KENTVILLE, NS - A Kentville man is putting a stamp on printing in the Annapolis Valley.
New Level FX, based in Kentville, offers the community a variety of services such as automotive/commercial window films, vehicle graphics and wraps, large format printing and signs.
But, it’s not where owner Jesse MacInnis imagined he’d be five years ago.
At 20 years old, the Kentville native sold everything he owned for enough money to buy a plane ticket to Edmonton, pay the first month’s rent at a boarding house and have $200 to spare.
Now, after spending five years out west, initially working within the automotive industry and then transitioning into the oil industry, the 26-year-old MacInnis has finally found his calling right here at home.
MacInnis opted for a change of atmosphere after taking a year off to decide what his next steps would be following a drop in the price of oil.
Having always been an active member of the car community, MacInnis decided to invest in some low-level equipment and started making decals and t-shirts for his friends and different car clubs.
Eventually, on top of car clubs, different businesses and organizations began approaching MacInnis looking for more commercial things like storefront signs, window graphics, etc., so MacInnis rented a house in Port Williams with two 16x16 sunrooms to use as his studios.
As demand for his services increased, and his house became too small, MacInnis said that the decision to upgrade his equipment and rent a commercial, more permanent, space on Leverett Avenue in Kentville seemed like the next logical step – MacInnis moved his shop to Kentville in December 2017 and discontinued the apparel aspect of the business.
So far, New Level FX has had the opportunity to do commercial work for businesses such as Halimac Axe Throwing Kentville, Jessy’s Pizza New Minas, Phantom Effects Kentville and more.
MacInnis says he’s just happy to be able to work for himself doing something he enjoys.
“I find the work very fulfilling,” said MacInnis. “We love seeing all the work people have put into their vehicles to modify and make them stand out, and we love offering a service that can help our customers make that vehicle just a little bit more unique.”
Did you know?
MacInnis’ shop is one of only eight authorized dealers in Canada (and the only authorized dealer east of Toronto) to use Autobahn Performance Films out of Germany. These car window films help with heat and temperature control.
