Sleek Signs Gives Back by Getting Involved

For Sleek Signs in Calgary, Alberta, giving back to the community is essential — that’s why the Canadian print service provider (PSP) is part of multiple local business associations, and works closely with neighborhood nonprofits.

“Me and my sales partner, Jenn Aimoto, we are part of several Calgary-area business communities, like the Calgary Construction Association, the Airdrie Chamber of Commerce, and Jen’s part of a real estate development called Crew; it’s for ladies in real estate,” Jason Trudeau, general manager, says.

"Sleek Signs works with nonprofits like the Mustard Seed to provide them with branding and signage (pictured here) at a discounted or wholesale rate. | Credit: Sleek Signs

Trudeau explains that while these groups are great for networking and helping to build the Sleek Signs brand, he ultimately wants to see other local businesses thrive with the help of signage, branding, etc.

“We’re big on giving back, so if they have a golf tournament, we’re sponsoring all the signs,” Trudeau says. “If they have an event, we’re working with them closely to help build their brand and help develop some of the signage they need to be successful, and help them promote what they’re doing within their own specific industries. And so, we’re really trying to be a good partner for our partners.”

As for Sleek Signs’ work with nonprofits, Trudeau says the company works closely with an organization called Mustard Seed — a nonprofit committed to helping unhoused individuals in downtown Calgary.

“We’ll work with their branding and do what we can to offset some of the commercial cost of signage, and offer them a wholesale rate or a cost rate, so that they’re not digging too deep into their pockets,” Trudeau says.

For a PSP that wants to get more involved with its community, but doesn’t necessarily know where to start, Trudeau encourages turning to their network.

Credit: Sleek Signs

“A big thing for me is just asking people I work with, ‘Hey, what do you do outside of work?’ Or ‘What organizations or community events do you take part in? And why do you see value?’” he suggests. “And then just look for some synergies there. It’s always interesting in our industry, where we can just have a conversation, and it gets the little hamster running on the wheel, and it sparks an idea, and then we can help them out that way. So, just reach out to your network and then see what they’re up to and what they can do.”

And even though it is amazing for a PSP to be able to be a part of and give back to their community — one thing that can come out of being involved is lasting connections and friendships. Trudeau recalls an event where Sleek Signs sponsored the signage for a women’s leadership event for The Airdrie Chamber of Commerce. He still recalls how happy Aimoto was when it was over.

“She came back so energized from that event, talking with all these business leaders who are women, networking, and helping each other out,” he says. “Jen even made friends outside of work because of it, and it’s just really neat to be part of something bigger than yourself. And that connection she has had, I see lots of value in it.”

As for himself, Trudeau says he loves working with Mustard Seed because it simply makes him feel good to be giving back.

“The gentleman that runs Mustard Seed is a neighbor of mine, and so I’m very happy to help him out,” he says. “And he’s just a good person trying to do good in the world, and that gives me a good feeling as far as knowing that I can help them in some small way. It fills my cup a little bit where I know that I’m trying to do good in the world, and I’m helping people I know on a professional or personal basis.”

And while this is not his end-goal, Trudeau believes that what goes around comes around. When you give back, good things can come your way.

“Organically, without asking for it, a lot of these relationships have helped me grow Sleek as a company, where people will say ‘Jason, he’s a good guy. He helped me out, if you need a sign, you should call my friend Jason.’ Or Jen, or whoever on our team,” Trudeau says. “I don’t purposefully go out and try and get leads this way. I’m legitimately just trying to do good, and I believe some reciprocity comes from that.”