The WrapOps Podcast

Andrew & Tanor Banks

We’re Andrew and Tanor Banks, owners of Performance Wraps and creators of WrapOps—the podcast for serious wrap shop owners. You’ll find episodes packed with real stories, lessons, and strategies from the front lines of running and scaling a wrap business. From tackling overwhelm to building teams and systems, WrapOps is here to help you grow smarter, not just harder.

  1. 5d ago

    Why IKEA and Mercedes Came Knocking on This Wrap Tool Maker's Door | Michael Althoff (Yellotools)

    Most wrap shops lose time in places they have stopped noticing. Searching for the right tool. Guessing how much vinyl is left on a roll. Fighting awkward storage. Using the same old workaround because “that’s how we’ve always done it.” Michael Althoff from Yellotools joins Tanor Banks to explain how a homemade vinyl roll clip turned into a German tool company serving sign makers, wrap installers and shops around the world. From lean manufacturing to customer led product design, Michael shares why the best shops do not just work harder. They stop, reflect and change the little things that cost time every single day. In This Episode: • How a simple homemade roll clip became millions of products sold• Why Yellotools builds tools for sign makers, wrappers and anyone working with sticky stuff• How lean manufacturing changed Michael’s business culture• Why Mercedes, Lufthansa and IKEA visited Yellotools to see lean in action• The difference between busy work and real added value• Why wrap shops accept too much wasted time in their workflow• How installer complaints can turn into better tools and better systems• Why the future of wrap shops may include apps, AI and smarter material support• Michael’s advice for shop owners who want to stop accepting the same daily frustrations The Biggest Lean Lesson for Wrap Shop Owners: Every wrap shop has waste. Not just vinyl in the bin, but wasted motion, wasted searching, wasted guessing and wasted minutes spent fighting the same annoying process again and again. Michael’s message is simple. Do not accept the part of the job that makes everyone say, “I hate this.” That is where the improvement lives. About Michael Althoff: Michael Althoff started as a sign maker in rural Germany before creating the first Yellotools product for his own shop. What began as a simple clip to stop vinyl rolls from rewinding grew into Yellotools, a tool company known across the sign making and wrap industry for squeegees, cutters, storage systems and practical shop solutions. Today, Michael is the Managing Director of Yellotools and a strong advocate for lean manufacturing. His approach is simple, practical and people first: improve the work, remove waste and build a company where people can do better work without burning out. Learn more about Yellotools:https://www.yellotools.com/en/ Learn more about Michael Althoff:https://www.michael-althoff.com/en/ This episode is sponsored by Wrap Fam Unleashed:https://www.thewrapfam.com/subscribe Get 15% off the Wrap Institute - https://www.wrapinstitute.com/joinPROMO CODE: WRAPOPS15 Grimco: Use code is WRAPOPS5 for a one time 5% discount on all Grimco Items (excluding MRP items). Visit: https://go.grimco.com/3Mzt7eS Connect with WrapOps:http://www.wrapops.comhttp://Instagram.com/wrap.opshttp://facebook.com/share/1VQgsUHygh/?mibextid=wwXIfr Produced in partnership with http://www.podlad.com

  2. Jul 7

    Solving One of Wrap Shop Owners’ Biggest Problems | Marcos Schott (The Wrap Institute)

    Hiring installers is hard. Training them without pulling your best people off production is even harder. Marcos Schott from The Wrap Institute shares how wrap shops can build better installers without sacrificing productivity. From structured online training to team learning systems and leadership strategies, Marcos explains why training should be part of your business, not something you squeeze in when you have time. In This Episode• Why most wrap shops struggle to train new installers• How The Wrap Institute helps shops outsource technical training• The hidden cost of relying on senior installers to teach everything• Why training should be treated as an employee benefit• How weekly team learning can improve quality and culture• The future of The Wrap Institute and AI powered installer support• Why great installers don't always become great business owners• Building a shop where people keep learning instead of standing still The Biggest Training Problem Wrap Shops Face: Every wrap shop owner knows the challenge. Your best installer is your most productive installer, but they're also expected to train every new employee. That means production slows down while training happens.Even worse, after years of investing in someone, there's always the chance they'll leave. Marcos believes shop owners shouldn't have to carry that burden alone. Instead, he sees online training as a way to give every installer consistent education without constantly pulling experienced staff away from paying work. About Marcos Schott:Marcos Schott began his career installing wraps alongside his brother in Brazil before building an international career in training, education, and business development. Today he helps lead The Wrap Institute, working with installers, manufacturers, and wrap shops around the world to improve training, education, and long term industry growth. Learn more about the wrap institute:https://www.youtube.com/@WrapInstitutehttps://www.wrapinstitute.com/https://www.instagram.com/wrapinstitute/?hl=en This episode is sponsored by Wrap Fam Unleashed:https://www.thewrapfam.com/subscribe Get 15% off the Wrap Institute - https://www.wrapinstitute.com/joinPROMO CODE: WRAPOPS15 Grimco: Use code is WRAPOPS5 for a one-time 5% discount on all Grimco Items (excluding MRP items).Visit: https://go.grimco.com/3Mzt7eS Connect with WrapOps:http://www.wrapops.comhttp://Instagram.com/wrap.opshttp://facebook.com/share/1VQgsUHygh/?mibextid=wwXIfr Produced in partnership with http://www.podlad.com

  3. Jun 30

    The Hiring Strategy Behind a More Profitable Wrap Shop | Charlie Trujillo (Lettering Express)

    Most wrap shop owners think growth comes from adding more people.Charlie Trujillo learned that sometimes the opposite is true. In this episode, Charlie shares how Lettering Express built a stronger, more profitable business by rethinking hiring, focusing on culture, and creating an environment where great people actually want to stay. This isn't a conversation about filling positions.It's a conversation about building a team that makes your business better.If you've ever struggled with hiring, turnover, training, accountability, or building the right culture inside your shop, this episode is packed with practical lessons from someone who's lived it. In This Episode00:00 - The "People First" Antidote to Wrap Shop Burnout01:29 - Inheriting and Evolving a 38-Year-Old Family Sign Shop Legacy06:03 - The Profitable Downsize: Why 30 Employees Was Actually a Business Weakness 08:04 - How to Run a High-Volume Wrap Shop With Zero Managers 10:40 - The Power of "No": Slashing 23 Services to Master Just 7 12:28 - The Hard Truth About Paying Your Team a Real Living Wage 16:20 - Why the Best New Hires Have Absolutely Zero Experience 17:13 - The "Enemy" Method: Sparking Ruthless Competition in Group Interviews 22:56 - Working Interviews and Debunking the "Free Labor" Myth 25:20 - The Ultimate Cure for an Installer's Inflated Ego 29:20 - Steal This Strategy: Building a Free Talent Pipeline from Local Trade Schools 35:13 - The Wrap Industry’s Edge: How to Compete With $20/hr Fast Food Wages 36:50 - Why You Should Actively Encourage Your Best Employees to Leave 38:20 - The Tragic (and Expensive) Mistakes Installers Make Starting Their Own Shops Building a Team That Wants to Stay Employee turnover is expensive.Every departure creates disruption, training costs, lost knowledge, and additional pressure on the rest of the team.Charlie shares the systems and mindset that have helped Lettering Express build long term loyalty within the company.Rather than constantly searching for new people, the focus is on creating an environment where good people choose to remain. About Charlie TrujilloCharlie Trujillo is part of the leadership team at Lettering Express, a company known for its commitment to team development, customer service, and long term business growth. Through years of experience building and leading teams, Charlie has developed a people first approach that connects culture, hiring, and profitability. https://letteringexpress.com/https://www.instagram.com/lewrapsokc/  This episode is sponsored by Wrap Fam Unleashed:https://www.thewrapfam.com/subscribe Get 15% off the Wrap Institute - https://www.wrapinstitute.com/joinPROMO CODE: WRAPOPS15 Grimco: Use code is WRAPOPS5 for a one-time 5% discount on all Grimco Items (excluding MRP items).Visit: https://go.grimco.com/3Mzt7eS Connect with WrapOps:http://www.wrapops.comhttp://Instagram.com/wrap.opshttp://facebook.com/share/1VQgsUHygh/?mibextid=wwXIfr Produced in partnership with http://www.podlad.com

  4. Jun 23

    How Wrap Shops Can Grow Beyond Vehicle Wraps | Shad Interligi (Real Hit Media)

    Most wrap shops focus on one thing: vehicles. But what if some of the biggest opportunities in the industry aren't on vehicles at all? Shad Interligi shares a completely different perspective on growth. As the founder of Real Hit Media, Shad has spent more than two decades building one of the largest graphic installation networks in North America, helping brands roll out graphics across hundreds of locations nationwide. From storefronts and architectural films to wall murals, retail graphics, events, and large scale installations, he's built a business around opportunities many wrap shops never even consider. The conversation explores how wrap shops can expand beyond vehicle wraps, diversify their revenue, and position themselves for the next wave of growth in the graphics industry. In This Episode00:00 - The Illusion of Local: Intro to the National Wrap Game01:48 - From NYC Street Hustle to a National Installation Network06:03 - Rebuilding a Wrap Business from a Couch After 9/1109:09 - Why the Best Installers Aren't Always "Sign Shop Guys"11:11 - The Profitable Pivot: Why Real Hit Media Deliberately Ignored Cars13:08 - How the 2008 Financial Crisis Triggered a Building Wrap Boom16:12 - "Henry Ford" Methods for Ruthless Shop Efficiency20:24 - The Ultimate Goal: Becoming the Least Important Person in Your Shop23:03 - Behind the Scenes of Executing 400-Store National Rollouts25:28 - Welcome to the "Rectangle Game" (And Why You Should Play It)28:19 - The Harsh Truth About What National Project Managers Need From You31:33 - Certifications & OSHA: The Hidden Barrier to Big Money Jobs35:00 - The Next Gold Rush: Why Architectural Films Are Replacing Wood37:21 - The Easiest Way to Break Into the High-Margin Flat Film Market The Opportunity Most Wrap Shops Ignore:According to Shad, many wrap shops are leaving money on the table by focusing exclusively on vehicles. While vehicle wraps remain an important part of the industry, there are millions of square feet of graphics being installed every year on walls, windows, doors, architectural surfaces, retail interiors, and commercial spaces. Many of these applications are simpler than vehicle wraps and offer significant opportunities for growing shops. As Shad puts it:"I'm in the rectangle game." About Shad Interligi:Shad Interligi is the founder and owner of Real Hit Media. Since founding the company in 2003, he has helped build one of North America's leading networks for graphic installations, specializing in retail rollouts, architectural films, wall murals, window graphics, event branding, and large scale commercial graphics installations. https://www.instagram.com/realhitmediahttp://www.realhit.media This episode is sponsored by Wrap Fam Unleashed:https://www.thewrapfam.com/subscribe Get 15% off the Wrap Institute - https://www.wrapinstitute.com/joinPROMO CODE: WRAPOPS15 Grimco: Use code is WRAPOPS5 for a one-time 5% discount on all Grimco Items (excluding MRP items).Visit: https://go.grimco.com/3Mzt7eS Connect with WrapOps:http://www.wrapops.comhttp://Instagram.com/wrap.opshttp://facebook.com/share/1VQgsUHygh/?mibextid=wwXIfr Produced in partnership with http://www.podlad.com

  5. Jun 16

    The Material Mistakes Costing Wrap Shops Money | Josh Culverhouse (Metamark)

    Most wrap shops spend thousands every year on materials. But are they actually using the right materials for the job? In this episode, Josh Culverhouse shares a perspective few people in the industry ever get. Having started on the production floor before spending nearly two decades on the manufacturing side, Josh has seen the wrap industry from every angle. Today, as Sales Director for the Americas at Metamark, he helps shops evaluate materials, reduce waste, improve margins, and make smarter business decisions. The conversation goes far beyond vinyl brands and product specifications. It's about understanding materials well enough to make better business decisions. In This Episode 00:00 - Introduction & Live from the ISA 2026 Show 02:16 - Meet Josh Culverhouse: Career Background 4:04 - Introducing Metamark to the US Market 05:15 - Embracing Product Consolidation & Supply Chain Integrity 10:43 - Shop War Stories: Navigating Product Failures 12:34 - The Power of Consultative & Educational Sales Reps 14:58 - When Manufacturer Support Saves a Pinch 19:08 - Regional Distributor Events & Industry Collaboration 27:03 - Sponsor Break: Grimco28:14 - Advising the 30-Year Vets 29:13 - Inventory Management & Complacency Pitfalls 35:29 - Material Optimization: "Killing Ants with Bazookas" 39:38 - Evaluating Your 12-Month App Buckets for Cost Savings 44:42 - Where to Find Metamark  What Wrap Shops Get Wrong According to Josh, many shops are unknowingly overspending by using high end wrap materials where lower cost alternatives would perform just as well. A common example is using premium wrap film for simple spot graphics or flat applications that don't require the performance characteristics of a full wrap product. The result? Thousands of dollars in unnecessary material costs every year. Josh explains that the savings from proper material selection can add up to the cost of a new printer, employee bonuses, or significant business reinvestment. About Josh Culverhouse Josh Culverhouse has worked in the sign, graphics, and wrap industry since 2005. He began his career in production before spending 17 years with ORAFOL and later joining Metamark as Sales Director for the Americas. His experience spans production, installation support, distribution, sales, training, and material development. www.metamark.co.ukhttps://www.instagram.com/metamarkuk/ This episode is sponsored by Wrap Fam Unleashed: https://www.thewrapfam.com/subscribe Get 15% off the Wrap Institute - https://www.wrapinstitute.com/join PROMO CODE: WRAPOPS15 Grimco: Use code is WRAPOPS5 for a one-time 5% discount on all Grimco Items (excluding MRP items). Visit: https://go.grimco.com/3Mzt7eS Connect with WrapOps: http://www.wrapops.com http://Instagram.com/wrap.ops http://facebook.com/share/1VQgsUHygh/?mibextid=wwXIfr Produced in partnership with http://www.podlad.com

  6. Jun 9

    36 Years of Wrap Lessons Every Installer Should Know | Carlos Alverio (JW Graphic Installation)

    After 36 years in the wrap and design industry, Carlos Alverio has seen the wrap world evolve from hand lettering trucks with straight razors to today's advanced wrap films, tools and training. Along the way, he has built a reputation as one of the industry's most respected installers, trainers and leaders. In this conversation, Carlos shares the lessons that have stood the test of time, from mastering the fundamentals and solving problems under pressure to building strong teams, creating opportunities and navigating a long career without burning bridges. If you're looking to improve as an installer, shop owner or leader, this episode is packed with practical wisdom earned over decades in the field. In this episode 00:00:00 Building Bulletproof Fundamentals With Old-School Constraints00:04:42 The "Crummy Film" Test: How to Prove Your True Installation Skills00:06:54 The Sink-or-Swim Method for Mastering New Techniques00:14:02 Why You Should Take Installation Failures Personally00:18:34 The Right Way to Earn a Promotion Before Ever Asking for It00:23:14 A Leader's Guide to Testing Untapped Potential in Your Team00:27:06 Why Leaving Personal Drama at the Door Elevates Your Shop00:28:48 Efficiency vs. Speed: Why the Slowest Installer is Actually the Most Profitable00:32:23 How to Stop New Hires from Comparing Themselves to Industry Veterans00:33:55 The McDonald's Analogy: Why Wrapping Isn't "Dead-End" Work00:40:55 The Strategy of Leaving a Job Without Burning a Single Bridge00:44:57 The Golden Rule for Working With Celebrity and Athlete Clients00:48:46 The Secret to Longevity: Reflections on a 36-Year CareerThe Fundamentals Never Go Out of Style "Here's a squeegee. Here's a knife. Don't cut yourself." While the tools have changed dramatically, Carlos believes those early experiences built something many installers still need today: strong fundamentals and the ability to solve problems when things don't go according to plan. About Carlos Alverio Carlos Alverio is a veteran installer and industry leader with more than three decades of experience in signs, graphics and vehicle wraps. Through JW Graphic Installation, he has worked across some of the industry's most significant projects while helping develop the next generation of installers. This episode is sponsored by Wrap Fam Unleashed: https://www.thewrapfam.com/subscribe Get 15% off the Wrap Institute - https://www.wrapinstitute.com/join PROMO CODE: WRAPOPS15 Grimco: Use code is WRAPOPS5 for a one-time 5% discount on all Grimco Items (excluding MRP items). Visit: https://go.grimco.com/3Mzt7eS Connect with WrapOps: http://www.wrapops.com http://Instagram.com/wrap.ops http://facebook.com/share/1VQgsUHygh/?mibextid=wwXIfr Produced in partnership with http://www.podlad.com

  7. Jun 2

    The Pivoting Mindset That Keeps Installers in Demand | Scott Decker (WrapOn)

    Some installers stay busy no matter what the market is doing.Others struggle to find steady work. So what makes the difference? Scott Decker shares the mindset and business approach that helped him build a career through racing, contract installation, tools, training and media, while staying adaptable through every stage of the journey. Scott’s story is not just about wrapping vehicles. It is about learning how to pivot, solve problems and build a reputation that keeps the phone ringing. In this episode0:00 - Introduction: Most Wrap Shops Are a Mess — And That's Why They Need You1:54 - Meet Scott Decker: From Racing Kid to Wrap Industry Veteran3:10 - Going Install-Only: Wrapping Championship Cars at Hendrick Motorsports5:18 - Scaling to 15 Installers and Discovering a New Business Model7:18 - The Racing Mindset That Led to Building Wrap Tools9:57 - The Knife Tucker: How a 2AM Idea on a Race Hauler Floor Became a Product14:29 - COVID Kills the Motorsports Pipeline: Pivoting Into Training and Tools18:48 - [BREAK / SPONSOR: Grimco]19:15 - How to Walk Into Any Wrap Shop and Immediately Stay Booked21:43 - The Only Advice Contract Installers Need: Do What You Say You'll Do25:00 - Short-Term vs Long-Term Thinking: How the Best Installers Stay in Demand32:05 - Delegation vs Abdication: How Scott Builds Teams That Actually Perform36:39 - Managing Difficult Clients and Employees in the Wrap Industry43:49 - Life Outside the Shop: Raising Kids, DECA, and Letting Them Find Their Own Path49:57 - WrapOn Tools, Wrap On Academy, and How to Find Scott52:30 - Outro Pivoting Is a SkillScott’s career has never followed one straight line.After losing what he thought would be his forever job, he chose to build his own path instead. From graphics and printing to installation, online product sales, content and tooling, every pivot came from paying attention to where the opportunity and value actually lived.His installation company eventually grew to 15 installers, working with professional race teams and championship level motorsport brands. About Scott and Wrap OnScott grew up in racing and built his business around motorsports, branding and installation. Today, Wrap On focuses on tools, training and media for the wrap industry, including Wrap On Tools and Wrap On Academy for race wrap education. WrapOn Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@Wrap-OnInstragram: https://www.instagram.com/wrapontoolsWebsite: http://www.wrapontools.com This episode is sponsored by Wrap Fam Unleashed:https://www.thewrapfam.com/subscribe Get 15% off the Wrap Institute - https://www.wrapinstitute.com/joinPROMO CODE: WRAPOPS15 Grimco: Use code is WRAPOPS5 for a one-time 5% discount on all Grimco Items (excluding MRP items).Visit: https://go.grimco.com/3Mzt7eS Connect with WrapOps:http://www.wrapops.comhttp://Instagram.com/wrap.opshttp://facebook.com/share/1VQgsUHygh/?mibextid=wwXIfr Produced in partnership with http://www.podlad.com

  8. May 26

    How ISA Is Helping Wrap Shops Grow Together | Craig Campbell & Tabitha Bowen

    Running a wrap shop can feel isolating. Long hours. Constant problem solving. Trying to figure everything out yourself. In this episode recorded live at the International Sign Expo, Craig Campbell and Tabitha Bowen from ISA (International Sign Association) share how the wrap industry is building something many shop owners have never truly had before: community. From education and advocacy to networking, events, mentorship and shared knowledge, ISA is helping wrap shop owners stop feeling like they’re building their businesses alone. In this episode 00:00:00 An introduction to Craig and Tabitha00:02:19 From Small Town Sign Shops to Leading the ISA 00:08:48 How the ISA Saved Wrap Shops From Being Shut Down 00:14:29 The Lightbulb Moment When Wraps Took Over the Trade Show Floor 00:16:20 Why Your Wrap Supplier Needs to Be a Partner, Not a Problem 00:17:52 Stop Being the "Cousin": The Wrap Industry Finally Gets Its Own Membership 00:23:04 Inside the Top Secret, Invite-Only Wrap Summit in Miami 00:24:26 The Industry is Exploding 18% a Year: Don't Let it Become Oversaturated 00:27:55 Install Certificates Are Useless: Why We Need Real Business Accreditation 00:31:05 Stop Obsessing Over Squeegee Techniques and Learn to Run a Business 00:32:14 How to Join the ISA Wrap Company Membership Today  A Big Shift in the Industry For years, wrap shops operated like isolated businesses. Everyone was figuring things out on their own. Now, the industry is maturing. Owners are sharing ideas, talking openly about failures and helping each other build stronger businesses. That’s the mission behind ISA’s growing focus on the wrap community. Learn more:http://www.signs.orghttps://www.facebook.com/ISAsigns  https://www.linkedin.com/company/international-sign-association  https://www.youtube.com/user/IntlSignAssociation  http://www.instagram.com/ISASigns This episode is sponsored by Wrap Fam Unleashed:https://www.thewrapfam.com/subscribe Get 15% off the Wrap Institute - https://www.wrapinstitute.com/joinPROMO CODE: WRAPOPS15 Grimco: Use code is WRAPOPS5 for a one-time 5% discount on all Grimco Items (excluding MRP items).Visit: https://go.grimco.com/3Mzt7eSConnect with WrapOps: http://www.wrapops.comhttp://Instagram.com/wrap.opshttp://facebook.com/share/1VQgsUHygh/?mibextid=wwXIfr Produced in partnership with http://www.podlad.com

5
out of 5
5 Ratings

About

We’re Andrew and Tanor Banks, owners of Performance Wraps and creators of WrapOps—the podcast for serious wrap shop owners. You’ll find episodes packed with real stories, lessons, and strategies from the front lines of running and scaling a wrap business. From tackling overwhelm to building teams and systems, WrapOps is here to help you grow smarter, not just harder.

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