By With more than 20 years of experience in the graphics field, Shawn Christal became the perfect fit to take over Dsport Graphics in Columbia. “It was a great opportunity to take a long-standing business in Columbia and bring it to the next level,” he says of purchasing the existing local business with his family. The business is owned and operated by Shawn and his wife, Carmen. But the family ties don’t stop there as their daughter, Taylor Mountjoy, is also involved as a customer service representative.
While the trio purchased the business in 2015, Dsport has been around since the 1970s when it primarily focused on sporting goods. It was only later that the business switched its focus to custom printing. Now Shawn and his family serve the Columbia community providing all kinds of options for custom items. Since taking over the business, the Christals have overseen an expansion of Dsport Graphics to better accommodate the growth in both the customer base and the types of services it provides. Shawn feels like one of the most important keys to success is: “Always try to keep up with the latest trends and technology. The newly remodeled nearly 10,000-square-foot space has afforded a massive showroom depicting the latest trends,” he says. The additional space has also allowed for additional updated production equipment, making processes easier. Dsport Graphics also instituted a website so customers can order and create designs from the comfort of their own home. “We see more and more of our customers ordering products through our online stores, so it is very important to have a user-friendly website.
While working with his family is a big perk, Shawn’s favorite part of the job is seeing the faces of his customers “light up when they see their products after we decorate them.” At Dsport Graphics, customers can choose from screen printing, heat press or embroidery on apparel, engraving on awards and specialty items, signs, banners, and promotional products. Shawn says customizing promotional products can help with business branding, event sponsorships or giveaways. Whether the budget is $10 or $10,000, Dsport Graphics has a vast array of products to choose from to accommodate any need. One of Dsport Graphic’s most memorable projects, include a job for Marching Mizzou. Shawn says Dsport Graphics printed a 40-foot-by-60-foot banner, along with other large banners that were unfolded at the halftime performance celebrating the St Louis BluesStanley Cup victory.
When not working, Shawn and Carmen Christal enjoy riding motorcycles, seeing the beauty of this country and cycling on the Katy Trail. Their daughter, Taylor Mountjoy, enjoys quiet time with her two dogs, Thunder and Honey Bee and a cat named Kitty.
DSPORT GRAPHICS | 19 BUSINESS LOOP 70 E, COLUMBIA MO573-449-8018 | DSPORTGRAPHICS.COM
