Every industry has its own lingo. In the sign industry, terms like ballast, canopy, channel letter and push-through all have meanings that may not be apparent to someone outside the business. As a business owner, there is financial lingo that you’ll need to learn–not just to speak to your accountant or a banker–but also to make better decisions about...
As the cold weather finally leaves us and the summertime approaches, it’s important for sign shop owners to remember the significance that weather-based advertising has. Did you know that weather is the second-biggest influence on consumer behavior after the state of the economy? This is a great tidbit to share with clients who may be looking to invest in...
For the most part, not many kids grow up thinking, “I’m going be in the sign industry someday!” And even if this is some young kid’s dream, there are no trade schools or universities offering a degree in sign technology.
The truth is, unless you were born into the industry, sign making is rarely considered a career path. This isn’t...
In this inspiring episode of Behind the Signs, hosts Joe Arenella and Liz Arenella Toynes talk with Ashley Borell Miner, CEO of Steel Art Company, one of the leading wholesale sign fabricators in the U.S.
Ashley shares her journey from furniture retail to taking over her family’s business, her philosophy on leadership, and how Steel Art has become a 7-time...
SPONSORED: In our On The Floor video series, SBI's Alex Marcheschi interviews Ascent Equipment president Dave Rom from the show floor at ISA Sign Expo 2025 in the Mandalay Bay Convention Center in Las Vegas. Rom details the various machines in his booth and explains how they can best benefit sign shops.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=opVkSQEuH-w&t=6s
Sponsored: In our On The Floor video series, Sign Builder Illustrated's Alex Marcheschi spoke to EFI VP of Worldwide Marketing Ken Hanulec at ISA Sign Expo 2025. The two spoke about the printer giant's offerings to the signage industry, his thoughts on the convergence trend and their sponsorship of the Top Young Sign Maker Awards, among other things.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3-rS_UDSDTQ
The May edition of Sign Builder Illustrated is now live. Check out the stunning, vibrant work featured on the cover from Right Way Signs in Chicago, get an in-depth explanation on why AV integrators are embracing content creation, understand the importance of effective onboarding and more!
- ISA's David Hickey explains how the organization draws on the past to prepare...
Did you know 17 different sign industry trade association cover all of the USA and Canada? The associations are made up of directors, board members and spectacular volunteers. Our industry is equipped with this fantastic collection of talented people who hold endless meetings, plan and host creative events and pour back into its members each year.
It's key to understand...
Digital signage is a booming business, but your sign shop may still be asking—Why should I sell this type of signage? What are the benefits of getting involved in this market sector?
To get answers, we spoke to some sign companies about why they sell digital signage and the benefit such signage brings to their clients.
The Visual Benefit
Springfield Sign in...
After returning home to New Jersey from an action-packed week in Las Vegas at the Mandalay Bay Convention Center for ISA Sign Expo 2025, I'd like to share some quick takeaways from the show.
- All things considered (tariffs, economic uncertainty, etc.) SBI experienced a very energetic and positive attitude from most people we saw and spoke to on the...
