I am writing this entry in response to the numerous questions about the future of Atlas Sign. As with any combination, there are rumors surrounding the transaction and the future of both Sign Craft Industries and Atlas Sign. As we stated in our press release dated September 15, 2008, we have a high regard for Mr. Gilley, the prior owner of Atlas, and the Atlas Sign Company. Over the past 25 years, Atlas has built a great reputation and a solid customer base.
In the near term, it is the intent of Sign Craft Industries to continue to operate out of our current facilities at 3150 Rand Road Indianapolis, IN under the name of Atlas Sign and 8920 Corporation Drive Indianapolis, IN as Sign Craft Industries.
We are beginning the process or evaluating the best long term solution for Sign Craft and Atlas Sign with a primary focus on best servicing our current and future customers.
For the current Atlas Customers, it is the intent of Sign Craft Industries to honor the contracts and warranties in place from Atlas Sign Company and incorporate the Sign Craft commitment to on-time deliveries of quality products and services. We are excited about the opportunities this combination of two fine companies will bring to the market and look forward serving your signage needs.
Thank you for your continued support and if you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact me at 317-842-8664 Extension 320.
Sunday, September 28, 2008
Thursday, September 25, 2008
Recent Growth
The past few months have been as interesting as any I have experienced in my short 30 years in business.
At the beginning of 2008, I set a goal for Sign Craft to more than double its revenues in two years. This was a pretty lofty goal considering we had already grown by over 400%. So what made me so bold?
The answer is both complex and simple. Nothing is achievable if a goal is not established and progress towards that goal is not monitored. Conversely, anything is possible when a stretch goal is established as the guiding light of all activity.
While there are many proponents of this logic, it is not as easy as it sounds. Day to day activities, people issues and tough times are just a few of the distractions that make a goal just words on a sign. When this happens, the goals are hung right next to the mission statement and forgotten.
Goals are not accomplished if they are not internalized and lived. Through this process, goals take on a life of their own.
When I established the goal, I announced it to my staff and certain other key Guardians. I also expressed it to many of our business partners and associates. Publicizing my goal sharpened my resolve and made it difficult to renege. I then constantly reiterated the goal. This was again intended to keep our focus on the prize. However it also generated buy-in by the key management team who were critical to the plans success.
What I did not expect when I set this goal was the economic downturn we are now experiencing. Many believed that based on these events, I would reset the goal to a more “achievable” level. Not a chance. A goal is set to guide us though hard times. In fact it is in hard times that creative solutions sometimes create the best opportunities.
That has been the case for Sign Craft. By taking the time to invest in technology and hiring the best people, we were able to continually improve our core competencies and strengthen our balance sheet. This allowed us to not only weather hard times but flourish.
Companies, as with people, normally react in one of three ways to hard times. They either look at them as opportunities, challenges to survival or catastrophes. Those companies that plan for bad times are prepared and are sometimes able to find great opportunities at favorable prices. This was confirmed again today when JP Morgan Chase announced the acquisition of Washington Mutual at a discount.
In 2008, Sign Craft has chosen to look for opportunities and have taken the necessary steps to profitably grow the business. These actions put us in a position to complete two very favorable acquisitions that will add quality annuity clients to our already strong customer base, dramatically increase our fabrication, installation and service assets and capabilities and most importantly add fantastic personnel to the team.
I am a firm believer in stretch goals and I believe that this goal is a primary reason we should be close to our double by the end of 2009. In addition, I am a believer in good people and Sign Craft has the best. The moves we have made this year would not be possible without their buy in to our stretch goal and more importantly, their dedication and hard work. I am forever in awe and grateful.
At the beginning of 2008, I set a goal for Sign Craft to more than double its revenues in two years. This was a pretty lofty goal considering we had already grown by over 400%. So what made me so bold?
The answer is both complex and simple. Nothing is achievable if a goal is not established and progress towards that goal is not monitored. Conversely, anything is possible when a stretch goal is established as the guiding light of all activity.
While there are many proponents of this logic, it is not as easy as it sounds. Day to day activities, people issues and tough times are just a few of the distractions that make a goal just words on a sign. When this happens, the goals are hung right next to the mission statement and forgotten.
Goals are not accomplished if they are not internalized and lived. Through this process, goals take on a life of their own.
When I established the goal, I announced it to my staff and certain other key Guardians. I also expressed it to many of our business partners and associates. Publicizing my goal sharpened my resolve and made it difficult to renege. I then constantly reiterated the goal. This was again intended to keep our focus on the prize. However it also generated buy-in by the key management team who were critical to the plans success.
What I did not expect when I set this goal was the economic downturn we are now experiencing. Many believed that based on these events, I would reset the goal to a more “achievable” level. Not a chance. A goal is set to guide us though hard times. In fact it is in hard times that creative solutions sometimes create the best opportunities.
That has been the case for Sign Craft. By taking the time to invest in technology and hiring the best people, we were able to continually improve our core competencies and strengthen our balance sheet. This allowed us to not only weather hard times but flourish.
Companies, as with people, normally react in one of three ways to hard times. They either look at them as opportunities, challenges to survival or catastrophes. Those companies that plan for bad times are prepared and are sometimes able to find great opportunities at favorable prices. This was confirmed again today when JP Morgan Chase announced the acquisition of Washington Mutual at a discount.
In 2008, Sign Craft has chosen to look for opportunities and have taken the necessary steps to profitably grow the business. These actions put us in a position to complete two very favorable acquisitions that will add quality annuity clients to our already strong customer base, dramatically increase our fabrication, installation and service assets and capabilities and most importantly add fantastic personnel to the team.
I am a firm believer in stretch goals and I believe that this goal is a primary reason we should be close to our double by the end of 2009. In addition, I am a believer in good people and Sign Craft has the best. The moves we have made this year would not be possible without their buy in to our stretch goal and more importantly, their dedication and hard work. I am forever in awe and grateful.
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