76% of Sign Pros Keep a Morning Routine

QUESTION:

Do you have a routine for starting the day?

Yes: 76%

Start coffee, take pets out, drink coffee, read 10 pages of a book, stretch for eight minutes, then get ready for work. — Renato Pinto, CDL Electric Co., Carl Junction, MO
Focus on approved jobs and go over with the team. — David Delossantos, D-Signs & Awnings Inc., Allentown, PA
Checking email and updating the daily/weekly task list. — Thomas Turner, Bakers’ Signs, Conroe, TX
By starting my day on purpose I get more accomplished and don’t allow myself to get pulled in every direction. — Lloyd Graves, Signarama Louisville East, Louisville, KY
I find comfort in routines. — Steven Carpenter, Archetype, Minneapolis
I arrive well before my staff and do a quick check of email for any new contacts, then run through the production schedule and plan the daily work list. Once production has their list, I prepare new estimates and follow-up on pending estimates. — Jeffrey Fusaro, Fastsigns of Pflugerville, Pflugerville, TX
Without order is chaos! — Jasper Burton, Cuerden Sign Co., Conway, AR

No: 24%

I spend so much of my time planning everything else in my life, giving myself the freedom to go at my own pace in the morning is my version of self care. — Jamie Potvin, Metro Sign & Awning, Tewksbury, MA
I’m not proud of it, but each day seems to start with its own challenges. Which employees show up, what installs need to be done so I can make sure the installers get out the door at a reasonable time, what day of the week is it (because we have certain meetings on certain days), do I have urgent emails, etc.? On a personal level, I definitely have a routine. — Carl Heinlein, Cincinnati Custom Signs, Cincinnati

QUESTION:

Are you personally planning to attend the ISA International Sign Expo in Atlanta, May 4-6?

Yes
31%
No
43%
Maybe/haven’t decided yet
18%
Other (other team members attending, “I wish!”)
8%

One Quick Question

How do you tackle a tradeshow?

No strategy — just dive in
13%
Start with my shop’s needs and work down
35%
Other (strategic targets, never been, a bar first)
8%
Directional — start at one end
43%
Start with the new suppliers/products
1%

What’s the Brain Squad?

If you’re the owner or top manager of a signage and graphics company in the US or Canada, you’re invited to join the Signs of the Times Brain Squad. By taking one five-minute survey each month, you will receive access to some of the industry’s freshest data on sales — including your fellow members’ comments on what’s selling and what isn’t — and can make your voice heard on key issues affecting the sign industry. Sound good? Sign up here.