Stickers & More: Building a Business Through Innovation, Persistence, and Relationships. On November 5th, the Daviess County CEO Cohort headed to southern Daviess County for an inside look at entrepreneurship and business growth during a visit with Toby Hancock, Owner and CEO of Stickers & More.
Toby welcomed the students and shared the story behind his entrepreneurial journey, offering an honest look at what it takes to build a successful business. His experience demonstrated that success doesn't happen overnight. It takes dedication, a willingness to adapt, strong customer relationships, and the ability to recognize opportunities as they arise.
His business journey began in 1994 when he established Indiana Forms and Labels. In 1997, he expanded into the sticker industry with The Sticker Guys. Over time, that venture evolved into what is now known as Stickers & More, demonstrating how a business can grow, change, and develop into something even bigger.
Throughout the visit, Toby challenged students to think beyond simply having a good business idea. He stressed the importance of understanding your market, knowing your competition, and identifying a niche where your business can stand out. His advice to entrepreneurs was to start small, grow in manageable steps, do your homework, and be persistent in believing in your product.
One of his most memorable pieces of advice centered on hiring: "Hire people smarter than you." Toby explained the importance of surrounding yourself with talented, capable people who can bring new ideas, knowledge, and leadership to an organization.
Other important lessons he shared included:
1. First Impressions Matter: You only get one opportunity to make a first impression, so make it count.
2. Customers Come First: Customers are the lifeblood of any business. Building trust and maintaining personal relationships are essential.
3. Know Your Market: Understand your customers, competitors, and the industry in which you operate.
4. Find Your Niche: Identify what makes your business different and build your brand around it.
5. Be Prepared: Do your homework, diversify when possible, and always have a backup plan.
6. Never Stop Learning: Attend trade shows, conferences, and industry events to stay informed and discover new opportunities.
7. Adapt and Innovate: Be willing to embrace change, explore new technology, and recognize the opportunities that come with artificial intelligence.
8. Build Relationships: Never underestimate the value of face-to-face conversations and personal connections.
9. Take the Leap: Sometimes the best way to learn is to jump in with both feet and be willing to put in the work.
Following the discussion, students had the opportunity to tour the print shop and see the operation firsthand. Toby walked them through various aspects of the business, including production processes, barcoding, and product innovation. The tour gave students a better understanding of the coordination, technology, and attention to detail required to keep a successful printing and labeling business running.
The visit to Stickers & More provided the Daviess County CEO Cohort with more than just a look inside a local business. It offered a valuable reminder that entrepreneurship is about recognizing opportunities, building relationships, surrounding yourself with the right people, and never being afraid to evolve.
The students left with practical advice they can carry into their own entrepreneurial journeys: Know your customers, believe in what you offer, stay adaptable, and never stop looking for ways to grow. Thank you! Toby