage for several locations. “The hotel managers would often request something small, like a door sticker for the gym,” Farquharson says. “We pride ourselves in being flexible and accommodating to clients. We’re here to help them with whatever they need.”
Quality Control
Farquharson got his start in the industry after immigrating to the U.S. from Jamaica in 1995. At just 19 years old, he began work as a graphics installer in Chicago, while living with his sister and her husband. “I worked for a large installation company and learned everything I know today,” he says. Farquharson not only appreciates the training and experience, but the opportunity to see different parts of the country as part of his job responsibilities. “I traveled all over the country as an installer—from coast to coast. It was an exciting way to get to know the U.S.”
A project for Relax the Back, a specialty health care retailer in Austin, first brought Farquharson to Texas in 1999. “I asked who was doing similar work in Texas and found there was a need for people like me. I was tired of the snow in Chicago and liked the weather in Texas, so I decided to set up shop in San Antonio in 2000,” he says.
As a large-scale graphics installer, Farquharson convinced area printers to invest in large-format digital printers. “They would print the graphics and wraps, and I’d install them,” he says, adding, “But badly designed and badly printed wraps can make life a living hell for the installer. To have control over the quality of the wraps, I invested in my own digital printer and graphics design setup.”
The decision to invest in his own graphics-printing equipment and design software worked wonders in increasing JDI’s base of satisfied customers, and steady work streamed in as a result.
The company has many repeat clients, including SeaWorld. “We’ve produced and installed billboards, large murals and all the wraps for the rides, including the rollercoasters,” Farquharson says.
The company recently completed a re-branding project for Walmart. “The project is part of a contract with Fontaine Modification, the largest truck-modification company in the U.S., which is owned by Warren Buffett’s Berkshire Hathaway company,” he says. “In 2019, we’re working alongside Fontaine’s installers on another large-scale project of approximately 10,000 semi-trucks. Our installers will likely brand about 2,000 of those trucks,” Farquharson says.
Team of Experts
JDI employs 15 installers and four graphic designers/print operators at all times. “Our production team works closely with the client, producing several proofs before the graphics are ever printed. We have the in-house capability to take projects from concept to installation,” Farquharson says.
He trained his senior team of installers himself, working side by side with them for five years in the field. “To be able to do this, I relied on Vice President Patrick Heusinger to handle the everyday estimates, billing and some customer relations. This allowed me to focus on training our senior installers,” Farquharson says. “I trust these installers and know they’re training new employees with the same level of high standards and integrity,” he says.
He is always willing to give new employees a chance to prove themselves. “I don’t care if they don’t have experience. We’re looking for hardworking, honest, drug-free employees,” Farquharson says. “I got my start in this business because someone gave me a shot to prove myself. I’m committed to doing the same for others.”
Farquharson sees advantages in being a small business. “We’re not mired in the bureaucracy of a larger contractor. We’re small, flexible and do what it takes to make our clients happy,” he says.