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Trained as a Certified 3M Graphics Installer, Darren leads the Installation Team here at Performance Signs in the newest and most innovative methods for installing custom vehicle graphics, custom door lettering, and even color change vehicle wraps. Darren joined the Performance Signs crew in 2009 after working in sales. Admittedly, Darren knew little about signs, vehicle wraps, or design. But Katherine and Robbie have provided continual opportunities for growth and learning. Darren has honed his craft through the years and persistently acquires new skills to bring back to the Install Bay. Keeping forefront on local and national industry standards allows Darren to perform at his best and install top notch vehicle graphics, color change wraps, custom logo graphics, and more.
Remaining intent on customer satisfaction and enjoying the process are two aspects of Darren’s work he takes pride in. As Installation Bay Manager at the shop, Darren continues on-the-job learning and opportunities to grow as an installer and leader. Now that the new vehicle wrap bay triples the amount of space he and his installation crew work in, Darren has even more room to stay motived on every wrap that enters the bay doors here at Performance Signs. Not only is his work area bigger, brighter, and more accessible it remains Darren’s favorite part of the new office.
“I can’t believe the attention to detail that Robbie and Katherine gave this new building. From the lighting to the doors to how many box trucks we can wrap while also holding cement mixers and cars to wrap with vinyl, this new space really is incredible. I was concerned because it’s a wide-open space it can be hard to keep temperatures under control for vinyl installs. But Robbie and Katherine made sure climate control would be the least of my concerns in this new bay. And they were right.”
Darren not only thrives on having a temperature control Installation Bay but also the overall flow of production. The Project Manager and Design Team make certain all aspects of a wrap remain consistent and precise throughout the project. But the new space allows Darren and the Installation Team to communicate efficiently and wrap any vehicle in custom graphics while also training fellow installers. Darren enjoys the accessibility of the expansive bay and the ease of making sure everyone remains on the same page during a project. These key features help Darren and the Installation Team turn out custom wrapped commercial and personal vehicles sure to keep clients coming back for more. Relatively camera-shy, Darren is thrilled that the Project Manager can move around the Installation Bay easily and snap 360degree pictures of installations in progress and completed. Having more room to showcase his talents and the ability to remain focused figures into customer satisfaction and production quality.
Darren quickly acknowledges his favorite vehicle wrap was the 1950 Ford Truck he completed. His eyes light up and he immediately searches for pictures to share what he considers one of his most prized vinyl truck wrap installations.
“That Ford was my favorite of all time. It had a color change wrap and by the time we were done with it, that truck looked amazing. The fenders on that thing were the hardest part. We had to pull them off and figure out the best way to make it look good and fit in with the rest of the truck wrap design. But by the time we finished I could not have liked it more than I did. I loved that truck.”
Even tricky fenders are opportunities for Darren to grow as he believes every challenge that comes his way has a solution and builds on his knowledge with each new project. When installing vinyl wraps on commercial fleets of vehicles Darren wraps each car, truck, or van with great precision. He finds immense satisfaction in completing clients’ projects with care and efficiency. Wiping his hand over each vinyl letter, each cutout graphic, every inch of a vehicle wrap keeps Darren focused and dedicated to any project.
Then there are some vehicles Darren admits stretches his skills and encourages him to work even closer with the Design Team, Project Manager, and the Installation Team in order to produce top quality wrapped vehicles his loyal fan base has come to expect. The design and vinyl wrap of any cement truck offers opportunities for growth and learning new ways to tackle old challenges. Egg-shaped cement mixers require particular attention to angles and panels while Darren works with a wrap for extended periods until satisfied with the finished product. His favorite cement truck had an intricate design, tedious installation, and fascinating patterns to see spinning when he spots it around town. He admits that particular commercial vinyl wrap was a bit tricky but the satisfaction of seeing one of his projects turn out so well inspires him to keep learning and stretching his skills. Thankfully, Darren does not have a fear of heights since large trucks and other vinyl wraps can require scaffolding and working high above his teammates at Performance Signs.
He hopes on team lunch days he can get off any scaffolding quickly to enjoy his favorite meal of pork BBQ pizza with a poppy seed crust. Eating together and the overall team aspect at Performance Signs keeps Darren invested in his craft. Whether training collectively, wrapping vehicles side-by-side, or growing in expertise Darren leads the Install Team with enthusiasm and ease. He remains a loyal Uva fan in any season and will cheer on the Uva Basketball Team whether or not they can bring home the win. Since moving to the Ruckersville area from Louisa, Darren appreciates a shorter commute and more quality time with his family. When he leaves the vehicle wrap Installation Bay for home, Darren does so knowing the projects he completes exceeds clients’ expectations.