Looking Back at our Growth
2015 was a year of growth for Sunriver Metal Works. Looking back, we pushed the limits in the types of things we created. We did more shows than in 2014, created 138 new items in products, and shipped more Christmas orders than in 2014.
From Windy Acres to the Chicago Skyline, our customers ranged from local dairies to east coast attorneys who love Chicago. We decorated local parks and created volunteer awards. A new dog boutique opened in Bend, and we developed a new line of doggie products.
Ranch signs, like Piney Rock, Loco and Boyd Devers, gave way to Word Art or Message metal signs like Family, Fight from the first stroke, and Imagine. Motorcycles continued to be popular with orders that ranged from a Shovelhead to the Biker Prayer.
We learned new things from the Countertop project that were applied to a tabletop currently under construction. More custom paint was used in the Miller School Vespa and the Indian Red Motorcycle.
Looking for a unique way to wish your favorite principal a happy retirement?
Google search
Google turned out to be an important way for people to find us. Nearly 80 percent of our custom work comes from our website contacts, where people have found us by using Google search.
Shows
Shows were mostly good to us. The one exception was the “All About The Horses” show at the Expo in Redmond. Looking back, we did learn a lesson – find out more about the people putting on the show, whether they fulfill commitments, and if they are charging entry fees. Oddly, we sold more to other vendors at the show than we did to actual attendees.
2015 was a very good year
So, all in all 2015 was an excellent year for us. We learned valuable lessons. In order to keep up the pace, though, we now know that we need to take more time off to recharge our creative batteries. The December snows tested our “metal” as we tried to get all Christmas orders made and shipped. It also gave us a different perspective on what we need to do in 2016.
Finally, we appreciate the repeat and new customers and will strive to continue creating unique, high quality metal art and signs in 2016. So, look for our blog post celebrating the New Year and see what lies ahead for Sunriver Metal Works!