Goldsboro, NC, July 1, 2008 – Karen Sergent-Rakers of Karen’s Custom Frames, located in Goldsboro, NC, was recently honored with Wayne County’s Small Business of the Year Award for entrepreneurial accomplishments through excellent business practices, customer service and community service.

The competition was high with so many outstanding businesses in the area. What tipped the scale for Karen’s Custom Frames is Sergent-Rakers’ embracing of the latest framing technology and for not only utilizing it in her business, but in the local community as well, according to a Wayne County representative.  The award came as a great surprise to Sergent-Rakers as she didn't even know she was up for an award.

“My customers love that I use the Integrated Framer (Visualization) to help them choose what looks best on their art and IF Retail Management for the quick pricing it does so that they can get on with their busy lives,” said Sergent-Rakers, “They also love to be able to come in the back of the shop and see a demonstration on how the Wizard mat cutter works. All of these things working together have made my life easier as a one person shop.”

Karen’s Custom Frames opened in August of 2005, utilizing mostly standard manual framing equipment.  Comfortable in her ways, Sergent-Rakers was hesitant to adopt new framing technology. After just 3 short months and much research, she took the plunge by purchasing a Wizard CMC Model 8000 and never looked back. Over the years, she has added IF Visualization and IF Retail Management to her business.

For more information on Karen's experience with Wizard products, click here.