Sign People: Look Back Then Move Forward

IT’S DECEMEBER, AND the holiday festivities have already begun — along with the inevitable chaos they bring. In the sign industry, you’re either wrapping up the year, looking to ease into a January of regrouping, inventory and prep for the upcoming year, or you’re dealing with last-minute “OMG” moments where people have left signage until the final hour for an opening or conference. Regardless, the end of the year always seems like a great time to pause, whatever your religious, work or family commitments.

For most of my adult life, I’ve seen the last week of the calendar year as a hard stop. It’s when I step off the ride for a bit and celebrate how far I’ve come over the past year, and in life in general. Not every year is easy, but every year I make it. There are always storms I wish I hadn’t had to go through, but which upon reflection were exactly what I needed to experience. There are years I wish I could just duplicate because of the amazing opportunities I was presented with. Some years, I find myself stretched out on the couch on Dec. 26, hardly moving until Jan. 2. Wherever I land by the end of December, I choose to be grateful — grateful for another year around the sun, for another chance to celebrate, and for the adventure of welcoming a new year with all its craziness and blessings.

Yes, it isn’t easy. If you’re like me, the world seems weird and awkward. So many of us are divided, with strong opinions we are willing to fight for. Rightfully so — LED lighting is not neon! Regardless of our divided opinions, we all must work together, whether it be in business or this game called life. So how do we do that? What can we do today to make this next year a little less tense than the past few seem to have been? The world’s issues are not limited to the borders of our countries. We’re all human and have common goals — to have purpose, to live well, safely and healthily, in whatever configuration works best for us and aligns with our personal definitions of success. Seems pretty simple, and yet we make it complicated.

However, we can get up each day, and before we pick up that squeegee, load up that crane truck or call back that upset customer, we can be grateful. We get to do all these things. We get to start the day in a state of gratitude. We get to start again each and every day, each and every year. We get to hit the reset button and try again — until we don’t.

As you read this, take a moment to pause and look back on your year. Reflect on your journey. Honor the struggles you’ve overcome and the achievements you’ve reached. Honor the effort you put in, the persistence that brought you here, right to this very page. You’ve made it through another year, and now you have the chance to step forward into the next one, with the choice to make it even better. Above all, embrace gratitude for everything that got you here.

From my family to yours, and from one hard-working professional to another — I want you to know how much I appreciate you. Thank you for taking the time to read this, for your dedication to the sign industry, and for the difference you make each day. Your hard work doesn’t go unnoticed; you’re valued, even if you haven’t heard it enough this year.

Wishing you all the best in 2025! Go be amazing.