Titusville Titans Spring 2023

JAMES BRADLEY 15 Years

What is the name of your business?

REVELATIONS. When I first started out all my tee-shirts featured inspirational messages. I would just come up with these little revelations and put them on my merchandise. So that is how the business got its name.

REVELATIONS offers screen printing, Applique, Stitching Embroidery, Monogramming

NEW Laser Engraved Memorials - headstones, urns, 12x24 footers and more.

How did your business get started?

I have always enjoyed art, and I concentrated on graphic arts when I was in college at Alabama State University. I love challenges and trying new things, so after college I worked at a lot of different companies. I learned from them and figured out what I liked and would do differently, if I was in charge. Finally, one day I came home and told my wife I was going to quit working for others and open my own place. Fortunately for me she was like "ok." She has supported me every step of the way.

What changes did you make to your residence so you could run your business from there?

Not much really. We live upstairs and I work downstairs. Our neighbor Ms. Downey cautioned me about customers clogging the street with cars, so we expanded our driveway for extra parking.

Speaking of the late Ann Downey, what do your neighbors think about you having a business in the community?

I don't know. I guess they are ok with it, but I have not asked them. When we first moved here we did get with the neighbors to let them know what we were doing. It was very important to us that we fit in. We knew their expectations was to keep everything neat and clean and quiet. It was like that when we got here. So we have made sure to be that way. The original neighbors have all passed on now, so we are no longer reflecting their light. But I want to be the light for our new residents.

Revelations
‍205-948-3502
‍www.asimplerevelation.com

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Our Neighborhood Notables

BIGGEST CHALLENGE

My biggest challenge in running this business? Personnel. Right now I have no employees. It’s difficult getting and keeping good workers when I cannot compete with the larger outfits that offer benefits and the like. Occasionally, I will reach out to the shelters to help me identify workers. I have not always been where I am. I’ve had my struggles too, so I want to help. But that has its challenges, too—making sure they are truly interested in working and learning, and not just trying to get over on you, especially since I would be bringing them into my home.

What is next for your business?

Laser graphics. In addition to screen printing, I am expanding to offer laser graphics products. Specifically, I will be selling memorial pieces that celebrate and honor loved ones who have died. Stoneware, plaques, table ornaments, garden pieces, etc. I’ll have generic products, as well as custom made-to-order pieces. I will sell directly to the public but also intend to reach out and partner with funerary businesses. Right now I don’t have much of a web presence. Just because being a one-man operation, I need to manage my production, to be sure I don’t bite off more than I can chew. But with this new line of products I intend to enhance my digital footprint, to make it easier for folks to see what we offer and order online.

What are your hobbies? What do you do for fun?

I got me a drone and started spending time flying it. The next thing I knew folks were hiring me to capture drone images for weddings and graduations. So now I have two drones and my hobby has become a part of my business.

What would you like to see in Titusville in the next three years?

People in houses. You know as a boy I rode my bicycle through Titusville, and later drove through here headed to the interstate. And I thought how I wanted to live over here someday. I want it to be that kind of place again. I want to see people living in all these empty houses over here. If we can put people in these houses, and people will make the effort to know their neighbors and learn and respect the expectations of the community, that would be good.

Know someone you would like to spotlight? Call The Titusville Development Corporation at 205-252-5526; or send an email to Titusville@bellsouth.net, include Neighborhood Notables on the subject line.

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