Carmen Rad, founder and president of CR&A Custom, will be inducted into the Hall of Fame of the National Association of Women Business Owners – Los Angeles (NAWBO-LA) in acknowledgment of her entrepreneurial achievements and community leadership.
The induction ceremony will take place on Friday, August 11, 2023, as part of the NAWBO-LA 36th Annual Gala, themed “A Solid Gold Affair.”
In a statement posted on social media, NAWBO-LA praised Carmen’s achievements noting that “Carmen’s dedication to perfecting the art of large format printing is matched only by her undying commitment to serve, uplift, and champion women in the business realm. As we proudly induct her into the Hall of Fame, we’re not just recognizing her entrepreneurial achievements but celebrating a woman whose very essence reverberates with service, passion, and community impact.”
A Success Story 30 Years in the Making
The beginnings of Carmen’s success date back to 1993, when she founded CR&A Custom out of a spare bedroom in San Gabriel, California, with her mom as the sole employee.
Carmen, then a 25-year-old assistant with a background in fashion design, originally envisioned CR&A Custom as a company focused on sublimation printing.
Masoud, Carmen’s husband, partnered with her after a few months in business. Together, they made the pivot from promotional apparel to large format printing, a transition that would prove remarkably successful.
A Meteoric Rise
Today, 30 years after its foundation, CR&A Custom operates out of a 25,000-square-foot facility in the heart of Downtown LA and has the capability to design, manufacture, print, and install all formats of commercial signage and outdoor advertising.
In an industry dominated by men, Carmen Rad has established herself as a role model for other women, positioning CR&A Custom as one of the few large format digital printing and outdoor advertising companies in America that is minority (Hispanic) and woman-owned.
Throughout the years, Carmen has been recognized by a variety of organizations for her work and community involvement. Her list of achievements tracks her meteoric rise as a community leader and leading figure within the large format printing industry.
- 2023 Appointed to serve on the Board of Advisors for the Collins College of Hospitality Management at the California State Polytechnic University, Pomona
- 2019 Big Picture Magazine “Best of Wide Format Award” from the ISA Sign Expo
- 2018 Latina Empresaria Hall Of Fame – California Hispanic Chamber of Commerce
- 2016 Industry Service Award – The Printing Industries Association, Inc
- 2015 Women Business Firm Of The Year – National Association of Women Business Owners California
- 2014 Mujer del Ano by the Regional Hispanic Institute
- 2013 Innovator of the Year – Latino Business Chamber of Greater Los Angeles
- 2012 Supplier of the Year – USC
- 2010 La Opinion – Distinguished Women
- 2009 Member Of The Year – National Association of Women Business Owners California
- 2009 Latina Manufacturer of the Year – Latina Business Association
- 2009 Rising Star – National Association of Women Business Owners California
- 2009 Green Firm of the Year – SBA & City of Los Angeles MBOC
- 2008 Rising Star – National Association of Women Business Owners
- 2007 Minority Business Manufacturer Of The Year – U.S. Dept of Commerce MBDA
- 2007 Latina Owned Business Of The Year – California Hispanic Chambers Of Commerce
In addition to the above, Carmen also served in 2014 and 2015 as the President of NAWBO-LA.
About CR&A Custom
CR&A Custom is a large format printing company known for its innovative visual solutions and commitment to quality.
The company is a proud recipient of the WBENC, WOSB, and NMSDC certifications.
For media inquiries or to learn more about CR&A Custom’s capabilities, get in touch by email (info@cracustom.com), telephone (213-749-4440), social media (Facebook, Instagram, or LinkedIn), or through the live chat on the CR&A Custom home page.
