Birmingham’s Hidden Gem: Hurt Coleman and the Art of Wrapping
Welcome to Birmingham, where creativity meets entrepreneurship in the most unexpected ways! Meet Hurt Coleman, a name that’s becoming synonymous with innovative custom vinyl wrapping. But before you think of hip-hop rhythms and beats, hold on tight! This isn’t about being a rapper; it’s about being a wrapper. More specifically, Coleman is the owner of Wrap It Up Customs LLC, a thriving business he launched in 2019 that specializes in custom vinyl prints for just about anything! Yes, you heard that right—vehicles, buildings, and even caskets are part of his repertoire.
The Journey Begins
So how did this all start? Coleman’s story takes off when he decided to give his own car, an Aston Martin Rapide, a fresh look with a vinyl wrapper. After receiving a jaw-dropping quote, he took it upon himself to dive deep into the world of vinyl wrapping. “I began researching, and the more I learned, the more fascinated I became,” he shared. What began as a personal project quickly morphed into a passionate business venture.
The talented 42-year-old took classes all across the country, from Georgia to Texas, honing his skills as a vinyl wrapper. With certifications under his belt and a growing clientele, Coleman started small in his garage back in 2018. “I developed a talent and a knack for it,” he admitted, reminiscing about those early days of experimenting in his workspace. Who knew a hobby fueled by curiosity and creativity would evolve into something monumental?
Creating a Lane for the Community
While others in the industry might have overlooked Birmingham as a potential market, Coleman saw opportunity. The community was ripe for something new, and he was here to bring it to life. “In Black and brown communities, we are usually the trendsetters,” he shared. “Car wrapping wasn’t common here, and I saw myself being able to create that lane.”
And boy, did it click! Coleman quickly established himself as a trailblazer, showing others in the community how vinyl wrapping could transform vehicles and spaces. “If there’s someone else out there wrapping cars, they probably learned from what I did,” he noted with pride. His influence sparked an interest in vinyl wrapping and ultimately brought Birmingham to the forefront of this creative endeavor.
More Than Just Wrapping Cars
But wait—there’s more to Coleman’s artistry than just vehicles! The vinyl world is vast and varied. Think about it: walls, buildings, and even billboards can all benefit from catchy vinyl graphics. Coleman recognized this and expanded his services to include commercial vehicles as well. “When you see FedEx trucks, those graphics are all vinyl!” he exclaimed, opening up a universe of opportunities.
Innovation in the Most Unexpected Places
Then came a remarkable twist in his journey: adding caskets to his portfolio! “I was sitting across from a funeral home one day and thought, ‘I wonder if I could wrap a casket?’” That simple question led him down an intriguing path. Initially, the funeral home director laughed at the idea, but Coleman was undeterred. Fast forward six years, and he’s executed thousands of casket wraps, tailoring them to reflect the lives and passions of the loved ones departed.
“We use what the families request—teams, favorite colors, or even cartoon characters,” he explained, emphasizing the emotional connection that art can provide in times of grief. Wrapping caskets isn’t just about the business; it’s about showing empathy, compassion, and love during some of life’s most difficult moments.
Achievements Beyond Wrapping
Today, Coleman’s work speaks for itself. His impressive list of clients includes major organizations like the Southeastern Conference (SEC) and Nike, alongside smaller local businesses. “I’ve been all over the country doing jobs,” he proudly stated. You might have even spotted his work on the “Welcome to Birmingham” sign at Protective Stadium.
With over 113 corporate clients and an undeniable impact on the Birmingham community, Coleman is more than just a wrapper; he’s a symbol of creativity and resilience. And as for those casket wraps? They’ve become a signature piece of his work, bringing light amidst darkness. “Seeing those faces light up during their moments of despair, that brings me joy,” he said, emphasizing how much he cherishes those connections.
Wrapping Up in Birmingham
So next time you’re in Birmingham, don’t forget to check out Wrap It Up Customs LLC. Located at 137 W Oxmoor Rd #407, Homewood, AL 35209, you can see firsthand how one man’s passion can reshape an entire industry. Whether it’s customizing a car or adding a vibrant design to a casket, Hurt Coleman is wrapping the world in creativity, one vinyl at a time.
