Torrey, Tom

Torrey Outdoor takes off
Growing industry figuro place specialty recruiting at S2.5 billion of the staffing industry and growing at a rate of 2-i percent annually. While that provides Torrey with job security, he's never one to rest on his laurels.
1997 finds Torrey buck in the outdoor advertising business. Not one to miss an opportunity staring him in the face. Torrey is owner, president. general manager, sales anti leasing rep and market researcher of Torrey Outdoor Advertising, Rock Island. Illinois. Establishing his one-man show among the powerhouses means being aggressive and different.
Finding his niche in the marketplace meant taking risks, such as committing to vinyl in a market dominated by painted bulletins and poster panels. "The real challenge is selling in a market unfamiliar with new outdoor technologies. But, in the long haul, it's the only way to go. You can' t beat the quality of the vinyls, installation crews consists of three guys in a pickup truck, the color stays true, and you can't stretch it in wintertime." he says. "My company may not be the biggest, but it stands out in technology. 1 use a high resolution of 18-20 dpi."
In addition to wearing all the sales and management hats of Torrey Outdoor Advertising. Torrey outsources to others his construction, repair, electrical work and design. He’s particularly impressed with the combination installation, repair and electrical work subcontracted to Steve NorviII of Yates Electric. Davenport. Iowa. He's knowledgeable and experienced in outdoor advertising and gives me the confidence that my customers are taken care of.
Torrey also praises freelance art director Rory Comhs of Rory Combs Graphic Design. Moline. Illinois, for his exceptional understanding of readability and effectiveness.
“Location and design are the two important elements of outdoor. I know that, and I surround myself with people who can make the most of those elements." he says.
Torrey's rise in the industry began 27 years ago. His first job was as an outdoor salesman in St. Cloud and Duluth. Minnesota. He moved on to 3M National Outdoor Advertising in Salt Lake City, and in 1981 became general manager of Ragan Outdoor Advertising Company. Rock Island. Illinois.
Three years ago. he made the move to establishing his recruiting specialty at Snelling in Moline. Illinois, and finally establishing Torrey Outdoor Advertising.
Torrey is chairman of the Sales and Marketing Committee of the Illinois Advertising Association. He is former vice president of that organization He is a past president of the Iowa Outdoor Advertising Association and has served on the Marketing Committee of the Outdoor Advertising Association of America lie is also a member of his local Advertising Federation and Chamber of Commerce. Torrey finds hismembership in Toastmasters International a great opportunity to discuss outdoor advertising and its issues.

-Outdoor Advertising Magazine   March/April 1997

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Company:  Torrey Outdoor Advertising

Markets: Iowa, Illinois

Headquarters: 920 15th Avenue, East Moline, IL  62144

Phone: 309-752-5360

Email: info@torreyoutdoor.com

Torrey Outdoor operates an outdoor plant in the following cities:

Rock Island Illinois
Moline Illinois
East Moline Illinois
Davenport Iowa.
The company is 33 years old and owned by Tom Torrey. Advertising professional with over 44 years in media sales and management. Has worked in Outdoor Advertising in Iowa, Illinois, Utah, Minnesota, Nevada and Colorado. Prior to his career in Out of Home, he worked in Radio Sales for 2 years in Minnesota.

Torrey Outdoor Advertising