Impressions - Team & Activewear Summer 2021 - 11

" We have a cool system we use for online stores and off ering services
like bagging and tagging, " Farag says. " We make it easy for our students
to sell, and therefore our customers have a great experience. It's pretty
cool to see what they are capable of once we give them the tools. "
It doesn't end there. Th e platform also off ers a way for students to
interact and learn from each other. " We've developed an eco-system
for them to live on, " Farag notes. " It has resources that allow them to
communicate. A lot of them, once activated, start helping each other
For example, a senior who is good at art might help out a sophomore
who is just starting. It's not uncommon to see a student post he has
an exam, ask for help and have 10 people volunteer.
" When they do a project together, they can split the money on
that order, " he adds. " Th ere's enough business for everyone to go
around, and our system tries to make it as enticing as possible to
collaborate. It's a very family-oriented environment. "
Farag says that in the fi ve years since the program began, the
business has grown between 35% and 40% yearly, to the point
where this segment represents half of the company's business. He
estimates roughly 75,000 customers now are being served annually.
Growing Popularity
While fi nding students in the early days required a lot of networking
and eff ort, the recruiter now sends a single email and gets about
100 applications. Th e students also bring like-minded peers who love
the idea of getting free training in artwork and sales, as well as earning
good income and a schedule they can tailor to their class loads.
" We have a three-step hiring process, " Farag says. " First, they meet
other students in the program; then they interview with one of three
directors; and fi nally, they meet with me. In that interview process, we
go through everything it takes to be successful. Th at includes things
like technical abilities, attitude, eff ort and skill, to name a few. A lot
of times, students realize it's not for them. "
While training and experience in graphic arts is a plus, it's not a
requirement.
" I look for students who have creative inclinations, " Farag says. " Do
they enjoy art? Do they like design? I have found that 19- to 20-year-old
students who say they know graphic design have barely scratched the
surface. But if they have an inclination for it, they can learn. For many,
it's their fi rst opportunity to be exposed to commercial graphic design. "
Once hired, students are broken into three groups, each with a director
leading them. Th is is the go-to person who manages and mentors
them. Th en, initial classes begin.
While it's a year-long program, students bring in most of their orders
while school is in session. Farag estimates each student averages about
12-15 orders per year, and his top student totaled about $250,000 in
sales during a four-year tenure.
" Th ese students push pretty big numbers, " he notes. " Th ey take it
seriously and they get paid well. "
Steven Farag, co-owner, Campus Ink, Urbana, Ill., has
found that the most successful salespeople are able to create
designs and sell. Photo courtesy of Campus Ink, Urbana, Ill.
A Supplement to impr ession s
Summer 2021 * 11
Impressions - Team & Activewear Summer 2021

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