Former Homeless Couple's Company Hires Executive

Olathe, KS, July 11, 2009 --(PR.com)-- Crossover Graphics, a quickly growing design firm owned and managed by formerly homeless Stephanie Tillman, has recently hired Shomari Tillman as the company’s Chief Information Officer. The company’s rapid expansion has gratefully necessitated this addition to the Crossover team.

Tillman has an electrical engineering degree from Missouri University of Science and Technology. He left his job as a Business Analyst at H&R Block to join Crossover Graphics’ team. In the current state of the economy, his colleagues at H&R Block could not understand his decision, especially since his superiors were designing a new position as a promotion for Tillman, which he gracefully declined. On the basis of faith, Tillman’s journey is leading him into a new industry in the midst of a volatile economy, while risking the stability that H&R Block has created for his family. Tillman recognizes the heaviness of his decision, but embraces the profound change. His new position with Crossover Graphics includes creating process models, building infrastructure, and supporting current programs. However, it has been a long journey for Tillman to reach the place he is now.

After graduating from college, Tillman and his wife Stephanie, now the CEO of Crossover Graphics, continued the wild party lifestyle. Several years later, in 2002, the couple found themselves and their two children homeless.

With no other place to go, the Tillman family anxiously headed to the Salvation Army’s Johnson County Family Lodge in Olathe, Kansas. There, with nothing but four bare walls, a few beds, and their family, the Tillmans began the restoration process. Combined with God’s grace, dedicated Salvation Army workers, and a lot of hard work, the Tillmans were able to leave the Lodge after four months. Empowered with a new sense of faith and freedom, the family moved into their own duplex.

From there, Tillman accepted a job at H&R Block, and Stephanie landed a marketing position at an engineering firm. Both Tillman and Stephanie had the dream to assist the homeless and to educate others about homelessness. In response, the couple developed a mission and vision plan that included starting a government aid-free homeless shelter, establishing a clothing line, and writing a book about their experiences. However, when a friend encouraged Stephanie to try graphic design, plans began to change.

After experimenting with graphic design and teaching herself various design programs, Stephanie left her job, and in 2007 Crossover Graphics was established. Tillman enthusiastically supported his wife, sometimes working through the night to help her, even after a full day’s work at H&R Block.

The company has continued to expand, and in 2009, despite the declining economy, Crossover Graphics exploded with new growth, including a new office location and the hire of several new employees. Stephanie is very excited to have her husband join her at Crossover, “Life looks so different when you have your best friend by your side. I feel like I can accomplish anything.”

Crossover Graphics is a full service design company specializing in full-color printing, marketing, web, logo, and print design. It is committed to providing high-quality, affordable designs for businesses and ministries. The firm works directly with customers of all budgets to choose the right look for their business and ministry needs.

###