Who’s Your Buddy?

Approximately four years ago, Tommy Strader founded 360 Wraps (Dallas). He’s subsequently earned recognition in several ST Vehicle Graphics Contests. While these accolades certainly merit mention, the company’s philanthropic activities are truly laudable. The company has long provided mentoring programs for at-risk youth through its non-profit arm, Wrap Buddies.

Last summer, a call from a young girl launched Strader to a new venture: “Because of severe scoliosis, she had to wear a lower-back brace. She wanted to know if there was something we could do to make it fun. We welcomed the opportunity to use our talents to help her. When we found out she was a patient with the Dallas Scottish Rite hospital, we offered to partner with them. Soon, they connected us with a ninth-grade girl who wanted a wrap to liven up her prosthetic leg.”

Since then, the shop has wrapped more than 400 cranial bands, all donated to the customers, which are used to counteract moderate head deformities, prosthetic limbs, wheelchair wheels and back braces. Although 360 Wraps receives some referrals from the Scottish Rite facility, most parents find them through online searches or word-of-mouth.

To produce the wraps, the shop removes the object, takes measurements and then produces them with 3M’s IJ180C with Comply v3 air-release film on a Mutoh ValueJet 1614a solvent-ink printer.

“I think the Wrap Buddies project helps our business, albeit indirectly,” Strader said. “I think it helps present us as people who want to do the right thing.”