Anthony Locicero, Associate Editor04.15.21
Chris Thiessen, founder of Wide Open Throttle Graphics in Lacombe County, Alberta, Canada, has a T-shirt with a slogan that pretty much sums up his motto: “Everything will kill you, so choose something fun.”
He started his career working in an oilfield for almost 20 years. When he was laid off, he became a service manager at a Yamaha and Arctic Cat dealership, where he was introduced to installing graphics on bikes and sleds, and to the sport of snowmobiling. Soon after, he decided to open his own print and snowmobile rental shop.
Thiessen started Wide Open Throttle Graphics in early 2019, working out of his basement and an enclosed trailer. He set up deals with other wrap companies to sell and install their wraps for snowmobiles and motocross bikes.
He recently moved to a new location with office space, which also helps his clients find him more easily. The new shop is approximately 720 square feet and is five steps from his back door.
Thiessen sees an increased demand for customized graphics.
“In my experience, yes, absolutely. Compared to last year, sled wrap sales are way up,” he said. “People seem to like the option of a custom wrap rather than a quick click and pay.”
However, there are challenges – time being Thiessen’s biggest obstacle.
“My biggest challenge is time,” he said. “I am a one-man show who does everything in my company. Design time can be difficult to find, especially when dealing with initial proofs, revisions and the actual time it takes to make and install a sled wrap.”
Wide Open Throttle Graphics uses Roland DG’s capabilities to create eye-catching graphics.
“After four months in business, I realized I needed to stop outsourcing and purchase my own wide-format printer. I researched printers for quite some time and it was clear to me that Roland DG made the best machines,” Thiessen said. “I bought my first Roland, a VersaCAMM VS-540 printer/cutter, and taught myself how to use it. Having that machine helped me evolve into offering my own designs and prints without having to third-party anything out.
“A few months later, I traded in my VersaCAMM for a new Roland DG TrueVIS VG2-540 printer/cutter. It was literally a no-brainer to upgrade to the VG2 – it has performed amazingly and I love it. My business exploded when I got the VG2, and it’s getting even busier now that I’ve been able to expand my product line to offer wraps and graphics kits for motocross bikes, personal cars and trucks, and fleet vehicles,” he added.
Being able to match brand colors using Roland DG’s inks is a key advantage for Wide Open Throttle Graphics.
“The eight-color inkset on my VG2 is incredible,” Thiessen said. “The addition of light black and orange has made personalizing a custom design so much easier – now I can hit all the grays and reds. Plus, for Powersports wraps and graphic kits, it’s crucial to hit specific brand colors like Honda Red, Ski-Doo Octane Blue, KTM Orange, and so many more. I really love the blues that this machine prints –they’re phenomenal.
“My TrueVIS VG2 is flawless,” he added. “It’s extremely reliable, the colors are vibrant and accurate, plus I really value the print quality it delivers every time.”
He started his career working in an oilfield for almost 20 years. When he was laid off, he became a service manager at a Yamaha and Arctic Cat dealership, where he was introduced to installing graphics on bikes and sleds, and to the sport of snowmobiling. Soon after, he decided to open his own print and snowmobile rental shop.
Thiessen started Wide Open Throttle Graphics in early 2019, working out of his basement and an enclosed trailer. He set up deals with other wrap companies to sell and install their wraps for snowmobiles and motocross bikes.
He recently moved to a new location with office space, which also helps his clients find him more easily. The new shop is approximately 720 square feet and is five steps from his back door.
Thiessen sees an increased demand for customized graphics.
“In my experience, yes, absolutely. Compared to last year, sled wrap sales are way up,” he said. “People seem to like the option of a custom wrap rather than a quick click and pay.”
However, there are challenges – time being Thiessen’s biggest obstacle.
“My biggest challenge is time,” he said. “I am a one-man show who does everything in my company. Design time can be difficult to find, especially when dealing with initial proofs, revisions and the actual time it takes to make and install a sled wrap.”
Wide Open Throttle Graphics uses Roland DG’s capabilities to create eye-catching graphics.
“After four months in business, I realized I needed to stop outsourcing and purchase my own wide-format printer. I researched printers for quite some time and it was clear to me that Roland DG made the best machines,” Thiessen said. “I bought my first Roland, a VersaCAMM VS-540 printer/cutter, and taught myself how to use it. Having that machine helped me evolve into offering my own designs and prints without having to third-party anything out.
“A few months later, I traded in my VersaCAMM for a new Roland DG TrueVIS VG2-540 printer/cutter. It was literally a no-brainer to upgrade to the VG2 – it has performed amazingly and I love it. My business exploded when I got the VG2, and it’s getting even busier now that I’ve been able to expand my product line to offer wraps and graphics kits for motocross bikes, personal cars and trucks, and fleet vehicles,” he added.
Being able to match brand colors using Roland DG’s inks is a key advantage for Wide Open Throttle Graphics.
“The eight-color inkset on my VG2 is incredible,” Thiessen said. “The addition of light black and orange has made personalizing a custom design so much easier – now I can hit all the grays and reds. Plus, for Powersports wraps and graphic kits, it’s crucial to hit specific brand colors like Honda Red, Ski-Doo Octane Blue, KTM Orange, and so many more. I really love the blues that this machine prints –they’re phenomenal.
“My TrueVIS VG2 is flawless,” he added. “It’s extremely reliable, the colors are vibrant and accurate, plus I really value the print quality it delivers every time.”
