the past
When we opened our doors, we had one computer and one employee sitting in
an alcove under a staircase. We owned a typewriter (and used it). The web wasn't
even around; at least, not as we now know it. We started to grow by offering
our design services to area printers. Our first jobs were business cards. Averill & Associates
had a silent partner, but no associates.
Soon we graduated to menus and brochures, and started to get our own clients instead of working behind the scenes for other businesses. Just about everything was designed in black and white. The addition of one color was a big deal.
After a few years, when we had more work than one person could handle with all the office duties, we added a part-time bookkeeper. We moved into an office. We added equipment. Soon, we turned the part-time to full-time and also added another designer.
We started working almost exclusively in color (now black and white was used for effect). The Internet exploded and we learned about web site design and other electronic services. Our clients grew and we grew with them.
Our sweet shepherd & husky mix was the first office dog. She kept us all company
as we started the business. She helped teach visitors that dogs are nothing
to be frightened of. She was a good "mom" to Nellie and Sweetie for the few
months we had them all together.
