In This Issue
- Manager’s Message – Aaron Maravilla
- Employee Spotlight – Elis Santiago
- Core Values Spotlight – Large Format Team
- Project Spotlight – Brooker’s Ice Cream Franchise Signage
- Equipment Spotlight – Accu-Bend ACE Aluminum Bending Machine
- Marketing Tip – “YOU CAN’T HIDE AN UGLY SIGN”
- Career Opportunities
- Anniversaries – Happy Anniversary
- Birthdays – Celebrate!
manager’s Message
“Great teams do more than complete projects — they make people want to be part of something bigger.”
Aaron Maravilla
Hello Speedy CPS! I’m one of the other ‘Aaron’s’ in the company. I grew up in Alaska, Mississippi, Washington, Idaho, Utah, California, and Texas (Air Force Kid). Currently married to an amazing wife (Allison) and doing my best to learn from my five children (which is always an adventure).
When I joined Speedy CPS in late November of 2025, I knew I was stepping into an industry filled with creativity, problem solving, and fast-paced work. What I did not fully expect was how quickly I would feel welcomed by the people throughout both the Graphik and AlphaGraphics teams.
Over the past several months, I’ve had the opportunity to work alongside individuals who genuinely care about customers, support one another, and consistently go the extra mile to find solutions. Whether it is helping a customer meet an impossible deadline, troubleshooting a fabrication challenge, or getting a project back on track, I’ve been impressed by the level of teamwork and commitment I’ve seen while visiting the different locations in Idaho and Utah.
One of the things that stands out most is the willingness of people to share knowledge and help others succeed. I’ve learned a tremendous amount in a short period of time thanks to mentors, coworkers, and the AlphaGraphics team who have been patient, supportive, and willing to teach. That kind of culture makes a huge difference, especially when you drive over five hours to Boise, struggle to find a parking space, and then walk into the AlphaGrapic office and are greeted with positive people who are excited to help.
This industry moves quickly, and there is always something new to learn. What makes that exciting is knowing there are talented people around me who are committed to improving, adapting, and continuing to grow together.
I’m grateful for the opportunity to be part of this company and excited about what we are continuing to build together at Graphik and AlphaGraphics.
Aaron Maravilla
General manager – Graphik
Center Employee Spotlight
ELIS SANTIAGO
Production Manager – Graphik
This month, we are excited to recognize Elis Santiago as Graphik’s Employee Spotlight. Elis was recently promoted to Production Manager, where he now oversees the production and installation of projects across the Graphik division. His promotion reflects the leadership, technical ability, and dedication he consistently brings to the team.
Elis has a strong mechanical mindset and a natural ability to problem solve. When challenging projects come through the shop, he takes the time to help both employees and customers find practical solutions that bring sign concepts to life. From fabrication to installation, Elis and his team play a key role in turning designs on paper into finished products that customers are proud to display.
Known for his strong work ethic, Elis is often willing to stay late to ensure projects are completed on time and at a high level of quality. No matter the challenge or deadline, he approaches his work with professionalism, consistency, and a positive attitude that helps keep the team moving forward.
In addition to his leadership in production, Elis is also known as Graphik’s resident chef. Whether he’s grilling lunch for the crew or cooking breakfast on the company grill, he helps create a fun and positive culture that the team genuinely appreciates.
Elis’s combination of craftsmanship, leadership, reliability, and team spirit make him a tremendous asset to Graphik and Speedy CPS. We appreciate everything he does and are excited to see him continue to grow in his new role.
Core Values Spotlight
Self-Starter, Committed, Enthusiastic, Initiative, Hard-Working
We take the initiative to get the job done RIGHT!
We have a get it done, do whatever it takes attitude. We are willing to go the extra mile and push through opposition to achieve the desired results. We are problem-solvers; willing to accept challenges. We thrive on making it happen for our customers.
Large Format Team – Graphik
This month’s Core Values Spotlight recognizes Graphik’s Large Format team for consistently demonstrating what it means to be scrappy. The team regularly handles high-pressure projects, tight deadlines, and rush orders, yet they continue to find ways to deliver quality work on time.
One of the biggest strengths of the Large Format department is its ability to adapt quickly and problem solve under pressure. The team is also highly detail oriented. Before projects move into production, they take the time to carefully review artwork, measurements, materials, and installation requirements to identify possible issues before they become costly mistakes. When mistakes arise, they find cost-effective solutions to keep the projects on track.
Being scrappy is not about cutting corners. It is about being resourceful and willing to do whatever it takes to produce great results. The Large Format team continues to demonstrate that mindset every day through hard work, teamwork, and a commitment to finding solutions no matter the challenge.
Their ability to thrive under pressure and consistently deliver for customers and their AlphaGraphic teammates makes them a great example of Graphik’s culture and core values.
Project Spotlights
BROOKER’S ICE CREAM FRANCHISE SIGNAGE
Working with Multiple Franchise Locations
Over the past several weeks, Graphik has worked closely with Brooker’s Ice Cream franchise locations to streamline the production process for their signage. As the franchise has continued expanding into new markets, the need for a more efficient and scalable workflow became increasingly important.
Leading the coordination efforts was Giovanna Coronel, who worked with multiple Graphik departments to help improve organization and stay ahead of upcoming deadlines. Together, the team implemented several improvements designed to create a smoother experience for the customer.
Some of the improvements included standardized billing, improved project tracking, enhanced customer communication, and pre-sign production processes where signs were fabricated ahead of ordering to reduce turnaround times. These updates also helped support out-of-state franchise locations more effectively while maintaining consistency across projects.
By paying close attention to the details and working together across departments, the team has created greater customer confidence. This project serves as a example of how operational improvements behind the scenes can create a better experience for customers and position Graphik for continued growth.
Equipment Spotlight
ACCU-BEND ACE+ ALUMINUM BENDING MACHINE
Manufacturer: Computerized Cutters, Inc.
Model: Accu-Bend ACE
Graphik’s Accu-Bend ACE aluminum bending machine plays a major role in the company’s ability to fabricate dimensional signage in-house. The machine takes digital sign designs and precisely bends aluminum coil into custom shapes and channel letters used for illuminated signage.
Using automated bending technology, the Accu-Bend allows the team to produce accurate letter forms with greater speed and consistency than traditional hand fabrication methods.
The machine is used to help create the bold, highly visible signage customers see on storefronts, commercial buildings, and large-scale business displays.
Equipment like the Accu-Bend ACE+ continues to expand Graphik’s fabrication capabilities while helping the team complete projects more efficiently and with greater precision.
Marketing Tip
“YOU CAN’T HIDE AN UGLY SIGN”
When it comes to prospecting new clients around town, it’s not easy to identify who has a need for AlphaGraphics products and services. But those days are over! Now that AlphaGraphics has the ability to sell illuminated signage, all you have to do is look for the ‘ugly sign.’
Every day, businesses unintentionally advertise their problems to the world through failing, outdated, or temporary signage. The good news is that these situations create a natural opportunity to start conversations and build relationships.
A sign conversation may lead to a new storefront sign, but it also uncovers additional needs like banners, business cards, vehicle graphics, promotional products, menus, wall graphics, direct mail, or printing projects. One simple conversation can turn into a long-term customer relationship.
As you’re driving around town, keep your eyes open for signs that need help:
- Temporary banners being used as permanent signage
- Placeholder signs on new businesses
- Faded, cracked, or weather-damaged signs
- Cabinet signs with burned out or non-working lights
- Missing letters or damaged sign faces
- Businesses with inconsistent branding or outdated graphics
These opportunities are everywhere, and most business owners already know the problem exists but they are too busy to solve the problem. Often, they just need someone willing to walk through the door and provide solutions.
You do not need a perfect sales pitch. You don’t even need to be a sales person. Be approachable, ask questions, and look for ways to help. Sometimes the conversation will lead to a sign project. Other times it may lead to print, marketing, or future opportunities down the road.
Ugly signs are easy to spot — and they are often the first step toward building lasting customer relationships. And remember when you do find an opportunity to help with a sign project…Graphik is here to help.
Career Opportunities
Here are the current career opportunities that we are looking for in the company!
Please share these links with anybody you feel would be a great fit for the company. As a reminder, there is a $100 referral reward for anyone who refers someone to work for our company and they stay with the company for 90 days
- Assistant Manager – Helena, MT
- Customer Service Representative – Helena, MT
- Administrative Assistant – Helena, MT
- Customer Service Representative – Missoula, MT
- Cohort June 2026 Career Development Program Trainee – Alphagraphics
- Career Development Internship – Idaho Falls, ID
- Production Hand Packaging and Assembly – Bozeman, MT
Milestone Anniversaries
Congratulations to those completing another year of service with Speedy CPS
3 Years
Janet Lund
1 Year
Levi Caleb Brickey
Holliauna Milliron
Haden Alvin Poole
Birthdays
Davin Dixon – 6/01
Daniel Adamson – 6/01
Jaron Kent Allen – 6/04
Isabel Rose Mcguire – 6/05
Meleden Call – 6/07
Scott Sharp – 6/09
Lorraine Simmons – 6/09
Judith Lorenzo – 6/10
Michael Burgard – 6/10
Blair Barnhurst – 6/11
Colby Breeze – 6/17
Mckenna Suzanne Preussner – 6/17
Aaron Lerwill – 6/18
Asel Burgard – 6/19
Eric Jones – 6/20
Cody Meyer – 6/23
Jordyn Jensen – 6/27
William Kerry Strauss – 6/28
Keith Fyfe – 6/29
Ryan Southworth – 6/30
Jacob Heaton – 6/30
