Testimonials
Hear what our clients and course attendees have to say about working with Make it Happen.
What our clients say
Discover feedback from the people and businesses weβve supported through training, consultancy and practical industry guidance.
From hands-on learning and new skills to fresh ideas and greater confidence, our clients share their experiences of working with Make it Happen and the difference our support has made.
Being part of Michelleβs First Drill Bootcamp was an absolute privilege. Itβs always valuable to keep learning and exploring new ideas within the signage industry, and this bootcamp delivered exactly that. Both Mat and myself gained a tremendous amount of knowledge, from understanding different substrates right through to the full finishing process.
Michelleβs delivery style kept everyone fully engaged throughout the session. Her ability to break down complex concepts, encourage discussion, and create an environment where everyone felt comfortable asking questions made the experience both enjoyable and incredibly informative. I walked away with new skills, fresh insights, and a renewed appreciation for the craft. I would highly recommend the First Drill Bootcamp to anyone looking to deepen their understanding of signage production.

Tim Upton
Working with Michelle and Make It Happen has been a game-changer for our business. We knew we had gaps in our workflows and communication, but we didnβt realise how much they were holding us back until she stepped in. Michelle helped us streamline our processes from enquiry to delivery, making our workflow clearer, faster, and far more consistent. She also transformed the way we communicate our value - giving us the confidence and language to explain why our solutions are the right ones. Her product knowledge is second to none. She guided us through material choices, best-practice methods, and smarter ways to approach jobs that have already reduced rework and improved our margins. What we appreciated most was how practical and hands-on her support was. No fluff just real, actionable improvements that made an immediate difference. Weβre a stronger, more capable business because of her, and we wouldnβt hesitate to recommend her consultancy to any sign company wanting to lift their performance.

Jolene Cruz
Michelle is a fantastic supplier to work with. She is consistently helpful, highly responsive, and always willing to share practical advice and industry knowledge that supports our members.
We loved having Michelle run her Illumination Bootcamp at the Sign & Print Expo, which was well attended and highly valued by members keen to build their knowledge.
Michelle also spoke at the Sign & Print Expo, where she delivered practical insights on top tips for handling tough sales situations, which was well received by attendees.
She also attended as an exhibitor on the Sustainability Hub, where she shared her knowledge and championed more sustainable approaches within the industry.
The NZ Sign & Display Association (NZSDA) appreciates her professionalism and ongoing support, and she is a real asset to work with.

Mikayla Hopkins
I first connected with Michelle through her signage bootcamps, and the quality of what she delivers there says a lot about who she is. As a 4th generation signwriter herself, she has a genuine appreciation for where the trade has come from. Thatβs what makes her advice land differently β she knows the industry from the inside out and sheβs invested in other businesses doing well. Iβd recommend her to anyone in the ANZ sign and print space without hesitation.
Nic Lewis
I attended Michelleβs Signage Bootcamp and found it extremely valuable. Although I am not directly involved in the signage industry, the session gave me a strong understanding of how signage contributes to the wider brand experience and why it should never be overlooked. It was great to speak with others working in the industry, and the conversations throughout the day were really interesting. I found I learn more on the considerations needed from early design development right through to specification, fabrication and installation.
Becky White
Great fun and detailed workshop. Catered to new people getting into illuminated signage. Seasoned sign makers will get a few take aways from the workshop too.
Sam Cullen
I recently attended the Signage Bootcamp by Make It Happen Signage Academy and it was a fantastic workshop. Michelle was very informative and shared a wealth of practical knowledge throughout the session. I really enjoyed learning about new products and exploring different ways to produce signage. It was insightful, well-structured, and highly valuable for anyone in the signage industry.
Tsvetelina Minkovska
Michelle at Make it Happen was very knowledgable and a great speaker, being a fourth generation signwriter, she has a lot of experience on many facets of the signage industry. I highly recommend taking advantage of one of her classes, you will come away with new skills and new insight into manufacturing and fabricating signs. Thank you Michelle, I'm looking forward to doing another class in the near future. π
Aaron Joines
Michelle was a great presenter, I have come away with a lot more knowledge and confidence. The course was a great balance of practical and theory while being engaging and interesting.
Amanda Cookson
Loved the bootcamp! Now looking to book the next one and have some of the team come along as well. Real world knowledge that I know I can implement straight away. Thanks Michelle.
Julie Wadman
Awesome illumination bootcamp with Michelle! Can highly recommend. Michelle knows her stuff, answered all our questions and we came away with loads of ideas.
Blair Wadman
Thank you Michelle and the team from Make It Happen Signage Academy. I've attended two Bootcamps and found them both filled with loads of important and relevant information that benefits you and our industry. It adds value, which is why I will highly recommend them. It is great to know that we can rely on a system like this is built around the signage community supporting us in our industry to make it more than just better.
Gareth Bothma
I've been in the industry for 35 years and still learnt something new. Was a great bootcamp for new beginners and for the few of us that have been in the game for years. Always great to learn about new products and how others approach doing signage.
Thanks Michelle!
Kelly Skinner
Building
Frequently asked questions
Who are the Make it Happen workshops for?
Our workshops are designed for professionals across the sign and print industry, from business owners and sales teams to estimators, project managers, designers and production teams. Whether youβre new to the industry or have decades of experience, our training is designed to provide practical knowledge and fresh ideas you can take back to your business.
Do your workshops cater to different levels of experience?
Yes. Our workshops are designed to support people at different stages of their careers. For those new to the industry, The First Drill provides a foundation in signs and print, while our specialist workshops offer deeper knowledge around signage, illuminated products and commercial performance.
What can I expect from a Make it Happen workshop?
Our workshops are practical, interactive and designed around real-world industry challenges. Depending on the workshop, sessions can include demonstrations, materials, hands-on activities, industry examples, hints and tips, and opportunities to share ideas and experiences with other professionals.
How can training benefit my business?
The right training can help your team build confidence, strengthen product and technical knowledge, reduce costly mistakes and identify new opportunities. Our workshops also explore areas such as customer relationships, workflow, efficiency and profitability, helping delegates turn what they learn into practical improvements for their business.
Can you provide training or consultancy tailored to our business?
Yes. As well as our scheduled workshops, we provide tailored training and consultancy to help businesses address specific challenges, strengthen team capability and improve performance. If you have a particular area youβd like support with, get in touch and we can discuss the best approach for your business.
Canβt find the answer youβre looking for? Get in touch and weβll help.
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We help sign and print businesses build stronger teams, improve the way they work and unlock greater commercial value from their skills and knowledge.
We care about getting things right, sharing what we know and helping you bring projects together.
