Collaborative Sign Design – Cambridge Pallet

From Networking To Collaboration

Networking has always been a focus for The Sign Depot.  Through networking we build great business relationships within our community.  This is how the Cambridge Pallet reception sign came about.  Through connecting with Jorge Meneses we were able to refer business back and forth between our companies and learn more about our interests outside of our companies as well.  In fact we are now committee members for Movember KW, swap vacation stories and assist each other with community involvement fundraising events.  Because we have gotten to know each other well throughout the years, when it came to creating a sign for Cambridge Pallet, it became a collaborative effort.

Sharing Sign Design Ideas

Jorge had let us know that Cambridge Pallet was looking for an interior sign for their office area.  He envisioned steel letters in the reception area.  We suggested to take it one step further and have a replica wood pallet added to the sign design.  These sign ideas were put together to create a sign that reflects their company and their brand.  While this might not be the exact definition of collaborative design, we feel that this was a great way to work together to create a unique 3 dimensional sign.

Building A Pallet Sign

To create the pallet sign we began with MDF board, which is a great material for interior signage. It was cut and assembled to replicate a wood pallet.

It was then finished to match the colour they use for their pallets.  After the paint finish was complete, the text portion was added to the sign project. The brushed metal letters were pin mounted to the sign to create dimension.

Once the sign was fully assembled, our installers placed in the reception area of Cambridge Pallet.  Since its arrival both staff and clients have remarked with how much they like the new sign and that it is a great representation of the company.

Build A Sign Around Your Brand

Whether you connect with in person at networking events or online through our social channels, we want to collaborate with you to create a sign that reflects your company and brand. Visit our CONTACT US page to get the process started.

         

The Importance Of Custom Signs – Global Entrepreneurship Week

Global Entrepreneurship Week Information

Mid November means the start of Global Entrepreneurship Week.  This is a week for entrepreneurs world wide to celebrate their accomplishments and tackle new goals. It is also a time for governments to look how to assist businesses from a political point of view.  Here at Sign Depot we recognize Global Entrepreneurship Week as a time for companies to look towards the new year and see how their custom signs can be refreshed to increase brand awareness and push sales.

How Custom Signs Assist Entrepreneurs

Whether you are a startup, an expanding business, a family run business or a business to business company, the right kind of custom signs can elevate your company in the marketplace.  Below are a few examples of businesses that use custom signs as part of their marketing strategy.

Supporting Startups With Custom Signs

Thamlic Labs is a great example of a company that began as a startup in the Communitech Tannery building an has gone from tech startup to an Internet of Things business.

Another way we custom signs have been used is by startup incubators such as Velocity.  They have changed their branding as their involvement with startups changes.

Custom Signs For An Ever Expanding Business

If you are a fan of Dragon’s Den then you will recognize Balzac’s Coffee Roasters as one of their ongoing success stories.  As they continue to open locations their custom signs reflect the surrounding area of each location.

Finding A Way For Family Run Business To Stand Out From The Surroundings

Robin’s Goldsmithing is a locally run family business that is known well in the community.  To make their customers aware of a location change they used a mix of temporary and permanent custom signs to ensure they kept their current clientele and attract new customers to their establishment.

Help Build Your Business To Business Company With Custom Signs

Some businesses are not retail based, but rather business to business based otherwise known as B2B.  Little Mushroom Catering was known to many in Southern Ontario as the go to catering company for their business. Their focus on B2B, brand recognition and word of mouth referral has since brought them into the wedding catering space as well.  This opens a brand new sector of clientele to their company and thus and increase in sales.

Do you know an entrepreneur that uses custom signs as part of their sales and marketing strategy? We would like to learn more about them during Global Entrepreneurship Week.  Let us know their story in the comments.

As always, feel free to CONTACT US for any custom signs you require.

     

Sign Depot Business Client Spotlight – The Bauer Kitchen’s Amandah Wood

Get To Know Amandah Wood

1. Amandah can you tell us about your role at The Bauer Kitchen?

As New Media Culturalist for the Charcoal Group, I manage The Bauer Kitchen’s online community through their Twitter account @thebauerkitchen and their Facebook page. In addition I was brought on to update the overall online presence of TBK, by developing a new website, that functions on every device and represents the TBK brand more effectively. The new site reflects TBK’s upbeat, soho image and allows guests to make reservations, browse food and drink menus and check out upcoming events. I love being able to interact with TBK’s guests online everyday, the restaurant has a vibrant community and loyal regulars which makes my job really rewarding.

2.       What drew you to this role?

I was originally recommended to Jody Palubiski (Managing Partner of the Charcoal Group) and Cindy Perri (Brand Guardian) by a friend on Twitter who had been following the stuff I had been working on during my Bachelor’s degree. I reached out to Jody and Cindy and we discussed how my experience might make me the kind of person they were looking for. I was about to graduate from the New Media program at Ryerson University and was overjoyed at the possibility of working for a group that had been such a huge part of my life growing up in Kitchener-Waterloo region. Time and again the group has proved not only their excellence in service and food but they truly believe in supporting local, and hand crafting every possible element of the dining experience. They also embrace new technology and innovation and try to think outside of the box. I knew I would have no trouble representing a restaurant that aligned so perfectly with things I care so deeply about. This is what really drew me to the role.

3.       The restaurant industry has a lot of competition.  What do you do to make sure that The Bauer Kitchen stands out? 

The short answer to this is that the incredible team at TBK makes it easy. Conrad and his team are consistent when it comes to attention to detail, positivity, and passionate service. Chef Brian leads a culinary team as equally passionate in their craft and supporting the local food community surrounding them.

I believe this is what keeps people coming back.In terms of online I work hard to make sure our online presence reflects that of our restaurant. When someone tweets us, has praise, concern, or simply checks in on Foursquare when they visit, we reach out to them to thank them for coming. It’s also very important that we let the community see the ‘human’ side of the brand, that we are local individuals and real people just like them. Society also loves to share photos of their food and TBK guests are no different. There are hundreds of photos on Instagram from our guests enjoying cocktails, food and time with friends. We share these photos on our website and social feeds because guests enjoy seeing real people’s experiences. I work with two very talented designers who hand craft every design element on the website, our social materials and branding overall. They’re the ones who make everything look fantastic and maintain the TBK brand. TBK walks the walk the brand has so much to say and so much depth in character. It’s really because of the people who build it, and I just do my best to make sure we’re telling those stories.

4.       What do you think are some of the deciding factors that keep customers coming back to The Bauer Kitchen?

Consistency & passion. Business folks bring their clients for meetings because they know they’ll get the same great experience every time. Friends come back because they love the diverse selection of cocktails and the upbeat environment that makes it ideal for socializing. Wine lovers know they’ll always find something they like as our sommelier Jake keeps the extensive wine list ever changing and of course the delicious, delicious food. Together, this team exudes this passion that all of the Charcoal Group restaurants have, and that, is truly magnetic.

5.       How do you attract new clientele to the establishment?

By always thinking two-steps ahead. We use technology to our advantage. the maegan™ platform is a good example of this by introducing new ways for a guest to use the restaurant experience. We are always asking ourselves “what’s next?”.We also love socializing events like Cinq a Sept, that reflect the casual and social nature of The Bauer Kitchen and the community surrounding it. Every Thursday between 5pm to 7pm we encourage people to join us around the bar for drinks and good conversation, we also provide complimentary appetizers that offer a sample of our menu.  Teaming up with other local businesses is such a great way to build connections and introduce us to new markets. For example, using local suppliers like the Bauer Butcher and Caudle’s Catch on our menus, Promotional Elements for parts of our employee’s uniforms and retail program in the Bakery, Sign Depot for signage needs, local contractors for architectural elements, offer in restaurant promotion like our last one with Goliger’s travel, Centre in the Square and Spike Mobile for additional promotions, and supporting local arts and technology (ie. maegan and Communitech) in events. That’s just a few off the top of my head, there’s too many to mention but we are always interested in connections.Mostly we reach out into the community and leverage word of mouth via regular guests and those who have enjoyed their experiences in the past.

Business Branding With Signs – Why 2014 Will Be All About Brand Trust

Focus On Branding

In earlier posts we have discussed business branding and why focusing on branding better is so important to your business. Finding ways to make a visual impact with a custom sign to match your branding, adds to your company brand recognition, as well as brand trust.

You’ve Built Your Brand – Now What?

Remember your branding needs to be a representation of what your company stands for and how your clients feel about your business.  Use the quick checklist below to see which terminolgy best represents your brand.

 You can read more about this on our blog post about showing your best attributes.

Now that you have a grasp of how to best represent your brand, you need to ensure your company reflects that image.  You want your business to stand out among your competition by ensuring you are the best of the best. When you always strive to be at the top of your industry, you are building trust with your clients.  Brand trust helps increase the word of mouth advertising about your company.  Here are four focus points that can get others talking about your brand.

1. Quality – Everyone wants a well made product
2. Service – Taking the extra step to exceed expectations
3. Sourcing – They may come to you for additional projects that were not part of their orginal inquiry
4. B2B Relationships – Happy clients are sure to refer your company to others

While these may not be the top points for all companies and services, they are ones the expert sign makers at The Sign Depot focus on.  Well made custom signs that exceed our clients expectations. Full branding from exterior signs, interior wayfinding, vehicle decals and window graphics make it easy for our clients to refer us to their colleagues.

How Will You Improve Your Branding In 2014?  We want to hear about the steps you plan to take in the new year.  Leave us comment, send us tweet or update us on facebook with your branding ideas for 2014