Local Business Owner Turned Misfortune into Opportunity

       Planning for retirement is one of the biggest concerns working Americans have. But when Mark Lyons’s career was unhinged in 2006 after the plant he worked for went out of business, Lyons, now 65, decided to go into business for himself. In August of 2006 he opened EmbroidMe at 3005 Biddle Ave., serving the greater Detroit area, and he has no plans of slowing down.

       “I started my business later in life when a lot of people are thinking of retiring,” Lyons said. “I’ve had year-over-year sales increases every year. Although it’s been difficult, hard work and perseverance paid off. Keeping a positive attitude is very important.”

       EmbroidMe is the world’s largest diversified promotional products franchise, helping organizations brand themselves and make an impression by customizing marketing products that feature a name, image, logo or message. EmbroidMe specializes in embroidery, garment printing, custom apparel, promotional products, screen printing and personalized gifts.

       Part of what drives Lyons is a dedication to service and a desire to work with others. He brings that drive to his EmbroidMe business every day.

       “I enjoy networking with people,” Lyons said. “I wanted to provide services to the local community, and I think the community response has been great. We are well established with the school and business communities and always looking to provide more support to them.”

       EmbroidMe has more than 300 Resource Centers in 12 countries and currently has 4 locations in Michigan. For more information, please visit www.embroidme.com.