Words to Live By:
Go out on a limb.That is where the fruit is. -- Will Rogers
Texas friendly spoken here.

Design Beginnings and Experience:

Humble beginnings can certainly pave the way to a great career and a rewarding life.  Gary began his design career in 1989 while attending college part-time and working for Smith Brothers Roping Supply Company in Denton, Texas.  He worked on a 3,000-acre ranch, doing everything from gathering and loading cattle to working in the retail store.  After a several months of 100 degree days, he decided to give his notice.  Not eager to see Gary go, the owners asked, “Can you type?” A graphic design career was born.  Gary landed a position in the company’s small office creating direct mail pieces and catalogs for distribution throughout the U.S. and Brazil.

Gary later moved on to JWG Associates in Dallas, Texas, a recruitment advertising agency with over 300 employees across the nation and serving accounts such as Ford Motor Company, Nations Bank, Key Bank, and St. Paul’s Hospital, among others.  Though he started as a production artist on a team of four, the Dallas branch expanded to include over 30 employees over the next five years.  Gary advanced to the position of creative manager, art directing and overseeing production for ten designers.  He learned about customer service, organization, motivation, and attention to detail.  When offered the opportunity to advance to an account executive position, Gary decided to take the lessons he’d learned and launch his own visual communications agency in 1996 in Dallas, Texas.

Since relocating to Issaquah in 1997, Graphic Technologies has gained much influence in the building industry, creating brands for builders in over twenty communities in Western Washington.  The agency also serves clients in a wide range of other industries, including professional and financial services, ski resorts, and others.

Client Service and Philosophy:

Gary's client philosophy is to treat individuals with respect, appreciate their knowledge and ideas, be compassionate about their working environment, and deliver results on every project no matter the size or importance. Gary believes that the only way to build lasting brands is to get both hearts and minds behind the companies he is fortunate to serve.  For Gary, vibrant design is reflected in the office culture and approach to doing business. The team brings vitality, honesty, excitement, creativity and positive attitudes into every client relationship and project. Gary thrives on opportunities to create, collaborate and think strategically, while building a talented creative team that understands the demands and discipline of business and design.

Words to Live By:
Whatever creativity is, it is in part a solution to a problem. -- Brian Aldiss

Design Beginnings and Experience:

Design has been a passion for Mary since she discovered coloring books as a child. Since 1994, she has acquired design experience in the home building industry and quite a few others. This has prepared her well to serve as a creative and strategic senior graphic designer and team leader for Graphic Technologies. For Mary, every day is a chance to learn something new. In addition to completing a one-year program at the Art Institute of Seattle for graphic design, Mary completed a one-year photography program at Clover Park Vocational/Technical Institute and an AAS degree in graphic design from Tacoma Community College. She continues her education through enrolling in Photoshop and Flash classes and attending creative seminars. Mary has won an array of prestigious awards for her ads, brochure, and logo designs, yet the most important recognition she enjoys is the success she helps to create among her many loyal and satisfied clients.

Client Service and Philosophy:

Mary's inspiration for her client service philosophy is to be the same in heart and word. Her integrity drives every thought and action. Mary always tries to put herself in the client's shoes and see the situation from their point of view. She strives to treat everyone with respect, to listen well, and to create graphic design solutions that exceed demanding expectations. Collaborating with clients in the graphic design sandbox is rewarding and satisfying work for Mary, and she knows that clients enjoy the creative process as much as she does. At the same time, Mary recognizes that clients hire Graphic Technologies because of the team's expertise, knowledge and opinions. "If I believe we are going down the wrong path, I'll say so. And if I need to make sure that we are all communicating clearly to achieve the project objective, then I'll do that, too. At the end of every project, the client should come away with a fantastic solution to their initial dilemma and have a grand time doing it," Mary says. Mary believes that Graphic Technologies creates lasting solutions that help clients stand out from their competition. She also recognizes that the better work the firm does, the greater the likelihood that the team will enjoy long term client relationships and the opportunity to shape their brands indefinitely. Earning the invitation to go deeper with clients to help them achieve important strategic objectives is what drives Mary to excel.