STAFF

"It's like magic." That's how Tony Johnson describes it. "It doesn't matter if we're changing graphics on a car at the track or wrapping a fleet of vehicles, it's always awesome to see the transformation. I love it."

Tony is the founder and president of the The Decal Source, a specialty graphics company located in McLeansville, NC. His interest in the industry was sparked in high school when he discovered a knack for graphic design and took a part-time job at a print shop. "We weren't doing any wide-format printing then," he said, "but I learned a lot about what it takes to get a print job through production."

With a few years of experience under his belt, Tony decided to try his hand at the business side of printing and bought a PIP franchise in Asheboro, NC. "It was a great experience. I learned a lot about how systems and processes can make or break a print shop," he said.

It was during this season that Tony was first exposed to wide-format printing. It didn't take long for Tony to figure out that he could combine his love of racing and his knowledge of printing. He shifted focus and started The Decal source in 1998 with an emphasis on the motorsports industry. TDS quickly became the go-to company for "making it happen."

Tony has seen the industry shift from hand-painted letters to vinyl letters to full decal wraps. Over the years The Decal Source has grown from two employees to more than 40, running two shifts daily. TDS is the leading provider of vehicle wraps and graphics for the NASCAR industry.

"I love the work we do," Tony said, "but my favorite part of The Decal Source is seeing our team members grow professionally and personally."

Tony has been married for 25 years and has three kids. He loves hanging out at the lake with them and occasionally playing a little golf.

Email LinkedIn