Jim Dawson owns Synergy Sign & Graphics in Strasburg, OH. From humble beginnings in his basement 20 years ago, he has built a business that thrives on challenges and innovation. In this podcast, he shares his experiences with creative architectural signage.

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This episode is sponsored by:

GCI Digital Imaging
Your partner for large/grand format trade printing. Known for 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.

Jaco Wholesale Sign Products
Looking to enhance your clients' impact and boost your profits with flat-cut acrylic letters and logos? Jaco Wholesale Sign Products delivers laser-cut acrylic letters and signage with quick turnaround times and excellent communication. They offer a wide range of mounting options, Pantone matching, several acrylic thicknesses, and nationwide shipping.
Visit https://sign.supply/bss/ for a quote and $50 off your first order.

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Links:
Dan Sawatzky Episode: https://youtu.be/QHOBWzf-5QY

Synergy Signs Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/synergy_signs/

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Key Points Discussed:

- Business and Personal life: Jim shares his business and personal life and how he and his wife manage it all together.

- Jim's Journey: Jim shares his journey and how he ended up with signage from an animator and cabinet shop.

-Architecture Projects: Jim shares with us his amazing architecture Projects and shows us the workflow of working with architecture Projects.

-Client Expectation: We dive deep into this conversation, discussing the importance of knowing and fulfilling clients' expectations and how to let clients know what we expect from them.

- Pricing Methods: Jim discusses his pricing method and how he decides or adjusts his pricing and profit margins.

- Changes in the industry: We discuss the positive and negative aspects of the industry's changes and how they will affect the market and the future of signage.

-Jim's Workshop: Jim talks about his workshop, which they conduct a few times per year. Y http://www.synergysign.com/sign-alchemy-workshops/

-Sign Shop School: Jim and Peter discuss their future plan to open a sign shop school and give back to the industry.

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In this episode...

00:00 Intro

00:38 Sponsor

01:27 Catching Up

04:40 Winning a Lottery

09:12 About Jim

10:25 Working with Wife

13:55 From Animator to cabinet shop to signage

19:12 The Progression.

22:12 Storefront walk-in traffic

28:07 Inflection Point

31:12 Jim’s architecture projects

33:12 Fulfilling Client Expectations

36:25 90-day Terms

38:18 Equipments

43:20 Fire Prevention

46:02 Workflow with architecture Projects.

52:30 Pricing Method

57:05 Changes in the Industry

01:02:42 Jim’s Workshop

01:12:12 Sign Shop School

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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 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.

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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.

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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

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In this episode...

00:00 Intro
00:38 Sponsor
02:28 Welcoming Dan
05:30 Dan’s Journey
09:55 Sign Art Studio
16:50 Team management and working
21:30 Hiring People
25:30 Last 10-20 years of the industry
32:20 Process of onboarding a new employee
36:00 Business and art
47:40 Focus on Entrepreneurial Operating Systems
55:25 Motive
01:04:30 Processes and System
01:26:30 Future for Dan
01:29:05 Working with the right type of client
01:35:30 Dan’s Podcast
01:41:50 Rapid fire takeaways
01:46:20 Outro

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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.

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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.

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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.

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In this episode...
00:00 Intro
00:38 Sponsor
01:33 Catching up
04:02 Welcoming Paul Gardner
04:40 Paul's backstory in the sign business
10:50 Growth and acquisitions in Sign Enterprise
13:10 Innovations in pricing strategies
15:30 Diversification into related ventures
19:33 Overcoming challenges in sign installation
25:40 Insights into effective business management
28:40 Communication strategies for client satisfaction
38:26 Balancing work and personal life
40:32 Paul's approach to employee training and retention
43:30 Leveraging cross-industry ideas
47:10 Future plans for Sign Enterprise
51:30 Paul's perspective on emerging technologies in the industry
55:30 Advice for upcoming entrepreneurs in the sign industry
57:45 Closing thoughts and future directions for the podcast

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Ready to systemize and scale your shop?
Start by creating your free account on the Better Sign Shop platform at https://my.bettersignshop.com/

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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.
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In this episode...

00:00 Intro
00:38 Sponsor
01:25 Catching up
05:30 Welcoming James
06:20 About James and RP Signs
08:25 Types of clients
11:50 James Journey
15:10 Why bring in a salesperson?
20:00 RP Signs Market Area
22:30 Business acquisition strategy
23:50 Getting into healthcare
26:20 Secret sauce of lasting this long
38:20 Pricing
40:00 Working in a family business
46:30 Keeping people around for years
48:50 Culture
54:50 Advice
55:30 Future for James, company and industry
57:30 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/

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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.
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In this episode...
00:00 Intro
00:38 Sponsor
01:33 Welcoming Evan
02:55 Evan’s journey in the industry
04:55 Getting a start in the industry
18:20 Equipment
21:50 Sales and marketing
25:50 Losing profit
32:45 Learnings of working with franchise
37:35 Thoughts on owning a shop
47:00 Imposter syndrome
54:15 Sales is the business
58:10 Evan’s methods of getting new business
01:06:15 Asking for the opportunity
01:15:40 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/

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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.
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In this episode...
00:00 Intro
00:38 Sponsor
01:33 Catching up
04:02 Welcoming Adam
04:40 Adam’s backstory
10:50 Creative Sign Designs
13:10 Role in creative sign designs
15:30 Adam’s team
19:33 Hiring Designers for 5700 requests
25:40 Hunting for good people
28:40 Workflow and processes of the business
38:26 Helping designers design
40:32 Day-to-day within the department
43:30 Advice for the small design team
47:10 Facilitating communication across department
51:30 Thoughts on A.I
55:30 Useful CorelDRAW plugin
57:45 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/

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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 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.
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In this episode...
00:00 Intro
02:20 Welcome Dan
03:10 About Dan
05:10 Ordinary stuff
06:20 Starting shop in high school
08:10 Imagination Corporation, today vs when it started
12:15 Looking at things differently.
14:20 Test for customers (5 Questions)
18:10 Deviating from the questions
19:54 Owning only half a percent of the business
20:49 Difference of opinion
22:23 Different Process
24:10 Types of Projects
31:50 How much does location matter?
33:20 Contacting customers
36:40 Scope of Projects
38:40 Building Experiences
40:40 Pieces of Advice
48:15 Family Business
56:30 Inner working of the Business
01:01:40 Future for dan
01:06:30 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...)

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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/

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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.

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 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.
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In this episode...
00:00 Intro
02:00 Mike’s nickname
03:00 Guest intro
04:40 Corel draw Mac and PC
08:20 Brad’s Backstory
09:00 Experience in the sign business and the failures
15:30 Getting back after the failure.
20:10 Hitting a million dollars
22:20 Steps to make a big change
27:10 More about the business and change
32:20 Cash flow quadrant
36:15 Why trade wraps
38:00 Why Brad over Dan
43:45 Developing TORQ
48:00 Getting into different Industry
54:50 Pricing for TORQ
58:00 Business through text messaging and E-mail
59:55 Building your own system or buying
01:03:20 Enjoying the business side now or miss the old days
01:08:05 What does Brad wants to be remembered for
01:10:20 Outro
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Brad’s Wrap Business

TradeWraps
https://tradewraps.com/

Brad’s CRM
TorqCRM
https://www.torqcrm.com/

Ready to systemise 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...)

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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/

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Interested in being a guest on the show? Have questions you'd like to hear us answer on the air? Reach out to us.