CR&A Custom, Inc

Specialties

CR&A is a full-​service, large format digital print production and visual display company with over 20 years of experience producing and installing all type of exterior/​interior signage for small businesses and Fortune 500 corporations.

PRODUCTS /​/​Full range of earth-​friendly printable media available

Large Format

* Indoor/​outdoor Banners

* Building Wraps

* Walls/​Windows/​Floors

* Billboards

* Bus Shelters

* Benches

* Vehicle Wraps

Events/​Trade Shows

* Indoor/​outdoor Banners

* Retractables /​Pop-​ups

* Promotional Items

* Exhibit Booths

* Table Cloths

* Step & Repeats

* POS/​POP Displays

Special Occasions

* Wall Murals

* Posters

* Large Head Cut Outs

SERVICES /​/​From project concept to completion

Installation

* We operate & own all vans, crane trucks and hydraulic lifts

Graphic Design

* In-​house, award winning team (From logos to event programs)

* Conceptual design

Consulting

* Event branding & logistics

* Original concepts

* Creative feedback

History

Established in 1993.

CR&A was founded by Carmen Rad as a dye sublimation printing company for promotional and athletic wears. Carmen, while 4 months pregnant, and extremely frustrated by the difficulty of getting paid by her employer at the time, self-​funded the launch of CR&A out of her home. Within the first 3 years of business, CR&A became a multi-​million dollar apparel manufacturer.

But by the late 1990’s/early 2000’s, CR&A struggled to stay in business. A combination of low cost labor from overseas, a recession and ultimately 9/​11, decimated the garment and apparel industry in Southern California.

These economic set backs forced CR&A into a 3-​year transition period from 2003 — 2006 and pivoted from a dye sublimation printer for the apparel industry to a large format digital printer for the advertising industry.

Today, CR&A operates out of 2 locations totaling 36,000 square feet, prints 130,000 square feet of material per day, employs a full-​time staff of 34 and has served over 2,000 clients.

Meet the Business Owner

Carmen R.

Business Owner

Community Involvement

Carmen currently serves as President for the LA Chapter of the National Association of Women Business Owners (NAWBO). NAWBO is a one-​stop resource to propelling women business owners into greater economic, social and political spheres of power worldwide.

Recent Awards

* 2014 Woman Business Owner of the Year — NAWBO California

* 2013 Innovator of the Year — Latino Business Chamber of Greater LA

* 2012 USC Supplier of the Year — University of Southern California

Carmen also recently launched Collegiate Cupcake Stands, specializing in college/​university themed food stands ideal for serving desserts and appetizers during tailgates and game watching gatherings. Collegiate Cupcake Stands holds licenses for USC, UCLA, Oregon State University and University of Utah with numerous other licenses pending. Carmen is a graduate from the Fashion Institute of Design & Merchandising and the Management Development for Entrepreneurs.