Sail-2-Live is the domain of me, Rick Beddoe. It has been in existence since the mid 90s. It was started as a handful of static pages about me and my family. I had some basic resume stuff on there too. This was before Network Solutions became the proprietor of domain names. When Network Solutions became the manager of domain names, I 'officially' registered the name on January 16, 2001. From that time to today, I have been using Sail-2-Live to host web pages and images loosely based on my and my family's love of sailing. I had always hoped to do a little more with the site than just host pictures and stuff. If nothing else, it is a test bed for my projects as I teach myself more about web authoring. Everything you see on my site (with the exception of the Font rendering engine) is 100% developed by me personally. So you can be assured that you will be getting my personal service when you order your boat lettering.
In 2003 I opened a sign shop. As I have an extensive background in graphic arts, I decided to try my hand at using those skills as a business. I learned a lot from that experience. Besides the fact that I learned running a business with 10 employees wasn't my cup of tea, I did learn a lot about making signs. I learned that pretty much anyone can make vinyl graphics. Invest a few thousand dollars and put some equipment in the garage and you've got everything you need to cut signs. In fact, there are a surprising number of people doing this. I lost a lot of business in my sign shop to people saying, "no thanks my <insert relative/friend/etc> has a vinyl cutter and he makes all my signs for me." As far as that goes, I'm pretty much one of those guys. I found a good deal on the equipment and I have a nice shop set up in my basement for doing this stuff. My equipment is all paid for and my space is free for the most part. So much for overhead. It takes something else to differentiate yourself from the average guy out there cutting vinyl.
I have been involved in the graphic arts industry since the mid 90s. I've worked with all the large advertising and graphic design houses in the Twin Cities. My roles were always highly technical and as a result I have a deeper understanding of the technical requirements of good design than your average graphic designer. That is how I differentiate myself from other folks cutting vinyl. If you are looking for something more than just some text slapped on the transom of your boat, you've come to the right place. I will work with you to develop the exact graphic solution that completely personalizes your boat.
I'll tell you right now: this is a 'hobby' business. I learned in my Sign Shop days that cutting vinyl letters isn't going to provide enough income to put food on the table. That doesn't mean I don't take this seriously. What it does mean is that you can expect very personalized service. As I do not extensively advertise, my volume is kept at a very manageable level. My business comes mostly by word of mouth. I have found that makes the whole business experience much more enjoyable for both of us. You will always get friendly service from Boat-Lettering by Sail-2-Live.
Of course, I couldn't end the about page without a gratuitous link for the order form!