Something Old, Something New

ONCE IN A WHILE, themes come together unexpectedly for an issue of ST, and that’s certainly the case for this, the first of two combined-month issues. (The other will be November-December).

Now before any feelings get hurt, I include myself in the “something old,” because like the three sign pros featured in “Late Bloomers” (see page 26), working directly on ST started later in life for me. I can relate to the joys and the jump-scares that accompany a mid-life career shift. No matter when you started in signs, whether shortly after walking and talking or, like me, after age 50, I encourage you to check out their stories.

The “something new” would be the terrific contribution of our cover story (see page 22) by ST Editorial Intern Josie Zimmerman, who will be a senior this fall at Miami University in Oxford, OH. ST has long supported hosting interns, and we’ve tried through the years to espouse its value for sign companies. You may think you know signs, but having to guide an intern or apprentice compels you to express your knowledge, and that alone sharpens up your game.

While the summer presents a golden opportunity to host an intern or apprentice, you can open your company to one any time of year. And if you’re under the impression that no student would want to intern at your company, find out by hosting an ISA-sponsored Sign Manufacturing Day event, officially set for Oct. 2. For more information, see signs.org/events/mfgday.