Danielle Rickert: Innovative Solutions for Today's Problems

We recently had an event, and it was my responsibility to find someone to help with the banners and signs. I did what any good husband would do and delegated the task to my wife. Her response was immediate and unequivocal. Sir Speedy in Prescott provides service and solutions that are difficult to match. So, we reached out and were blown away by the professionalism, intuitive understanding, and solutions-based problem solving the team showed us. We were nightmare clients, unsure of what we wanted and the size of what we didn't realize we wanted... In short, we didn’t have a clue. Danielle Rickert is the Maven who owns and operates Sir Speedy, and she knew exactly who to pair us with. Jake Carlson is Sir Speedy's sales manager, and in just a few minutes, he transformed my jumbled request into multiple designs for our signs and banners. I was so taken with their work that I had to find out more. After the dust had settled from our event, I contacted Danielle to learn how a design student with no interest in business was able to assemble such an incredible team while also becoming one of Prescott's most successful entrepreneurs.

Danielle has always had a passion for design and creativity. In her college days, she avoided business classes and instead focused on design, believing that it would give her an advantage in the business world. With hindsight being 20/20, Danielle can attest that her decision to focus on design has given her a unique "think outside the box" approach to her business. Her ability to think creatively has been a huge asset in her business, allowing her to navigate the unprecedented challenges posed to small business owners by the pandemic.

“The only way my company got through a crazy time like 2020 to the present (because we are
still dealing with the aftermath of the world shutting down) is by thinking outside the box. There is a quote on our wall in the office: For every problem, there is a creative solution. Everything we do is custom. Our clients have an idea of what they want, and it is our job to make it a reality.”

Danielle has found that becoming a member of the local community in Prescott has been one of the most rewarding aspects of owning and running a small business here. Compared to her hometown in California, the business environment in Prescott is much more open to opportunity and supportive of local businesses. When making cold calls or attending networking events, Danielle finds that people are genuinely interested in what she does and eager to connect. The community here also understands the importance of supporting local small businesses, which helps the entire community thrive.

I can’t say enough good things about our team! I have been lucky enough to surround myself with the hardest-working and most dedicated people around. They truly care about our business and producing the best work possible. And we all happen to like each other a lot. There isn’t a day that goes by without laughter. You can feel the energy when you walk through our doors and hear it in our voices on the phone—we love what we do, and we really do want to help people. We also love our clients; they are our neighbors and friends. Prescott is a special place to live and work, and it’s all because of the people.

Paul Orfalea, the founder of Kinko's, once said he could tell if one of his locations was well managed just by seeing the eyes of the employees as he walked in the door. I did a quick drop by Sir Speedy the other day for some print paper, and I immediately knew what he meant. The lightheartedness and positive attitude of everyone working there were infectious and indicative of a well-managed business. Danielle has put together a team of real professionals, from the Print Queen, Deb Meyers, to graphic designers Bethany Cooper and James Thompson, to the sales team of Stephanie Claytor and Kaya Buccigross, to the admin chief, Misty Ableman-Skinner, to the sales manager, Jake Carlson.

Danielle and her team are rolling out a new feature in 2023, and if you are a business owner large or small, you should take note. They are launching an online ordering portal for businesses. At first glance, I was unsure what exactly that meant. The more I read, the more intrigued I became. Say you are a business that orders print or marketing material, sells products online, or offers print and copy solutions to your clients. By creating an online portal, you can customize the marketing materials you want and order them from your computer as needed. The portal allows you to have real-time inventory tracking as well as tools for forecasting and planning. The order-handling process is completely streamlined, and the automation will free you up to focus on things other than going down to the print shop to order materials. Needless to say, we are signing up ourselves to help with brand management and with the online store we are opening.

The amazing banner that Sir Speedy printed for our launch party. Photo: valeriefoxphotography.com

Danielle’s biggest mentor in business and life has been her father, with whom she has an extraordinarily close relationship.

I wouldn’t be where I am today without him. That may sound cliché, but it’s true. He is a very smart business owner and gives excellent advice. It’s been said that we are very much alike – I take that as a compliment.

Another great sign display courtesy of Sir Speedy. Photo: valeriefoxphotography.com

Danielle, like most of us who live in Prescott, loves getting outside and enjoying nature. She is not content with taking short hikes, though; Danielle likes to push the envelope.

I like to be outside, preferably in warm weather and on the water. Take me on a boat ride, wake surfing, kite surfing, or do anything of that sort, and I’m a happy girl.

After a day on the water, you can find Danielle at BigA chowing down on some perfectly prepared, locally sourced, spectacular food! A perfect day for Danielle would end with some drinks at Founding Fathers, where you always run into friends.

It was a real pleasure working with the folks at Sir Speedy, and I hope everyone who reads this will give them some consideration when it comes to their print, copy, or design needs. You will not be disappointed!