In this episode of Behind the Signs, Joe and Liz dive into one of the most personal and powerful topics yet — what it really takes to become a great leader in the sign industry. From the emotional rollercoaster of letting go of team members to the structure of professional improvement plans, they share hard-earned lessons, personal stories, and systems that helped them grow from “the boss everyone likes” to true leadership.
You’ll learn: Why boundaries matter in small teams How to handle difficult employee situations with compassion and structure The difference between punishment and growth plans How your company can become a tool for personal transformation Tips for avoiding burnout and building support systems This one is a must-listen for new managers, sign shop owners, or anyone looking to build a better workplace.
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TIMESTAMPS
00:00 – Intro
00:33 – Welcome & Podcast Intro
02:30 – Why We Love the Sign Industry
03:08 – The Emotional Side of Becoming a Leader
04:05 – Blurred Lines: Being the Boss vs. Being a Friend
06:10 – Establishing Trust & Boundaries in Small Teams
08:00 – Writing People Up: When and How to Do It
10:00 – Emotions, Discipline, and Leadership Growth
13:00 – Family, Friends, and Firing People the Right Way
14:00 – When to Hire an HR Pro in Your Sign Shop
15:45 – Creating an Employee Handbook (and where to get a free one!)
18:00 – Building a Scalable, HR-Backed Culture from Day One
21:00 – A Real Termination Walkthrough
24:00 – PIPs vs. Probation: Know the Difference
27:00 – The Joy of Helping Others Grow
29:00 – Success Story: From Sweeping Floors to Running a Sign Shop
32:00 – Finding Mentors, Joining Associations & Avoiding Burnout
35:00 – Outlets for Stress Relief (and Why You Shouldn’t Run a Marathon)
36:30 – Wrapping Up: Setting Boundaries, Building People, and Growing as a Leader
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