The Vehiclewrapper Manifesto Still Guides Me

It’s been over a decade since I created The Vehiclewrapper Manifesto. It's evolved from a stream of consciousness, into a Word doc, and finally a visual representation of my guiding principles. This is something I've shared with close friends over the years but never distributed widely, until now. When given the opportunity to contribute to this magazine, I saw the contributions of the exceptional work of my peers—a group so committed to mutual support and skill-building—and I knew I wanted to share something unique. This is dedicated to those about to wrap, and to those that have wrapped before upon whose tired shoulders we stand. The vehicle wrapping industry has always attracted a certain “type” of person. While our age, location, and strengths are diverse, the vehicle wrapper “type” typically possesses a unique combination of manual dexterity, adaptability, creativity, flexibility (both literally and figuratively), and a willingness to take risks. Additionally, the ability to problem-solve on the fly and deliver exceptional results, even under less-than-ideal circumstances, is crucial for success.

Let's face it,

• If you’re not good with your hands you're not good at this job.

• If you’re not okay with wild hours, you're not good for this job.

• If you’re not flexible, sometimes literally, you're not good for this job.

• If you don't know how to occasionally put lipstick on a pig with a smile,

• you’re not good for this job.

• If you don’t occasionally take some risks, you’re not going to get ahead at this job.

So, yea, of course, this vehicle wrapper brotherhood was the community of professionals I wanted to be a part of, and if you are reading this, you clearly are as well and I'm happy to report the sisterhood has grown considerably so thank you, everyone. First things first, my time in this industry has spanned nearly 30 years and it is the only career I have ever had:

• 1996-1999: Getting my start in sign shops, learning the basics in Elmont, NY and San Francisco, CA. Young and

dumb and having fun, but learning.

• 2000-2008: Building my skills, wrapping over 1000 vehicles, living

in NYC, and becoming a business owner, husband, and father.

• 2008-2012: Shifting the focus to managing employees, expanding into building wraps, and eventually creating The Vehiclewrapper Manifesto in 2012.

• 2013-2019: Taking calculated risks and exploring new opportunities in the field.

• 2020-2022: With work scarce in NYC (Covid19), Real Hit Media pivoted to project management within the large format industry, focusing on building wraps.

• 2023-Present: Expanding my network, refining processes, training professionals, and collaborating with industry experts.

Those years in NYC really dialing in the craft as well as the business was some of the best years ever for me and at the time I had no idea where we would end up (still don’t) but I knew it was time to get my experiences in a creative way, so it was on that mission I set out all those years ago. It's wild to think over a decade has passed since I published The Vehiclewrapper Manifesto. Hopefully, these insights have proven as valuable to you as they have to me.

Let's dive deeper into some of my favorites (and remember, always wrap those edges and make clean cuts, even under the hood!!

Hire people to cover your weaknesses and covet them. - This principle is at the top of my list for a reason. Nobody's perfect. We all have strengths and areas where we could use some help. Smart leaders know this and bring on people who shine in those areas. Let them do their thing, and when they excel, make sure they know you appreciate their contributions. It's a win-win: they get to do what they're great at, and you build a stronger, more well-rounded team.

You are only as good as your last wrap.Tough but true, and not just in the wrap game. People remember standout work, and they also remember when you mess up. With a name like mine, I learned this lesson early on. So, do yourself a favor and make sure your work is memorable for all the right reasons. Your reputation—and your client's satisfaction—depends on it.

Social media is a good thing. - Honestly, I've grown to hate this one, but it's undeniably important. You might be surprised at the number of followers we have on FB and IG, considering I'm not exactly a social media enthusiast. The secret is that early on, I was genuinely passionate about it, and people responded to that. Passion is contagious, but regurgitated content is forgettable. So, even if you're not a social media fan, find a way to make it work for you and your business. I will try and take my own advice on this one as well.

If you are not evolving, you are devolving. - This one's been a guiding principle throughout my career. Think about it: I started out weeding

and taping ina sign shop, then moved on to learning about substrates, fieldwork, and engraving ADA signage, and eventually became a traveling installer, a vehicle wrapper, a business owner, and even a building wrapper. There were bumps along the way - who doesn't experience failure at some point? - but I learned from those experiences, refocused on my strengths, and dove headfirst into systems and project management. Now I'm a system integrator working across the US. It's been a wild ride, and I'm nowhere near done. The key is to never stop learning and growing.

Create to-do lists and make it a point to do them. - I'm a firm believer that organization is the key to success (I've probably said "If I'm nothing, I'm organized" a million times). There's just no better feeling than crossing items off that list and knowing you've conquered the day. Write it down, prioritize it, get it done.

Stay cool. - This means keeping your composure in sticky situations and also remembering to take breaks and hydrate when the sun's beating down on you. It's like they say, you catch more flies with honey, and nobody wants a cranky, overheated wrapper. So, whether you're dealing with a tricky client or a sweltering summer day, remember to chill out and keep things smooth daddy-o.

Maintain realistic expectations and overdeliver. - This is still a core value for us today. It's easy to exaggerate a problem, but clear communication is key. Make sure everyone involved understands your intentions and the scope of the work. If you have concerns, don't be afraid to voice them, but do so constructively and professionally. Ultimately, exceeding expectations is what sets you apart.

Over the past decade, I've focused on fostering a sense of community within the industry, particularly with the Masters of Branding (MoB). My dedication to this field has driven me to seek out like-minded professionals who share my passion for innovation and excellence. Risk-taking has been crucial to my journey, leading to successful outcomes that have kept me ahead of industry trends. As I reflect on the current state of branding and installation, I see the potential for continued growth and innovation, and I'm committed to shaping the future of this dynamic industry. I encourage anyone passionate about branding and installation to seek out opportunities for collaboration and mentorship. Together, we can continue to shape the future of this dynamic and ever-evolving field.

Shad Interligi Owner, Real Hit Media