Fiercely passionate about their business, Fermin and Nicola Padilla, the owners of Speedy Signs can manage any project anywhere in the country, from start to finish. A ‘people-person who gets on with everyone’, Argentinian born, and raised in Brazil, Fermin will help each customer in any way he can, says Nicola. Whether it be dropping signs to them, discussing details or suggesting what he thinks would work best on site, he is always greeting customers with a smile when they pop in to talk to him. “Also dealing with electricians, builders and painters, the fact that Fermin understands exactly what the customer wants, is key to meeting their needs.”
The couple met in Brazil, married in 2008 and after having their three children in Brazil’s largest city, São Paulo, moved back to Nicola’s home country in 2015, purchasing Speedy Signs Nelson in 2016. “Having owned and run hospitality businesses in Brazil, we were looking for a business to buy in Nelson. Something more ‘family friendly’ which would give us the weekends free to explore the countryside. Nelson was a particularly attractive destination being so safe and with so many outdoor activities on our doorstep.”
What initially attracted Fermin to the signage business was his love for brands and marketing. The business allowed him to help others thrive by giving them the best signage solutions for their industry. Fermin and Nicola also liked the fact that Speedy Signs is part of a franchise which meant they would have support and expert advice anytime they need it. “There are 27 Speedy Signs stores throughout New Zealand and they are all there to help each other do the best they can. Fermin has a degree in business management, and he thrives in his role as Business Manager. He has a passion for creating solutions for companies to market themselves the best they can, he enjoys thinking outside the box and using his experience alongside his very talented team of designers and installers, a total of seven staff members, who have an awesome can-do attitude and love being creative.” Nicola is a busy mother and works part time in the business, taking care of the administrative and financial side of the business.
“By moving to our new larger premises, at 87 Vanguard Street, in early 2020 we were able to buy a new CNC router and a laser-cutting machine. The business has grown exponentially since we are now able to attend multiple big jobs simultaneously. With 27 known and trusted Speedy Signs stores dotted throughout the country, we are able to attend to anyone’s sign writing needs, no matter where they are based.” Fermin is insistent that he and his team go above and beyond to meet their customer’s needs, every time. “Service and quality are key and the team never compromise on mastering details.”
“There is a lot to think about when choosing signs; size, material, position, visibility, price, installation, not to mention what your competition is doing! With more than a few years of experience in this game, we can talk you through your options and create signs that suit your business and leave a lasting impression. Whether you’re after a couple of signs for a seasonal promotion or signs for multiple buildings and a full fleet of vehicles, we can take care of your project from first conversation to final installation.”
The signage industry is huge, and is constantly growing bigger and more diverse, say the couple. “Every month there are more products on offer to meet differing signage needs in the market. Speedy Signs only deal with leaders in the market who provide only the best quality materials. Nationwide, Speedy Signs stores have developed excellent working relationships with their suppliers meaning that better prices can be negotiated and bulk purchases made. Every day we manage to conquer new customers, both big and small, and this keeps us continuously evolving.”
Speedy Signs began life as a family business in Auckland 25 years ago. In Nelson the Padillas have done the same and are proud to say that all their family is involved in differing ways, including their three boys, now aged 8, 11 and 13. “The Speedy Signs franchise is progressive, forward-thinking and creative,” says Nicola. “It is an honour to help any company come across in the best way they can, and to be a part of this very important step is so exciting as there are plenty of options in how to do this.” Celebrating the company's overall 25 years in business, Nicola says the Nelson team shared a delicious and very special cake. “Also, we enjoyed a super fun day of bowls at the Nelson Bowling Club which was a new experience for most of us and we are keen to do it again. Speedy Signs owners will also celebrate later in the year with their annual conference being held in an extra special location, Fiji!”
