Andy Elliott's Elite Mindset Motivation and Sales Training Episode: How This One Family Is Taking Out BIG Corporate Competitors Release Date: March 7, 2025

In this compelling episode of Andy Elliott's Elite Mindset Motivation and Sales Training, host Andy Elliott delves into the inspiring journey of PrinterActive, a family-owned business revolutionizing the trade show graphics industry. Through an engaging conversation with Cece and her son Emiliano, listeners gain deep insights into overcoming adversity, maintaining a strong family-business dynamic, and carving out a niche in a competitive market.

Introduction to PrinterActive

Andy Elliott introduces PrinterActive as a standout company in the trade show industry, particularly praised for its innovative approach to graphic displays. PrinterActive specializes in creating banners, booths, and other display materials tailored primarily for car dealerships worldwide.

Andy Elliott [00:15]: “They build booths... as a fraction of the cost of all these other companies, and they're better value.”

The Journey of PrinterActive

PrinterActive's story is one of resilience and strategic growth. Originating from Mexico City, Cece and her family relocated to Houston, Texas, seeking better opportunities. Starting six years ago, Cece brought 25 years of experience to the business, initially focusing on producing small graphics and business cards door-to-door.

Cece [03:00]: “We are a small business company. Small business, family company. We work together, father and son... it's family.”

Overcoming Adversity

The path to success for PrinterActive was fraught with significant challenges. The Harvey Hurricane devastated their initial operations in Houston, destroying machinery and wiping out savings. Additionally, the pandemic posed further obstacles, halting business operations for over a year. Despite these setbacks, Cece and her family chose to persevere rather than return to Mexico, channeling their struggles into a renewed focus on their business.

Cece [04:49]: “All my machines destroyed. All my money, all my invest, all my savings destroyed... I choose our dream.”

Emiliano shares a poignant moment reflecting on their father's resilience during challenging times.

Emiliano [12:25]: “...he opened his wallet, and there was only five bucks. That was all he had to his name... he made the decision to keep fighting.”

Innovative Products and Differentiation

PrinterActive distinguishes itself from competitors through its use of fabric-based graphics instead of traditional vinyl. This innovation results in products that are lightweight, washable, and easy to install without the need for tools or heavy equipment.

Andy Elliott [07:56]: “They are super affordable. I mean, talk about building out vendor booths. They’ve done for a lot of companies that were charging them four and five grand. These guys are doing for 1500.”

Cece emphasizes the ease and quality of their products.

Cece [03:34]: “We produce graphics for the trade show industry... it's made on fabric, it's pretty easy to put it and remove the graphic.”

Business Philosophy and Goals

PrinterActive's philosophy revolves around excellence and incremental growth. They prioritize maintaining high-quality standards over rapid expansion, ensuring that each step taken strengthens their market position.

Cece [17:02]: “We are focused on keeping the first customer that we made still customer of us. Step by step.”

Andy echoes this sentiment, highlighting the importance of specialization.

Andy Elliott [17:49]: “A lot of people... they're just good at a lot of things. And you guys want to be really great at making these banners, making these booths.”

Personal Stories and Family Dynamics

A significant portion of the episode is dedicated to the strong family bond that underpins PrinterActive. Emiliano shares how working with his father transformed his life, fostering a relationship built on mutual respect and shared goals.

Emiliano [12:27]: “...working with him, it wasn't a punishment, but he wanted to teach me a lesson. So whenever I started, it was not easy for me or him...”

The harmonious working environment is portrayed as more of a partnership between best friends rather than a traditional employer-employee relationship.

Emiliano [13:12]: “I don't see it as working with my father or a boss. I see it as working with my best friend...”

Impact on Clients and Industry

PrinterActive has made a significant impact on the automotive industry by providing durable and aesthetically pleasing graphics that meet the dynamic needs of car dealerships. Their products allow dealerships to frequently update their displays without the hassles associated with heavier vinyl materials.

Emiliano [11:03]: “They're recurring clients. They just keep updating their graphics all year long.”

Andy highlights how PrinterActive's offerings enhance clients' branding efforts, making them more visually engaging and professional.

Andy Elliott [21:40]: “Having a backdrop that's correct... it's got a picture of like your backdrop with your information on it. So, like, it's very clear how people can get a hold of you.”

Future Plans

Looking ahead, PrinterActive aims to continue their steady growth by focusing on customer satisfaction and maintaining their niche expertise. They aspire to expand their product line while preserving the quality and affordability that set them apart.

Cece [17:45]: “We are walking step by step. We are not trying to do crazy things. We are not trying to do something special.”

Andy envisions further integration of PrinterActive's products into his own operations, underscoring the trust and reliability he has in their offerings.

Andy Elliott [18:45]: “I want to make one of these really big in an American flag. Because, with this frame, it'll always stay nice and tight.”

Conclusion

This episode serves as an inspiring testament to the power of family, resilience, and focused entrepreneurship. PrinterActive's story underscores the importance of adapting to challenges, maintaining strong personal and professional relationships, and committing to excellence within a specialized market. Andy Elliott’s enthusiastic endorsement and the heartfelt narratives from Cece and Emiliano offer listeners both motivation and practical insights into building a successful, family-run business.

Notable Quotes:

• Emiliano [00:02]: “Working with him, it wasn't a punishment, but he wanted to teach me a lesson. He changed my life.”

• Cece [04:49]: “I choose our dream.”

• Emiliano [12:27]: “...working with him, it wasn't a punishment...”

• Andy Elliott [07:56]: “They are super affordable... doing for 1500.”

• Cece [17:02]: “Step by step.”

• Andy Elliott [21:40]: “It's very clear how people can get a hold of you.”

These excerpts highlight the transformative impact of PrinterActive's leadership and the unwavering commitment of the family behind the business.