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With his pocketful of squeegees and knife wielding abilities, Jake made the transition from woodworking to the Performance Signs Installation Team flawlessly. One of our rookies, we see Jake’s eagerness and interest leading his talent on the squad. Our Installation Apprentice came to us with experience working with his hands and creating something out of nothing. Today, Jake stays busy installing frosted window panels for local businesses, applying vinyl to vehicle fleet wraps, and picking up tips and tricks from expert production and install teachers Jon and Darren.
Jake spent only a handful of months at our previous shop but clearly sees the difference the new space on Performance Way in Greene offers him. More room to spread out and the accessibility of all tools rank chief among his favorite things. Since most of his home-base work takes place in the production and installation bay, he appreciates the multiple large garage doors and not having to play vehicle roulette. The quick learner and self-proclaimed “gear head” enjoys the challenge of starting with plain sides on a vehicle and transforming an otherwise bare vehicle into a custom design. Applying vinyl and using elbow grease along with his menagerie of tools, Jake cranks out customer pleasing, eye catching designs in the bay.
Jake thrives in the new production space but also in the field on installation days. Having grown up in Greene County, Jake appreciates taking field trips to install window etchings on local businesses. Installation can take a few hours to entire days as he applies and smooths decals on doors and windows. Stepping back to observe his creation fills Jake with immense pride as the vinyl gives instant gratification. Starting with a blank canvas and ending with an intricate design leaves Jake excited to jump into the next project. Home-grown and a William Monroe High School graduate, Jake enjoys seeing the fruits of his labor around town. Being able to point out projects he completed fuels his desire to continue working hard and learning more as he studies at Piedmont Virginia Community College.
Back in the installation bay, Jake is often found enjoying everything with wheels. From large fleet wrap projects to personal car wraps, Jake’s pleasure working on all vehicles propels him to continue installing unique and detailed designs. Once he receives design details from Project Manager Brianna and Installation Team Leader Darren, Jake jumps into action. With every tool at his disposal, Jake admits how liberating and efficient installs are in the new bay:
“There’s an ease to each install here now. Everything I need is quickly within reach. I don’t have to break focus or stop what I’m doing to hunt down different tools or design pieces. Customers get our best because we have everything we need right here. The install bay was designed with us in mind and that’s pretty awesome.”
For all the new space and design of the install bay, Jake delights in all things that go. Every new shelf, bin, chair, and cart now have wheels to help the install team do their job effectively and efficiently. Jake has every tool close at hand and this allows him to complete each project with precision as well. Since many of his installs are taller than he is, Jake also enjoys the days he gets to work on the scissor lift. Working from high above his normal everyday position, Jake appreciates the challenge taller vehicles like first responder transports, cement mixers, and even large box trucks afford him. But following intricate design instructions and with the team always nearby, Jake gets to hone his skill set and fill his adventure-seeking side daily. Working here is no ordinary job for Jake and that suits him just fine. When Jake descends from the scissor lift and hangs up his tools for the day, he always looks forward to going home to his two biggest fans- his dogs Gus and Milo.
One of Jake’s favorite completed projects at Performance Signs was a race car for Rooster Hall Racing.
Outside of the install bay, Jake enjoys the kitchen here at Performance Signs. Eating Cane’s chicken around the table with his teammates, Jake looks forward to the time he shares with those who continually inspire and guide him into each new project. Although he has gotten close, he has not quite mastered the recipe that is Cane’s secret dipping sauce but enjoys the trial and error of such a delicious challenge. There is also the 20 minute nap room he has yet to take advantage of but appreciates knowing it exists. Sharing lunches and working elbow to elbow with teammates provides Jake opportunities to excel and grow in his craft. Although he takes each project seriously and completes installations in the bay or in the field with great care and pride, the flat surface and clean open space of the bay just cry out for him to take a few laps around on his hover board or rip stick.