Patrick Almanci - Snap Print & Design
Patrick Almanci
In 2002 Patrick Almanci recognised Wagga Wagga was underserviced within the print industry. Establishing Snap Printing provided an opportunity to distinguish the business in the local market from a creative, supply and technology angle. At the time the industry was embracing digital instant print, today it’s a staple of the business which now extends to website design, construction and maintenance and e-commerce options.
Chatting with Patrick, his passion for his family, music and the community are obvious. Since moving to Wagga in 1997, Patrick has dedicated much of his time to various community events including mentoring local participants of ‘Wagga Wagga Takes 2’.
‘Websites are an incredibly powerful tool, even more so during the COVID-19 pandemic. As online trade increases, so do the benefits of an optimised web presence. It markets your products to the world. As we educate our clients about the advantages of an online presence, it’s also in our interests to understand our client’s businesses and their customers, so we can better stimulate the market for them.’
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‘We are working with our clients; as our client’s business grows, we grow with them.’
Snap Wagga services businesses, large and small, across a wide range of industries throughout the Riverina. Like many locally run businesses, Patrick credits the success and longevity of Snap to the continued support of the Wagga Wagga community.
‘You build a history with your customers and we’ve built strong relationships with customers who have been with us for many years.’
Patrick grew up with music in his life. He was handed an accordion at a young age and now plays piano and keyboard and sings professionally. It’s little surprise he has spent nine years coaching and singing with participants in ‘Wagga Wagga Takes 2’. Of the experience, Patrick commented ‘It’s the time of your life, a fun ride. The celebrities say they don’t want it to end and if you ever get the chance to participate you should jump at it.’
Community minded - Annette St Clair and Patrick rehearsing for Wagga Wagga Takes 2 in 2016
Patrick and his team were awarded the Snap Community Achiever Award in 2017 from an Australia wide selection for their community fundraising efforts.
‘We’ve always felt like part of the community. We’re community minded and enjoy participating in local events.’
‘I have always felt our business and sense of community align well with the Committee for Wagga objectives. There is no specific Committee for Wagga project that stands out, it’s a broader sense of bringing people together around a common goal and making business opportunities more accessible.’
‘The greatest challenges for Wagga Wagga currently revolve around the COVID-19 pandemic. For many businesses keeping motivated and disciplined to market and improve your business is a challenge, however those who successfully review their business and their systems during this period will reap the benefits as restrictions are lifted.’
Patrick is a supporter of businesses sourcing their products locally. ‘Money spent locally contributes so much more to our community. It’s a case of communication - getting local suppliers, local growers, local manufacturers talking to the community and businesses.’
‘We are proud to be local and it’s encouraging to see greater pride in and support for local products.’
Since arriving from Sydney, Patrick and his family have embraced the Wagga Wagga lifestyle. ‘It’s home and it’s a beautiful place. We’ve got amazing places, great sights and facilities, excellent education providers. There’s not a lot your missing here...except a beach.’ Committee for Wagga are hoping that the continuing upgrade of the Riverside precinct will address Patrick’s final missing piece of the Wagga puzzle.
When not performing, Patrick can be found in his home studio writing original music. Unlike most musicians, Patrick begins the process by writing the melody and then adding the lyrics. In response to the COVID-19 pandemic Patrick started his own YouTube channel to continue sharing his music. Patrick’s music videos are available via the links below:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=07yQtKy91uw
Patrick with Sara Wentworth-Perry rehearsing for Wagga Takes Two in 2013.