Meet the PDAA Installers Committee
Jim Miller
Miller Decals LLC
CEO
Jim Miller is the co-chief visionary at Miller Decals, LLC, the largest exclusive vinyl installation company in Atlanta, Georgia. Jim has been installing vinyl since 1979. For four decades he has performed an extensive array of roles as a competitor and/or judge, TV show cast member, board member, brand representative for numerous trade shows, teacher, technician, and Allstar wrapper straight out of Compton, CA. He is known globally for his ability to make wrapping “look so easy”. In 2016 he became the 1st American to win the title of World Wrap Master. At home he is surrounded by women; his wife, Starla and three daughters, Brittney (24), Kiley (17) and Audrey (14).
John Carthey
Corporate Installations Inc.
President & Owner
John Carthey graduated from Trinity University with a BFA in Commercial Art and completed 5 years of college football with the Trinity Tigers. In 1972, John started the decal installation division at Screen Graphics Inc. in Houston Texas. In 1975, he became a founding member of the Professional Decal Application Association (PDAA) where he served one term as president, three terms as vice-president and five terms as recording secretary. The rest of the time he served as a board member, ambassador and recruiter helping to promote PDAA. In 1970, John purchased the decal installation division from Screen Graphics Inc. and co-founded the Decal Application Systems Inc., where he helped develop the techniques for installing full wrap pressure sensitive vinyl on narrow corrugated trailers for 3M and Levi Strauss. John coordinated the first 250 full wrap trailers ever attempted in the USA. A film crew from Germany filmed John’s team doing the narrow corrugated trailer wrap installation and within 2 years the wrap industry exploded in Europe. Around 2006, it became apparent that PDAA needed full-time staff to operate the association more efficiently. The remaining Board of Directors voted to turn over the rights of PDAA to SGIA in order to manage and operate the Association on a full-time basis, with the same spirit and integrity in supporting the decal installation industry as originally begun in 1975. John is the last founding Board Member. In 2018, John sold the controlling interest in Corporate Installations Inc. but he continues to be actively involved in the day to day operations. “It is our duty to help promote our unique industry by helping & encouraging new installers while working with the established installation network to keep the highest standards possible.”—John Carthey
John received a Pilots Certificate to help serve customers better and has logged over 850 hours of flying in 10 different single engine aircraft. In 1991, John left Decal Application Systems and started Corporate Installations which was incorporated 2 years later. In 2003, John became 3M Master Certified.
John has had the privilege in helping to test many of the vinyl’s used today and to help develop the procedures and techniques for installing pressure sensitive vinyl’s.
Ken Burns
Axis Graphics Installations
President
Ken Burns is the President/CEO of Axis Graphic Installations Inc. He is a native of Boston, MA and studied Business Management in the mid 90’s. He has consulted, developed and managed multiple Fortune 500 companies. In 2006, he left his career to pursue the art of installing vehicle wraps. Ken saw the value of this niche industry and decided to bring his knowledge of large corporate structure to a newer industry that was mostly comprised of independent subcontractors. He started his first installation team in South Florida in 2009 and has since developed teams in Texas, Georgia, North Carolina, Maryland and Pennsylvania. Beyond vehicle wraps, Ken and his teams have become proficient in all types of sign and graphic installations.
Kristin Lanzarone
WrapStar Pro
Owner-Operator
Kristin Lanzarone is the owner-operator of WrapStar Pro a vehicle wrap and wide format printing company. Kristin has a diverse background in C+ Cisco Networking, Degree in Criminal Justice & Interior Design, Local Sheriff Academy Certificate, Website Building, Motorsports Promoter, Media & Marketing and Graphic Design. With her creditable knowledge she found her passion in vinyl graphics starting in the local Motorsports industry which gave her many opportunities to work with teams in NASCAR, Indy Lights, Formula Mazda and the local grassroot racers. Creating a popular hit in the asphalt motor circuit with high demands for her work, it was jokingly rumored her wraps were guaranteed 2 tenths faster than other race cars. In 2015, Kristin suffered a rough season of divorce and a business buy out that resulted her hitting rock bottom. As a single mom with a vinyl business that had to be created from scratch, she knew she needed to strap on her boots, gloves and helmet and drive through the front windshield and not mirror drive her future. Today, Kristin's wrap business is thriving more than any other previous business she has ever owned. This year, she will be launching a new addition to WrapStar Pro as a training facility and certification program for the grassroot installers. Including, speaking as a Motivational speaker to motivate and empower women in business & help women in crisis rise from the ashes. "Never let the sense of the past failure defeat your next step"—Oswald Chambers
Matt Richart
Digital EFX Wraps
Owner
Born in Louisville, KY., married to Cindy Richart with 3 boys, Brody 12, Chase 9, and Daxton 4. I grew up playing basketball my whole life and still play once a week. I also coach elementary basketball for my sons’ school. I also enjoy playing golf, working out, and taking care of our landscaping. Working outside is very therapeutic for me. Favorite motivational line: Hard work brings Luck!! I have over 25 years of experience in the sign and graphic industry and started laying vinyl when I was 19 years old. We started Digital EFX Wraps in 2004 with my business partner Dallas Fowler. We have been in 3 buildings since we first opened our business.
Nate VanderVliet
Exotic Vehicle Wraps Inc.
Founder & President
Paul Roba
Graphic Market Consultants
Consultant
Paul Roba is currently an independent consultant available to provide direction and assistance in the use of pressure sensitive material and their conversion and installation. He provides over 30 years experience in the graphics industry working with industry leaders in printing, converting, application, training, certification programs, and product demonstrations. Most recently, he was the Wide Format Printing OEM Relationship Manager for the Avery Dennison Corporation and a long time enthusiast and leader of commercial graphics & installation. He was responsible for the qualification, testing, and publication of warranty documents for the Integrated Component System Warranty Program of Avery Dennison. In addition, he maintained an open dialogue between printer OEMs and Avery Dennison for product development, and strategic growth opportunities. Paul had directed the North American Technical Staff of Avery Dennison, and has been instrumental in providing educational and marketing programs to channel partners, PSPs, and ultimate end users of commercial graphic self-adhesive materials. He partnered with Justin Pate in the development of the Avery Dennison Wrap Training Program, and other company focused programs like Graphics University, Additionally, Paul has judged a variety of graphic design and installation competitions contests including Wrap Like A King, Wrap Masters, and other events.
Rich Thompson
AdGraphics Inc.
President
Rich Thompson, founder, and principle with AdGraphics, a premier Large Format Digital Imaging & Signage Service Bureau since 1992. Rich earned his bachelor’s degree from Calvin College, Grand Rapids, MI., and his master’s degree in Cross Cultural Studies and Anthropology from Fuller Seminary, Pasadena, CA. Rich was a faculty member with The Big Picture Conference and is an Advisory Board member for Keiser University. He is also one of original members of the Editorial Advisory Board with Digital Graphics Magazine and is currently on their Technical Advisory Board. Rich has been a consultant for both 3M’s Commercial Graphics Customer Advisory Panel and HP’s Customer Advisory Group. You can find links to some of the articles he has published in his LinkedIn profile. He has served on the Board of Directors with DPI (Digital Printing & Imaging Association) and FGA (Fabric Graphics Association). He is a founding member of GIGA (Global Imaging Graphics Association). Rich is currently Chairman of the Board for SGIA (Specialty Graphics & Imaging Association). Among the many accolades, a few that stand out are the Pioneer Award for being the first company to complete a full vehicle wrap using digital printing. Being selected as the first ever FESPA (Federation of European Specialty Printing Association) International Hall of Fame inductee, as the world’s top printer as selected by his peers from over 40 countries. And, Disney’s Innovation Award as Supplier of the year in 2014.
Ritchie Daize
Arlon Graphics
Business Development Manager for Fleet & OEM
Ron Gizzo
Visual Marking Systems Inc.
COO
I have been a member of the printing industry since 1994. I began my career at VMS as a printer, running vinyl cutters and performing Pre-Press duties. My gift in graphic arts led me to become the Art Director and then Director of R&D. My ability to understand all graphic, printing, and finishing technologies has projected VMS as a forerunner in the product identification industry. As Chief Operating Officer, I work firsthand with VMS’s sales and manufacturing staff. I am currently a Steering Committee Member of the Professional Decal Application Alliance (PDAA). I strive to stay aligned with the newest developments in the printing industry and utilize my imagination to produce the highest quality products.
Shane Lloyd
Gecko Wraps
CEO
Shane Lloyd brings over 20 years of signs and graphics experience. In 2006 he created GeckoWraps the premiere wrap company in Las Vegas, Nevada and has been the driving force behind the brand as the CEO. GeckoWraps provides signs and graphics, custom wraps for advertising, branding & architectural finishes and decor. Specializing in architectural finish wraps, advertising wraps for vehicles, buildings, walls, windows, floors, and pretty much any surface that can be wrapped. GeckoWraps motto: "We'll Wrap Anything" is tried and true. GeckoWraps provides all types of services for branding like logo design, promotional products, imprinted apparel, sign & banners, graphic design, tradeshow graphics & displays and advertising consulting. Their client focus is to maximize the customer's value and provide and advertising methodology for maximum return on investment. Along with being an entrepreneur Shane is also a veteran who served in the US Army as a Military Intelligence Analyst. His experience includes, business development & analysis, marketing & advertising, sales, substrates and product knowledge, promotional products, wide and grand format printing, graphic design and of course wraps. In 2006 Shane attended one of the first classes offered by Fellers to become Fellers Certified in Avery, 3M, Oracal, & Clear Focus. Since then, the list of other certifications are as follows: