You never know who your next client will be. I know that was the case with one of Insignia Designs’ first clients – ThinkHR.

I met Dan when our children played sports together. Sometimes we ran into each other at a local pub. What began as an ongoing, friendly acquaintance developed years later into an even longer business deal.

But the great thing about it was, it was unintentional and a surprise.

When we first met, I didn’t know Dan Riordan was the President and Chief Operating Officer at ThinkHR. To me, he was Dan, whom I’d run into around town and got to know standing on the sidelines.

Six years ago, I ran into him after a long time when I had just opened Insignia Designs. I was starting to develop my local business network, but I wasn’t thinking about that when we started talking- the idea just grew out of our conversation.

You see, he needed new signage for his then young company. ThinkHR needed lobby signs, logo placements, wayfinding, and exterior signage. Pretty much everything.

They were one of my first clients, and the first company I worked with that wanted “feel good” messaging placed in the office to inspire employees. We went to town with that concept, presenting their philosophy in word tracks and think bubbles, all custom cut with vibrant colors.

And that was just the first project. From there, we designed table throws for company parties- and as the company grew there were a lot. In fact, they expanded to Tracy, eventually changed their logo and redesigned all their interior signage.

As they kept growing, Insignia Designs worked with them for message continuity. It was easy because we already had the specs and understood their culture. When they moved to a larger building in Hacienda Business Park in Pleasanton, we were able to recreate the signage they wanted to keep and add new text in think bubbles on interior walls, including in the kitchen area.

The best part was that their new multi-level building required elevated exterior signage. We settled on a really cool front- and back-lit sign on top of the building. Installation was no easy feat- it was up on the 4th floor and needed to be positioned next to the balcony of another company. But we did it.

To me, it’s the classic story of how personal and professional relationships help develop a strong network. Here we were, two local business owners who ran into each other. Years later, we have also developed a stake in each other’s success- growing together and enjoying each other’s successes together.

Next time you’re cheering on your kids on the sidelines, or at Trivia night at the local watering hole, talk to your friends, make some new ones- and watch your network grow.