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When Jon graduated from James Madison University in 2002, running a bustling print department and overseeing production at a sign shop were not part of his plans. Turning to stone masonry first and realizing how much he appreciated Industrial Design, Jon continued looking for creative outlets that tied together his passion for design and the desire to not live in a van down by the river. The Greene County local and William Monroe High School graduate has great joy knowing Performance Signs is a consistent and encouraging place to build a career. Jon also enjoys the deep rivalry with Madison graduate, Darren as they both crank out vehicle wraps and designs.
Since Jon has been with Performance Signs the longest of any team member, he has also weathered the different locations and working conditions. Starting back in 2003, Jon recalls the inventive quarters Robbie and Katherine utilized to bring quality pieces to Greene County and the surrounding areas. As the business grew and evolved, so did Jon’s respect for all steps in the production process and the unique art medium that is vinyl, wraps, and signs. In his previous role as a stone mason, he created with stone and mortar. At Performance Signs he transitioned into a master of design and colors. Today Jon can be spotted at his computer editing pictures and measurements, assisting Darren in the Installation Bay, or enjoying his lunch on the second-floor patio. Eating al fresco and allowing his brain to shift from minute details to big picture and back again helps Jon remain creative and energized for each new project.
While Jon could appreciate the former sign shop for its cardiovascular benefits, he remains grateful for the conscientious design and flow of the new shop on Performance Way. Jon no longer needs to sprint up and down multiple flights of stairs, dart around corners, or play vehicle Jenga in the Installation Bay. With every possible tool for design and production located conveniently within his reach, Jon can now receive design information from Brianna, oversee production in the bay, and communicate with all team members from the comfort of his rolling chair. A huge picture window affords him constant monitoring and a spectator’s view of the plethora of printers.
“There are so many bells and whistles here. I remember having to let the air out of tires to get vehicles in the bay at our very first shop 20 years ago. The bay door wasn’t high enough to fit the vehicles we were wrapping. But now we have huge doors, at least 16 feet of clearance, and the bay is an amazingly well thought out and fun place to work on wraps.”
Bringing 20 years of experience to Performance Signs, Jon takes no assignment for granted. Having installed projects through the years, he can attest to the higher quality of life the new shop now offers everyone. Being in a clean, climate-controlled environment to crank out all manner of signs, banners, fleet wraps helps every teammate function at the top of their game every day they arrive in the new shop.
One of Jon’s earliest install projects included 20 feet of space between the ground and the sign installation. Knowing that a 5×10 foot sign would not magically install itself, especially at such a great height, Jon recalls how funny and challenging that install was. Jon also enjoys spotting his work around town. His first vehicle wrap brings a wide grin to his face as he recalls the large box truck he still gets glimpses of and flashbacks of all the lessons and experiences he now carries into each project. He appreciates each part of the process, from design to print to install and functions as both manager and chief encourager for teammates. Jon knows what every project requires from start to finish and his teammates know they can rely on his keen eye and detail-oriented work ethic.
Jon rolls into the shop everyday looking for ways to assist his teammates in creating consistent and customer-pleasing designs. The overall layout of the new shop continues to impress him but the small details he notices help him complete each project more efficiently and with customer satisfaction in mind. Simply having more room and a functional space for the giant laminator has given Jon and everyone in the production area a dedicated space to print, laminate, and cut out each project without having to shift or rearrange a space every time a project requires more room to complete. This means customers receive their projects in less time and with the highest quality and attention to detail.
While Jon enjoys each day at the shop and looks forward to projects that challenge and drive him to excellence, he also enjoys the moment-to-moment interactions with each of his production partners. Whether scheming about office Halloween costumes or discussing football strategies, Jon knows the office culture Performance Signs has built through the years supports each teammate in producing their best work on each project. When Jon goes home to his wife and four active kids each day, he knows whatever project lands in his hands next will not only get his full creativity but also the dedication and support of the production team. His Pantone paint swatches and pencils are always waiting for him at his desk and Jon walks away wondering what innovative and creative design he gets to tackle next.