Tell us about a memorable project moment: a win, surprise or lesson you still use today?
Senior Project Manager
Identiti
I won first right of refusal for a major international brand because I took the code for a tough Florida municipality to the municipality, argued its wording, and won!
Senior Project Manager, Team Lead Cima Network
Five Below in Times Square NYC – this was the largest project that we have worked on in the program, valued at $2.5M. We produced a one-of-a-kind LED spectacular experience highlighting Five Below’s flagship store in the heart of Times Square. We designed, engineered, manufactured, and installed the supporting steel structure, digital LED boards, steel framed glass canopy with drainage, a rotating circular puck sign attached to the glass canopy, custom one-off louvered background panels with cove lighting, and last but not least the custom wireway signage that was installed to the supporting steel structure. We design, researched, the conceptual ideation, and built everything from the renderings. One of the biggest challenges we faced was not being able to use a crane to install the steel supports or LED boards, we had to research and develop ideas to raise the boards above the sidewalk shed to install them into place. The project was an overall success and I have learned so much and am proud to know that I was involved in such a large flagship installation in heart of NYC.
Social Media
MBS Sign Supply
We built a monument and used real stone accents, I learned a skill not only for work but for home life.
Director of Project Management
National Branding
Visual openings still give me a little bit of anxiety to this day!
Very early in my career, I learned the hard way that a visual opening size and a cut size are two very different things. Seems simple, right? Well, I had a client give me the visual opening size for a cabinet sign, and of course, I cut the sign face to that exact size. Needless to say, it didn’t fit in the cabinet properly and would fall right out!
That lesson has stuck with me for over 20 years. The funny part is, I still drive by that sign probably twice a week, and yes, the replacement fits perfectly!
It’s one of those little moments that reminds me how much we learn throughout our careers. Sometimes it’s the smallest mistakes, the toughest phone calls, or those moments you wish you could redo that teach you the most. Those lessons stick with you, and honestly, they make you better at what you do. To this day, I always double-check whether I’m looking at a visual opening or a cut size!
Production Control Manager
Identiti
Honestly, one of the biggest lessons I learned after joining Identiti had nothing to do with manufacturing, it was realizing that whether you’re working with a local business or a national brand, you’re still working with people. Early on, I was hesitant to share my opinions because I had never worked on projects at that scale. Over time, I realized that experience and thoughtful ideas are valuable no matter who you’re sitting across the table from. I still get a little intimidated from time to time, but I’ve learned that asking questions and speaking up often leads to better solutions for everyone.
Vice President and Co-Owner
Graphic Components
From early days of flatbed direct printing, we had projects that needed to utilize the combination of printing and painting. Very early on we learned from a project the importance of the adhesion of your ink to the surface. If paint fails when you paint over ink, the issue isn’t the paint, but your ink not adhering enough to the substrate. From that moment on we dedicated ourselves to having excellent ink adhesion and it makes everything easier after that.
Director of Project Management
Trademark Signs LLC
When I started at my first sign company, there were no documented processes, and everything was taught by word of mouth. This caused longer and more inconsistent training between new hires. As I became independent in my role, I compiled a full set of SOPs for the position. I was able to share the document with new teammates as they were onboarded, effectively reducing the training timeline and increasing consistency / accountability. My doing this showed my excitement for process improvement and implementation, and taught me to let my opinions be heard / take the initiative to do what needs to be done.
President & COO
Creative Signs Inc.
One project that stands out wasn’t about installing a sign. It was helping a client secure a zoning variance that saved them a significant amount of money. The ISA Advocacy team was instrumental in helping me navigate the process and ultimately secure the variance. It reinforced that our job isn’t just installing signs, its helping clients solve problems and delivering value far beyond the sign itself.
The ISA Content Collective is a group of ISA members who regularly contribute their thoughts on a wide variety of topics related to the sign, graphics, print, wrap and visual communications industry. Interested in joining? Email sandy.smith@signs.org. Must be an employee of an ISA or affiliated association member to participate.