Hi Ken,
You might also benefit from reading the post we did on this topic here:
Using Custom Pushpin Icons in your Maps.
If you want a head start on custom symbols you can download an .est map file that is full of them from
here. After you've create a few yourself - it really is an easy way to personalize your map. I tend to use them all the time as I like my custom icons better than many of the built in icons.