Behind The Signs: Sweeping Shop Floors to Owning
In this episode we chat with Mike Stephens of Vital SignCo in Austin Texas. With many years in the industry, starting with sweeping the floors in a sign shop and moving up the ladder, Mike shares his biggest lessons learned in installations AND fabrication. TIMESTAMPS 00:00:00 Intro 00:03:29 Origins 00:15:18 Becoming an Owner 00:17:34 Dedicated […]
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WATCH: YESCO Franchise Opportunities and National Capabilities

YESCO’s Executive VP Jeff Young and Senior VP of Franchising Sam Fisher sit down with SBI to discuss the business’ latest strategies and initiatives. The two discuss YESCO’s impressive service and lighting strategy, detail franchising opportunities and peel the curtain back on their national capabilities. Register here to watch on demand as Jeff Young and […]
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How a New Presidential Administration Will Affect The Sign Industry
A new presidential administration usually means a new direction for the economy. But this year is somewhat different. With Donald Trump serving a second, non-consecutive term, the sign and graphics industry likely will see more of the economic policies that we experienced from 2017 until COVID. That’s why we expect the main economic focus of […]
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What Motivates a Sign Sales Prospect?

Like it or not, sales prospects do not make decisions based on reason; instead most people make decisions emotionally and then support their decisions with facts. That is why you must first identify the prospect’s most salient emotional needs and desires in your initial sales meetings and then construct a sales argument which not only […]
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Nova Polymers Launches New Website
Nova Polymers, the only provider of photopolymer sign substrates and processing equipment in North America, has unveiled a new cutting-edge website designed to solidify its reputation as the industry expert in Braille/ADA-compliant wayfinding signage. The new website is tailored to cater to the needs of architects, designers and sign fabricators, providing easy access to essential sections […]
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Editor’s Column: Made to Order
In recent weeks I’ve talked to three shop owners who specialize in carved signage, which involves wood, PVC or high density urethane (HDU) signage that is either hand-carved or CNC-carved. In this realm, wood has become more of a boutique or special request item. A nice piece of wood can be expensive to work with, […]
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Lean Operation: Connecticut Sign Shop Succeeds

Graphics Unlimited in Putnam, Connecticut is an award-winning sign shop that specializes in sign design and fabrication that took a leap forward about five years ago when owner Aaron Perry decided to buy a plot of land and build a new facility. Prior to that, Perry’s stepmother and business partner was running a different division […]
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Winter Wonderland: Stunning Snowmobile Wraps

Founded in February 2019, Wide Open Throttle Graphics in Alberta, Canada started in Owner Chris Thiessen’s basement out of his passion for powersports. Thiessen wraps all types of vehicles, but powersport vehicle wraps make up 95 percent of his business. “I grew up around sleds and dirt bikes,” he says. “I am sentenced to a […]
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General Formulations Appoints New VP of Purchasing & Production
General Formulations has announced the promotion of Dan Collins to Vice President of Purchasing & Production. Collins is a passionate leader with more than 20 years of experience in operations, manufacturing and multi-channel product distribution with P&L ownership. Since joining General Formulations in November 2023 as Finishing Plant Manager, Collins has played a pivotal role […]
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Summa America Announces Strategic Leadership Appointment
Summa America has appointed Bryan Timmerman as Managing Director of North America. In this role, Bryan oversees all regional activities, reports directly to CEO Stijn Henderickx and joins the Summa Management Team. Bryan brings more than two decades of international expertise in industrial sales, manufacturing and operations to Summa America. His expertise in developing strategic growth initiatives […]
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