Our History

Our First Vehicle Graphic                                                   The "Shaguar" 2002

Jungle Cat Marketing, Inc. was formed in May 2002 to service the marketing needs of new car dealers in the Tampa Bay market in Florida.  Initially we provided web-site development and direct mail postcard programs, as well as point-of-sale signage and banners.  At the same time, the company was engaged to do new market  research and development for a grand format print company looking to expand it's business into new markets.  Chuck de Martigny, company founder writes:

One of the potential areas targeted by our grand format client was the emerging vehicle graphic market using high resolution vinyl prints. This was a relatively new innovation since most  vehicle graphics to that point were either very small print decals or cut vinyl lettering. In July 2002, just before the launch of the movie "Goldmember" our local Jaguar Dealer asked if we could make a "Shaguar". When I arrived at the Grand Format plant with a brand new $85,000 car, the plant owner literally freaked out.  He told me I was insane and threw me out.

I had already committed to the Jaguar Dealer that I would produce a Shaguar, so I went to a local sign shop to see if they could help me. No such luck. Nor would the next four I visited. The last one however provided a glimmer of hope by offering to sell me the materials and provide a little coaching. However he was not interested  in having anything to do with the $85,000 machine parked outside.

With strips of red, white and blue self adhesive vinyl, a plastic squeegee, a spray bottle of soapy water, my wife's hair dryer and my newly acquired panphlet with line drawings and instructions in hand, I sat in my driveway and wrestled with the gooey mess. You see the vinyl material is flat and square. The car however is rounded with multiple compound curves. The material has to be coaxed into stretching in some areas and shrinking in others while appearing to be straight.  For three and a half days I sat on the hot pavement under a scorching Florida summer sun and pushed and pulled. At the end of this  marathon I must admit that I was red faced.  I had an incredible sunburn but the Shaguar (pictured above) was a smashing success.  Within a week I had orders for 2 more.

Our History

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