Beast Coast Custom: From Vape Shops to Vehicle Wrap Kings

Alex Vazquez
Beast Coast Custom | Rochester, NY

Like many entrepreneurs, Alex Vazquez started at an early age. From age 7 he did odd jobs and mowed lawns around his neighborhood in suburban Rochester, NY. By age 19 he was balancing three part-time jobs and eventually owned several businesses, including 16 vape store locations. He started Beast Coast Customs in May 2021.

Alex discovered the graphics industry while working for several years at a small print shop. That job also helped shape his entrepreneurial outlook. “I learned a lot and had this feeling that nothing would hold me back,” he says. “It’s really what made me love the idea of owning a small business.”

The pandemic and state regulations eventually impacted the vape business, but they also set the stage for Alex to return to graphics. As businesses shut down, he noticed how much signage was suddenly required to guide people on how to safely navigate the health crisis. Signs such as, “Now open,” and “Keep six feet apart,” popped up everywhere. The lightbulb went off.

“I decided to pivot, split from my partners, sold most of my stake in the vape business, and invested in printing equipment,” Alex says. “Everyone thought I was crazy, but I’m glad I made the leap.”

At Beast Coast Customs, his team excels in vehicle wraps — they are well-known in their area as specializing in wrapping the unique and difficulty installation on Cybertrucks, a newer vehicle style that he takes interest in. Signage, wall murals, color-change wraps, and digital fleet graphics are additional services bringing the company success as its reputation for excellent work and customer service spreads.

Alex spends his valuable time away from work enjoying his wife and two children. He finds inspiration in traveling to new places: Italy, Aruba, and Jamaica are on his shortlist of favorites. A regular SEMA attendee, Alex also does a lot of travel related for his business, which he loves. And come baseball season, you can count on this lifelong New Yorker to be rooting for the Yankees.

Online Exclusive Q & A

Q: How did Beast Coast Custom get started?
Alex: The idea came during the COVID-19 lockdown. At the time, I co-owned 16 vape smoke shops in New York. Business was down, but I noticed all the signs going up — “Now open,” “Keep six feet apart,” etc. — and realized there was a big demand for signage. I decided to pivot, split from my partners, sold most of my stake in the vape business, and invested in printing equipment. Everyone thought I was crazy, but I’m glad I made the leap.

Q: Did you have any experience in wide-format printing before starting the company?
Alex: Yes, earlier in my career I worked for a graphics company, so I wasn’t totally new to it. That background helped me spot the opportunity and move quickly when the time was right.

Q: How did you grow from a home business to a 20,000-square-foot facility?
Alex: I started small, working out of my house. As demand picked up, I met my now-business partner Tyler Kreuzer, who was starting a packaging company. His clients needed wraps and signage, and we quickly saw how well we could work together. From there, we scaled fast, upgraded equipment, and expanded the team.

Q: What services does Beast Coast Custom offer now?
Alex: We offer full vehicle wrapping services — including fleet graphics, and color change — along with vehicle protection, wall graphics (interior and exterior), signage, and commercial printing. We’re a one-stop shop.

Q: What equipment helps you maintain high-quality production?
Alex: We’ve invested in top-of-the-line equipment: Epson SureColor solvent ink printers, multiple Mimaki printers, Graphtec plotter-cutters, GFP laminators, and a Colex Sharpcut CNC router, to name a few.

Q: Why do you prefer Avery Dennison materials for your wraps?
Alex: Honestly, Avery Dennison just works for us. Their MPI 1105 Easy Apply™ RS film prints smoothly, installs easily, and removes cleanly. The Easy Apply™ technology lets our team work quickly and accurately. It’s reliable, which is everything in our line of work.

Q: What materials do you use for color change wraps?
Alex: We use Avery Dennison Supreme Wrapping Film™. It’s easy to apply, and the range — more than o120 colors — is incredible. It gives our clients a lot of customization options, which they love.

Q: You’ve mentioned mixing materials creatively — can you explain that?
Alex: Sure. One thing that sets us apart is combining different vinyl types. For example, I like mixing satin or matte color change films with gloss overlays — it gives a unique visual pop. When customers give us creative freedom, that’s where we really shine.

Q: Have you taken any training to improve your wrap skills?
Alex: Absolutely. I’ve gone through Avery Dennison’s Certified Wrap Installer (CWI) program, which really boosted my confidence. I also took their advanced training in Atlanta, and it was one of the best courses I’ve taken, especially for mastering color change techniques.

Q: Where can people learn more about Beast Coast Custom and your work?
Alex: Our website — beastcoastcustom.com — has project galleries and more about what we offer.