434.985.7446
If there is anyone on the team who benefits from having extra space to work, it is Ken. Our Graphics Finisher here at Performance Signs, Ken rolls into Production with a can-do attitude, lots of caffeine, and the willingness to complete all tasks to perfection. Now that he has more room to spread out projects on the giant application table, he can easily create and piece together the largest signs to the smallest of designs. Ken has enjoyed using his talents with us since 2011 to finish fleet wraps, banners, and signs. Since Ken works closely with Lead Graphic Designer Jon and Graphic Designer Molly, he constantly hones his skills and is usually one of the final people working on a project before a client receives it.
Ken works with vinyl lettering and banners the way some artists paint with watercolors. The Monet of trimming and vinyl, Ken utilizes a variety of materials required to complete a project. He recalls starting out eagerly, learning the art he now creates daily. Ken works his magic whether he adds hems and grommets to a classic banner or needs a steady more skilled hand trimming. Every project is a chance to sharpen his abilities and Ken enjoys the challenge of working with a multitude of surfaces and the variety that every day brings him. He claims to not have a favorite material to apply work to but enjoys the challenge each new project brings him.
Ken cranks out any size project thanks to the new and vast Production space. He can now work continuously without having to shift different elements to make room. Ken believes the increased space and accessibility in the Production area benefit clients more now than in the previous shop. There is greater consistency and flow and any project needing many hands can easily fit in the new Production space. Although Ken can work on a variety of projects at the same time and there is plenty of space to do so, he prefers focusing on one project all the way through until it is officially finished and ready for the client to pick up.
“The best part of what I do as a Graphics Finisher is completing a project of any size. The best feeling is seeing it through from the second it comes off the printer to the very last moment I touch it. When I get to see my work around town, well that just makes it even more rewarding. Having this big space creates more opportunity to create even more projects and serve clients better.”
One of Ken’s favorite machines to play with is the giant metal shear he now has much easier access to in the new shop. Our resident tallest teammate, Ken gets a small thrill when anything requires the karate-chop action of the cutter followed by slicing different shapes and sizes for projects. The cutter requires both hand and foot coordination for utilizing the giant pedal to control the cutting and now that Ken has plenty of room to move around he has all but achieved shearing perfection.
Given Ken’s drive to make clients happy, it comes as no surprise that he would rather be in the Production area cranking out his craft than anywhere else. While some teammates head out for “field trips” as Ken calls installation days, he would rather remain at home base working at his table. He enjoys the innovation of the new shop and thinks there is nowhere better to work than using his tools and next to his teammates he genuinely enjoys and who drive each other to create their best on each project.
“I never even used a saw before I started at Performance Signs. I didn’t know a thing. And now I can’t imagine doing anything else. I love it here and want to stay at my table turning out projects for as long as I can.”
If Ken had to pick one type of project to consistently dedicate his time to, he would pick real estate signage. Whether he is driving through his home town here in Greene or where he grew up in Charlottesville, Ken enjoys spotting his handiwork in yards and nearby subdivisions. Having completed too many signs to count, Ken smiles thinking of his favorites and the desire to create and finish the next sign. He remains dedicated to his new Production space which means he usually stays behind-the-scenes with minimal client interaction. However, there are occasions when he helps clients face-to-face and Ken beams recalling the moments he witnesses a customer seeing a project he helped create.
“Every so often I get to watch a client see a finished project I worked on and those are really special moments. They are so appreciative and excited and that makes me excited. I want to work harder and keep finding new ways to produce what people want.”
Even though Ken finds contentment at his Production table, he does enjoy sitting with teammates around other tables. The new kitchen at Performance Signs provides space to share trainings, daily life, and our local King Kong pizza. Ken is a family man and loves to be beside his wife, Barbara, enjoying her famous kitchen creations or watching the New York Yankees. It should come as no surprise he cherishes his two sons as well. Now that his oldest son, Gabe, is also a teammate here at the shop Ken gets to see his family even more. Gabe will start at UVA in Fall of ’23 and Ken’s pride is tangible. His younger son Nate continues diligently studying in high school and will graduate in 2024.Ken recognizes how fortunate he is to have grown into the Graphics Finisher position he thrives in and that he can watch his sons grow into the next level of adulthood all from the comfort of his table.