Better Sign Shop Podcast Peter Kourounis, Michael Riley, and Bryant Gillespie

In this episode, we're joined by Dan Yoder - the owner of Sign Art Studio, a killer sign shop with 30 people near Madison, Wisconsin. Dan has been in the industry since 2005 and gives us valuable insights on various topics such as the business and art side of the industry, the importance of systems and processes, hiring and managing employees, and more.
##-##This episode is sponsored by:GCI Digital Imaging - Your partner for large/grand format trade printing. Known for their exceptional customer service, GCI Digital Imaging is the go-to for banners, coroplast signs, vehicle wraps, and other digitally printed graphics. Discover more in Episode #9 or visit https://gci-digital.com.
##-##Key Points Discussed:
- Dan's Origin Story: Dan has always been interested in art and fell in love with this craft early in his life. Making mistakes, learning from them, and growing forward continuously. He started his own business in 2005 and now has a team of about 30.
- Team Management: Dan discusses Sign Art Studio, how he started the business, and how he tackled all of its problems. He tells us the structure of his team and how it works. He also shares the importance of Teamwork and how he manages his team to gain efficiency.
- Hiring Question: Dan answered one of the most asked questions about hiring. He shares his thoughts on hiring somebody with no experience or someone with some signage experience.
- Business and Art: We dive deep into this discussion where we all share our thoughts on the "Business" and "Art" side of the industry, which one has more importance, and how both can be managed.
- Processes and Systems: We discuss processes and systems, layers of processes, flexibility with systems, having processes to set or change processes, and much more. Dan shares the Sign Art Studios' way of working and how they have set up their workflow.
- Right Type of Clients: Working with the right type of clients is a different experience, as it is much more collaborative and engaging and brings out the best in everyone. Dan gives solid advice to shop owners on finding the right type of clients and shares how they qualify and classify their clients. 
- Dan's Podcast: Dan does his own Podcast, which you must listen to. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=m41OxFQbSPo
##-##In this episode...
00:00       Intro00:38       Sponsor02:28       Welcoming Dan05:30       Dan’s Journey09:55       Sign Art Studio16:50       Team management and working21:30       Hiring People25:30       Last 10-20 years of the industry32:20       Process of onboarding a new employee    36:00       Business and art47:40       Focus on Entrepreneurial Operating Systems55:25         Motive         01:04:30    Processes and System       01:26:30    Future for Dan01:29:05    Working with the right type of client01:35:30    Dan’s Podcast01:41:50    Rapid fire takeaways01:46:20    Outro
##-##Are you a sign or print shop owner?Join the Better Sign Shop Community - our exclusive Facebook group for shop owners and managers. Connect and learn from peers at https://www.facebook.com/groups/bettersignshopmastermind.

In this episode we sit down with Paul Gardner, the entrepreneurial force behind Sign Enterprise. With over two decades in the sign industry, Paul shares his journey from a young enthusiast in vinyl graphics to a successful owner of multiple sign companies. His insights into business growth, innovative strategies, and maintaining work-life balance are invaluable for anyone in the industry.
##-##This episode is sponsored by:GCI Digital Imaging - Your partner for large/grand format trade printing. Known for their exceptional customer service, GCI Digital Imaging is the go-to for banners, coroplast signs, vehicle wraps, and other digitally printed graphics. Discover more in Episode #9 or visit https://gci-digital.com.
##-##Key Points Discussed:
- Paul's Origin Story: Starting as a teenager fascinated by vinyl graphics, Paul's early experiences in the sign business laid the foundation for his future entrepreneurial ventures. His purchase of a local sign shop marked the beginning of his journey in business ownership.
- Growth and Acquisition: Paul discusses his strategy of acquiring struggling sign businesses, transforming them by implementing new systems, focusing on employee quality, and enhancing operational efficiency.
- Pricing Strategies: A pivotal shift in Paul's business approach was understanding the value of his service and adjusting his pricing model. He emphasizes the importance of not basing prices solely on industry averages but on the value delivered to clients.
- Diversification of Ventures: Paul shares insights into how his ventures in landscape lighting, Christmas light installations, and other industries complement his sign business. He highlights how ideas from different sectors can revolutionize traditional business models in the sign industry.
- Challenges and Solutions: Paul candidly discusses various challenges, such as change orders and unforeseen job complexities. He stresses the significance of clear communication and contractual agreements to manage client expectations and maintain profitability.
- Business Management and Work-Life Balance: Paul talks about the importance of building a business that can operate independently of the owner, allowing for a better work-life balance and opportunities for further growth.
##-##In this episode...00:00 Intro00:38 Sponsor01:33 Catching up04:02 Welcoming Paul Gardner04:40 Paul's backstory in the sign business10:50 Growth and acquisitions in Sign Enterprise13:10 Innovations in pricing strategies15:30 Diversification into related ventures19:33 Overcoming challenges in sign installation25:40 Insights into effective business management28:40 Communication strategies for client satisfaction38:26 Balancing work and personal life40:32 Paul's approach to employee training and retention43:30 Leveraging cross-industry ideas47:10 Future plans for Sign Enterprise51:30 Paul's perspective on emerging technologies in the industry55:30 Advice for upcoming entrepreneurs in the sign industry57:45 Closing thoughts and future directions for the podcast
##-##Ready to systemize and scale your shop?Start by creating your free account on the Better Sign Shop platform at https://my.bettersignshop.com/
##-##Are you a sign or print shop owner?Join the Better Sign Shop Community - our exclusive Facebook group for shop owners and managers. Connect and learn from peers at https://www.facebook.com/groups/bettersignshopmastermind.
Interested in being a guest on the show or have questions for our team? Reach out to us at hey@bettersignshop.com.

In the episode, James shares how RP Signs has reached 5 million without a sales representative and for the first time in three generations is hiring a sales rep. We also learn about how they have incredible retention for all their key employees in the business. James Neely is the Director of Project Management at RP Signs from Charlotte, North Carolina. He is the third-generation owner of RP Signs. They provide full end-to-end service for their clients in a few different verticals like healthcare, architects / design firms, and facilities management.
This episode is sponsored by:GCI Digital Imaging - Your grand format trade printing partner. Big or small, GCI does them all. Check them out at printgci.com
Owner T.J. Bedacht and his team focus on providing old-school customer service. You can go ahead and check out Episode #9 to see for yourself.  So if you're looking for a wholesale print provider for banners, coroplast signs, vehicle wraps, and other digitally printed graphics...
Learn more and place your first order at https://gci-digital.com.---In this episode...
00:00       Intro00:38       Sponsor01:25        Catching up05:30           Welcoming James06:20           About James and RP Signs08:25           Types of clients11:50           James Journey15:10           Why bring in a salesperson? 20:00           RP Signs Market Area22:30           Business acquisition strategy23:50           Getting into healthcare26:20           Secret sauce of lasting this long     38:20           Pricing40:00           Working in a family business46:30           Keeping people around for years48:50           Culture                     54:50           Advice 55:30           Future for James, company and industry57:30           Peter breaks "Culture" 01:02:30     Rapid fire takeaways
Ready to systemize and scale your shop?Start by creating your free account on the Better Sign Shop platform at https://my.bettersignshop.com/
##-##Are you a sign or print shop owner?Join the Better Sign Shop Community - our free Facebook group exclusively for shop owners and managers (https://www.facebook.com/groups/bettersignshopmastermind)
Would you be interested in being a guest on the show? Have questions you'd like to hear us answer on the air? Email us at hey@bettersignshop.com.

Evan Zebley is the owner of EZ Signs. Evan started a sign business working alongside his sister. Within the first few months, the shop expanded into fleet graphics for distribution companies, custom-formed letters, custom-crafted and painted foam emblems and signs, monument signs, lighted cabinets, and more. Before launching EZ Sign Solutions, Evan worked in six different sign companies with different roles and responsibilities. He shares with us all of his experiences and learnings along the way. Another can't-miss episode!
This episode is sponsored by:GCI Digital Imaging - Your large/grand format trade printing partner
Owner T.J. Bedacht and his team focus on providing old-school customer service. You can go ahead and check out Episode #9 to see for yourself.  So, if you're looking for a wholesale print provider for banners, coroplast signs, vehicle wraps, and other digitally printed graphics
Learn more and place your first order at https://gci-digital.com.---In this episode...00:00        Intro00:38        Sponsor01:33        Welcoming Evan02:55        Evan’s journey in the industry04:55        Getting a start in the industry         18:20        Equipment21:50        Sales and marketing 25:50        Losing profit               32:45        Learnings of working with franchise37:35        Thoughts on owning a shop47:00        Imposter syndrome 54:15        Sales is the business58:10        Evan’s methods of getting new business01:06:15  Asking for the opportunity01:15:40  Future for Evan
Ready to systemize and scale your shop?Start by creating your free account on the Better Sign Shop platform at https://my.bettersignshop.com/
##-##Are you a sign or print shop owner?Join the Better Sign Shop Community - our free Facebook group exclusively for shop owners and managers (https://www.facebook.com/groups/bettersignshopmastermind)
Would you be interested in being a guest on the show? Have questions you'd like to hear us answer on the air? Email us at hey@bettersignshop.com.

Having been in the industry for 23 years, Adam started as a production employee within a franchised sign company. From there, he moved into production management, then inside/outside sales, and now, for the last 6 years, he has been working as a Director of Project Development, managing the sign design team of Creative Sign Designs. 
This episode is sponsored by:GCI Digital Imaging - Your large/grand format trade printing partner
Owner T.J. Bedacht and his team focus on providing old-school customer service. You can go ahead and check out Episode #9 to see for yourself.  So, if you're looking for a wholesale print provider for banners, coroplast signs, vehicle wraps, and other digitally printed graphics
Learn more and place your first order at https://gci-digital.com.---In this episode...00:00  Intro00:38  Sponsor01:33  Catching up04:02   Welcoming Adam04:40   Adam’s backstory10:50   Creative Sign Designs13:10   Role in creative sign designs15:30   Adam’s team         19:33  Hiring Designers for 5700 requests25:40   Hunting for good people28:40   Workflow and processes of the business38:26   Helping designers design 40:32   Day-to-day within the department43:30   Advice for the small design team47:10   Facilitating communication across department51:30   Thoughts on A.I55:30   Useful CorelDRAW plugin57:45   Future for Creative Sign Designs
Ready to systemize and scale your shop?Start by creating your free account on the Better Sign Shop platform at https://my.bettersignshop.com/
##-##Are you a sign or print shop owner?Join the Better Sign Shop Community - our free Facebook group exclusively for shop owners and managers (https://www.facebook.com/groups/bettersignshopmastermind)
Would you be interested in being a guest on the show? Have questions you'd like to hear us answer on the air? Email us at hey@bettersignshop.com.

This episode is sponsored by:GCI Digital ImagingYour large/grand format trade printing partner
Owner T.J. Bedacht and his team focus on providing old-school customer service. You can go ahead and check out Episode #9 to see for yourself.  So, if you're looking for a wholesale print provider for banners, coroplast signs, vehicle wraps, and other digitally printed graphics
Learn more and place your first order at https://gci-digital.com.---In this episode...00:00      Intro02:20      Welcome Dan   03:10       About Dan05:10       Ordinary stuff 06:20      Starting shop in high school   08:10       Imagination Corporation, today vs when it started12:15        Looking at things differently.     14:20       Test for customers (5 Questions)    18:10        Deviating from the questions19:54       Owning only half a percent of the business20:49       Difference of opinion 22:23       Different Process 24:10       Types of Projects 31:50       How much does location matter?33:20      Contacting customers36:40      Scope of Projects38:40      Building Experiences 40:40      Pieces of Advice48:15       Family Business56:30       Inner working of the Business  01:01:40  Future for dan01:06:30  Outro
Ready to systemize and scale your shop?Start by creating your free account on the Better Sign Shop platform at https://my.bettersignshop.com/
Are you a sign or print shop owner?Join the Better Sign Shop Community - our free Facebook group exclusively for shop owners and managers (https://www.facebook.com/groups/bette...)
##-##Want to follow the crusty sign guys?
Bryant from Better Sign Shop- Better Sign Shop Website: https://www.bettersignshop.com- Better Sign Shop Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/bettersignshop
Michael from Letterbox Sign Design- Letterbox Sign Design Website: https://www.letterboxsigndesign.com/- Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/letterboxsig...
Peter from Sign Shop Consulting- Sign Shop Consulting Website: https://www.signshopconsulting.com/
##-##Would you be interested in being a guest on the show? Have questions you'd like to hear us answer on the air? Reach out to us.