What is your name, which school did you attend, and what year did you graduate?
My name is Kyle DeBoer and I graduated from Chaparral High School in 2010.
What have you been doing since graduation?
Since graduation, I have worked in a variety of industries and positions trying to figure out what I want to do. After some great experiences and some not-so-great experiences, in 2016, I decided to work for myself in the printing and signage industry. Looking back, I wish I would've made the leap sooner!
What is your proudest achievement since graduating?
Since graduating, my proudest achievement would be my business as a whole. Through my company, HD Signs Colorado, I get to work with groups, clubs, teams, and individuals throughout our community on countless projects. Having grown up here, it’s such an honor to be able to help with the needs of local businesses, events, and occasions.
I have been working with Douglas County School District and many of the K-12 schools in Douglas County over the past several years. We have completed projects ranging from classroom graphics used as learning props, to large informational signs installed at the entrance to schools. I take pride in my work and I love that I’m able to apply my knowledge learned over the years directly to projects for the school system that helped make me who I am today.
Share a positive memory from high school that sticks out to you.
Some of my favorite memories from Chaparral would be the spirit weeks. It was a lot of fun having the entire school involved in the same events. Everybody was involved as a school, but each class got to represent themselves as well.
What was one unique thing you learned about yourself during high school? How did your teachers and school support you?
I took photography as a freshman and sophomore and continued into graphic design classes as a junior and senior. I was lucky to have a photography teacher of mine as a graphic design teacher later in my schooling. Having the same teacher over the years really helped me understand things on a different level because I understood how my teacher interacted with students. I was able to explore the possibilities of digital art with this teacher and he opened my eyes to the real-world applications that make me who I am today.
What advice would you give your 15-year-old self?
If I could give 15-year-old me some advice, it would be to go to more of the school events. Whether it was football games or after-school clubs, etc. I wish that I had done more of those things!
What skill (professional or personal) are you trying to master?
Welding is one thing I haven't done but would love to master. We recently picked up a welder and we already have a few projects to practice on.
What are your future plans?
I have plans to expand my business to new locations in the future. I have proven to myself that I can build a business, and now I want to repeat the process in a new place! It will be fun for me to see how what I've learned over the years either works or doesn't work based on geographical needs. I know there will be different challenges working in a new area and I am excited to see where this adventure takes me.