Brothers Gerald and Brian Bach have joined forces as co-owners of Gaslight Vinyl, a new high performance digital print studio in downtown Belleville.
Older brother Gerald was raised in print shops and schooled in graphic design, having worked for a major telecommunications company for more than 10 years. Younger brother Brian spent eight years in the Army with two combat tours in Afghanistan, working in infantry and later with computer systems.
In January, the duo officially opened the doors to their startup in nearly 4,000 square feet of commercial space in Belleville. The Bach brothers sought help from the Illinois Metro East Small Business Development Center (SBDC) in completing their business plan.
“We first contacted Southern Illinois University Edwardsville’s SBDC for help with securing a traditional bank loan,” said Brian Bach. “Although we weren’t successful in obtaining the loan, we did spend three weeks perfecting our business plan, which we’ve been able to use it long term as our business continues to grow. We’re grateful to the SBDC and Business Specialist Jo Ann DiMaggio May for the time she spent with us and the expertise she shared.”
Gaslight Vinyl designs and makes a range of personalized vinyl products from single-order banners to a complete rebranding of a commercial fleet. Gerald says the business is unique with regard to its expertise in vinyl customization. All orders are completed in-shop.
“From simple, one-color vinyl decals and magnets to full color wraps, we have the capability to turn any blank canvas into a work of art,” Gerald said. “We’re not a sign shop that tries to wrap vinyl. We’re a vehicle wrap studio that also makes great signs.”
Gaslight Vinyl products include cut or printed vinyl; car magnets; “perforated” or see-through vinyl for rear windows; decals for hoods, wheels and rocker panels; side panel accents; hood logos; and tailgate wraps.
“You are only limited by your own imagination,” Gerald said, referring to the process the brothers went through to form their business. “We love what we do. Our goal is to create a unique, eye-catching product that our customers will be excited to show off.”
This customer-driven focus by the entrepreneurial brothers made the startup process much easier said May.
“Gerald and Brian are truly passionate and dedicated to meeting their customers’ needs,” said May. “Their unique craft is a superior marketing product that appeals to a wide range of customers, businesses and organizations. I look forward to getting ‘wrapped up’ in all the brothers’ success and assisting them further.”
For more information on Gaslight Vinyl, see the company’s website at gaslightvinyl.com.
The Metro East SBDC assists new companies like Gaslight Vinyl as well as existing businesses headquartered in the nine-county Metro East region of Calhoun, Jersey, Madison, Bond, Clinton, St. Clair, Washington, Monroe and Randolph. It is a no-cost service to the community supported by the U.S. Small Business Administration, Illinois Department of Commerce & Economic Opportunity, and Southern Illinois University Edwardsville.
By aiding entrepreneurs and small business owners in defining their path to success, the SBDC Network positively impacts Southern Illinois by strengthening the business community, creating and retaining jobs and encouraging capital investment. It enhances the Metro East region’s economic interests by providing one-stop assistance to individuals by means of counseling, training, research and advocacy. When appropriate, the Metro East SBDC strives to affiliate its ties to the region to support the goals and objectives of both the SIUE School of Business and the University at large. To learn how these no-cost services might help your small business, contact the Metro East SBDC at (618) 650-2929 or sbdcedw@gmail.com.
Photo: Brothers Brian Bach (left) and Gerald Bach opened their own customized vinyl studio in downtown Belleville in early 2016, thanks to business plan expertise provided by the Illinois Metro East Small Business Development Center at SIUE.