Trademark Process
We are proud to say that we have a solid, seamless, streamlined process that we have been able to perfect over the years and it’s the backbone of our company and why we are successful. In this industry, a strict process is necessary when there are so many moving parts and pieces and we have gained the knowledge, experiences, and resources over the years to be able to deliver to our clients.
Consultation
The first phase in any project is consultation. Whether it is smaller and straightforward or large and complex, We schedule either an onsite meeting or a video conference and we simply start discussing your needs. Then we dive a bit deeper and get more specific with a Needs Evaluation where we ask certain questions so that we can clearly understand your needs, your goals and vision and we start to talk about how we can accomplish it. Budget planning is something we work one-on-one with the client as well – we talk about the budget upfront and how we can accomplish the goals and deliver based on the budget you have.
Planning
Step two is when the project gets turned over to our Project Management Team. This team is in-house, and we utilize a specific CRM system that monitors work in progress. Everyone involved in the project can see where it is in the process and all the details at all phases of the project. We run this comprehensive system that is specifically built for this industry, and it has allowed us to be extremely organized and successful. Budget is followed closely through the process by the Project Manager – Here we often find ways to value engineer a project, minimizing the cost without losing the quality or intent of the design.,. Our project managers are very experienced and detail-oriented and know how to successfully keep a project on track and on time.
Permitting
Permitting is not an easy task today – Signage is one of the most heavily regulated items in any municipality. We work closely with many municipalities and associations to stay in tune with this ever-changing landscape. Most of our permitting is handled by our in-house expeditors but we do sometimes rely on attorneys, planners, and other resources as needed. Additionally, we are part of an association that advocates for signage on our behalf when all else fails… There are not many scenarios we cannot find common ground with a city.
- Code research
- Site surveys
- Variances
- Engineering
Engineering has become an industry standard. We work with multiple licensed PEs across the country and we are able to provide this Engineering in any state, city or municipality. We have hand-selected PEs that have adapted to the changing world and are able to supply us with digital files formatted to fit the new online requirements. Additionally, we have partnered with those who are willing to think outside the box when needed. It is not uncommon for us to have to create a solution to a complex engineering issue and we need PEs that can work with us when that challenge presents itself.
Variances are also handled by our in-house team – We have found that our team’s ability to identify a true hardship and fight for it has been the driving key to our success. Certain locations require us to have an attorney or planner for projects on commercial applications and we have a great network of those from years of victories.
Manufacturing
Manufacturing, much like anything else, requires good planning, quality products, and excellent execution if you want great results. Because we manufacture a lot of custom signage our process begins with planning, our designer, project manager, and production manager will spend weeks sometimes months in this stage to ensure everything is thought through and the result meets or exceeds the client’s expectations. During this part of the process, we will ensure the engineering is correct and structurally sound, that all lighting, materials, finishes, and colors are specified and match the approved samples. We then begin our manufacturing process. From ordering materials to constructing the signs, each step is tracked through our ERP software. The PM can see what stage each job is in and can track all required metrics to properly plan for the next steps. As the product completes it makes one last stop in the QC department before heading out the door. Here we inspect blemishes, confirm the product is built to spec and all required parts for installation are included. Photos are taken from all angles and uploaded for the PM to review and release.
Installation
Installation is where Trademark got its start. We self-perform all our installations, this allows us to manage the timeline, control the schedule, ensure safety, and provide quality craftsmanship. This is the most undervalued part of our industry, but we feel it is the most important piece. Most companies will say they self-perform and then they subcontract the installation to a local company hoping for success. This is where we truly shine! We hold this part of our business to exceptionally high standards compared to the rest of the industry. Our fleet of vehicles will arrive onsite clean, neat, and fully stocked to ensure a successful installation. Our technicians will be neat, clean, and in company uniforms. Each member of our field crews will have OSHA certifications, PPE, fall protection, and arial lift certifications at a minimum. Most will have much more. Before arriving onsite our crew leaders will have reviewed the job in detail with the PM and installation manager, A plan will be in place and clearly communicated prior to our arrival. Upon arrival, our crews will meet with whoever is our contact on-site and perform any check-in or safety meetings required. Then discuss details of what, where, when, and how we will be performing our work. Once agreed upon we will begin our installation. Our crews will safely secure our work area and begin the installation of the sign using all the specified methods of attachment put forth by the engineer. Signs will be installed with care, level, and in correct locations. We will clean all signs, touch up hardware, and perform a quality control check on each one before leaving the site.