The Signage Saga

Bob

So, ASI Signage Innovations just reported a 6.5% growth in Q3. That's like saying, 'Hey, we're doing a little better than last time we checked.' But you know what? In the world of signage, a little better is still better than a lot worse. Right, folks?

Bob

And they made $4.3 million more this quarter. Now, I don't know about you, but that's like finding an extra $4.3 million in your couch cushions. It's a good day when that happens. But for ASI, it's just another Tuesday. Am I right?

Bob

You know what they say: 'Growth is good, but growth with a side of $4.3 million is even better!' So, if you're ever in a meeting and someone says, 'We need to focus on growth,' just remember to add the $4.3 million part. It makes all the difference.

Bob

Now, let's talk about some of the quirky projects they've taken on. There's this Hotel Indigo in New Orleans that decided to incorporate local water meter motifs into their signage. I mean, who knew water meters could be this stylish? It's like they took the boring part of the city and turned it into a tourist attraction.

Bob

And they did it all in under a month. That's faster than you can say, 'I need to call a plumber.' It's like, 'Hey, we need some signs that look like water meters. Oh, and can you do it before the next rainstorm?' Talk about pressure. But they nailed it.

Bob

So, if you ever find yourself in New Orleans and you see a sign that looks suspiciously like a water meter, you'll know it's not just a coincidence. It's a sign. Get it? A sign? I'll be here all week, folks.

Bob

Speaking of new things, they've got this new ID Screens technology. It made its debut at some fancy expo, and now it's being used at the Fredrikson law firm. I mean, lawyers need to look good, right? They can't just have regular old signs. They need ID Screens.

Bob

But you know what's even better than ID Screens? When you can actually read them. Because let's be real, half the time you look at a sign and you're like, 'What does this say? Is it Latin?' But with ID Screens, it's crystal clear. It's like the future is here, but it's just a little bit more legible.

Bob

So, the next time you're at a law firm and you see a screen that looks like it belongs in a sci-fi movie, just remember, it's probably just an ID Screen. And if you see a lawyer staring at it, they're probably just trying to figure out how to turn it off. Right, anyone here ever tried to turn off a lawyer?

Bob

Now, let's talk about contrast guidelines. They're proposing a 65% LRV contrast guideline, which is like saying, 'We want the signs to be readable, but we also want them to be a little bit artsy.' It's like the Goldilocks of signage. Not too dark, not too light, just right.

Bob

But you know what? If you're ever designing a sign and you're not sure about the contrast, just think, 'Would a colorblind person be able to read this?' Because if they can, you're probably good to go. And if they can't, maybe it's time to get a second opinion. Or a third. Or a fourth. You get the point.

Bob

And they're targeting the 2025 ICC standard implementation. That's like saying, 'In the future, we'll all be reading the same signs, and they'll all be perfectly contrasted.' It's like the United Nations of signage. Everyone's on the same page, and no one's squinting. Or at least, that's the plan.

Bob

Now, let's talk about the Los Angeles office. They moved to Olympic Boulevard. I mean, Olympic Boulevard? That's like the sign industry's version of Madison Avenue. It's where all the cool signs hang out. And it's also where the rent is probably through the roof. But hey, you get what you pay for, right?

Bob

And under the leadership of Andria Radick, they're enhancing operations. That's like saying, 'We're going to do more with less.' Because you know, in the sign industry, efficiency is key. You can't just have a bunch of signs lying around. You need a plan. A strategy. A vision. And a really good coffee machine.

Bob

So, the next time you're in LA and you see a really cool sign, just know that it probably came from Olympic Boulevard. And if you see Andria, give her a high-five. She's the one keeping things running smoothly. Or at least, as smoothly as you can keep things running when you're dealing with signs and water meters.

Bob

Now, let's not forget about the conferences. ASI was all over the SEGD Conference in Dallas and the Healthcare Design Conference in Indianapolis. It's like the sign industry's version of Comic-Con. But instead of cosplaying, everyone's just trying to network and make deals. And maybe grab a free t-shirt.

Bob

And you know what the best part of these conferences is? The after-parties. Because let's be real, after a day of talking about contrast guidelines and project timelines, you just want to let your hair down and have a good time. Or at least, that's what I hear. I've never been to one of these conferences, but I'm pretty sure that's what happens.

Bob

So, if you ever find yourself at one of these conferences, just remember to bring a business card. And maybe a drink. And a smile. And a good joke. Because in the sign industry, a good joke can go a long way. Trust me.

Bob

Now, let's talk about the top performers. Lauren Corrigan, Kristen Landry, and David Bodzy each exceeded $900,000 in quarterly sales. That's like saying, 'We're not just selling signs, we're selling a lifestyle.' Because who doesn't want to live in a world where everything is perfectly signed and labeled?

Bob

And you know what? These guys are the real deal. They're not just selling signs; they're building relationships. They're the ones who know exactly what you need before you even know it yourself. It's like they have a sixth sense. Or a really good CRM system. One of the two.

Bob

So, the next time you meet one of these top performers, just remember to be nice. Because they could be the ones who decide if you get your sign or not. And you don't want to be the one who gets left out in the cold with no sign. Trust me, it's not a good look.

Bob

And let's not forget about the new hires. Randy Goodfred joins as Director of Design-Build Services. He's bringing 15 years of experience to the table. That's like saying, 'We've got a seasoned pro on our team.' Because in the sign industry, experience is everything. Or at least, it's a really good start.

Bob

And he's overseeing major projects for Gaylord, Hilton, and the National Institute of Health. That's like saying, 'We're not just making signs; we're making history.' Because when you're working with high-profile clients, every sign matters. Every detail counts. Every comma is a potential crisis waiting to happen.

Bob

So, the next time you see a sign that looks particularly professional and well-designed, just know that Randy Goodfred was probably involved. And if you see him, give him a nod. He's the man behind the scenes, making sure everything runs smoothly. Or at least, as smoothly as you can make it run in the sign industry.

Bob

And let's talk about the website. They launched an enhanced website on April 15th. That's like saying, 'We're not just a company; we're a digital presence.' Because in today's world, if you don't have a good website, you might as well not exist. It's like the sign industry's version of a business card.

Bob

And they've improved navigation and user experience. That's like saying, 'We're making it easy for you to find what you need.' Because let's be real, no one wants to spend an hour trying to find a sign on a website. That's what Google is for. Or at least, that's what I tell myself.

Bob

So, the next time you're on the ASI website and everything works perfectly, just know that it's not magic. It's hard work and a lot of coffee. And maybe a few late nights. But it's worth it. Because a good user experience is like a good first date. It sets the tone for everything that comes after.

Bob

And finally, let's talk about corporate events and exhibitions. They've been busy showcasing their work at all these big events. It's like the sign industry's version of a parade. But instead of floats, they've got signs. And instead of confetti, they've got brochures. And instead of a marching band, they've got a sales team. It's a whole different kind of show.

Bob

And you know what? These events are where the magic happens. It's where you get to see all the latest and greatest in signage and design. It's where you get to meet the people behind the scenes. It's where you get to ask all the questions you've been dying to ask. Like, 'Why did you choose that color?' Or, 'How long did it take to make that sign?' Or, 'Can I have a free t-shirt?'

Bob

So, the next time you're at one of these events, just remember to have fun. Because at the end of the day, it's all about the signs. And the people who make them. And the people who use them. And the people who appreciate them. It's a community. And it's a pretty cool one at that.