Snoochie

Phil; I have to heartily and respectfully disagree with you. This site brings clarity to the industry as it pertains to some Nationals. Some, not all, is key here. As Paul stated, pay your bills on time and according to contract and your name will not be posted in a bad light. Everyone will be happy as he indicated. Don't pay and BS your way through the process and no one will be happy. And just to be fair, the Sub should perform in a workmanlike and Professional manner. If not, then the National should be allowed to hold payment to the sub until the problem is rectified. But in many cases, the intent seems to get interest free financing for months as the bill is finally paid with no action other than just being late. For the record, you company has been portrayed in a positive manner here. Maybe you should mentor some of the other Nationals who can't seem to have a check printed, signed and sent in a timely fashion. Best

Darn Erik, We shouldn't have to suffer through these cloudy days. This cold weather is just making it hard to work outside. Best

Hold on guys, we have our cold snaps as well in Cali. This weekend it is going to drop to a frigid 70 degrees with a slight chance of sprinkles. I might even have to put on long pants and a sweater. Can you believe that? But, the downside is this. While I am on the beach, we could get an earthquake and have the coast line fall off into the ocean and me float off into the sunset with my iced coffee in hand. Best

I worked in Manhattan Beach, Cali yesterday doing some electrical work for a national coffee chain. 77 degrees with a nice breeze and the sun shining warmly on my aching body. Finished early and walked the beach strand and followed up with a walk to the end of Manhattan Beach pier. The bikinis were out in force and the view was simply outstanding. I have to go to San Diego today so I think I will stop in Carlsbad and look at the ocean again while enjoying a nice cup of iced coffee. Best........

But definitely not better than the 22nd Group.................. Best

Erik; Just keep telling it like it is and doing what you do ! You are being noticed and making a positive difference in the real world. The fact some companies would even suggest that employees should not read or participate here should tell you all you need to know. And keep me in the loop when you complete your next sign project. I enjoy looking at your work up close and personal. But please, give K Girl a break and do the job your darn self without the possibility of her ruining her nails................. Best

Who is going to win or who do I like? Don't know who will win but I know who I like. I am going with the Seahawks on this one. No matter what the outcome, I am going to enjoy my Sunday and the game. Hope everyone else does the same. Best

Goodness, how could I possibly forget. A special thanks goes out to the real driving force behind The Syndicate........ "The Lovely K Girl". I hope Erik has taken you out to Fleming's or some other high dollar restaurant after your heroics with the sign at PB. Best

I notice we just blew by 5900 members. Next stop 6000........ About two days ago I ran into a technician from Jones Sign in North San Diego. I was working at a national coffee chain and he was working next door. I needed a part and asked him if a Walters Electric Wholesale was nearby. We sat and spoke for a brief while and had an interesting conversation ranging from Title 24, sign installs all the way to Ultra Signs and its current resting place at Jones Sign. The technician was working off a nice new lift truck and after speaking with him, i concluded he was extremely knowledgeable about signs and electrical. He really knew his stuff which does prove that there are some competent technicians out there. They can be hired if the economic benefits are there. Of course I brought up the Sign Syndicate and he had never heard of it. Now he has.I brought out the trusty IPad and took him on the site. I showed him some posts regarding his former and current company and encouraged him to register. I told him this site was an invaluable tool to many subcontractors and a thorn in the side of many national contractors. I parted by reiterating that he should join and encourage others around him to do the same. We both went on our way and I am happy that I made a new friend out in the Cosmos. All was in balance in my little world thanks to Erik and The Syndicate......... Best

Nothing............. Best

Mark; You are correct. If a price is posted for you to see before a salesman can give you the never ending pitch, it doesn't fit into the sales strategy. Best

If anyone is providing service to Wet Seal directly or through a National Contractor, be vigilant. This company is facing the "Dirt Nap" pronto and I would venture to say monies will not be dispersed for work performed very soon. They announced today that approximately 3800 hundred employees are getting axed and 2/3 of their stores are closing. They are selling everything off in the stores like there is no tomorrow, which is probably accurate. I used to provide service to these folks through an NSP out of Dallas, Texas, but that was a awhile back. Their sister store was "Arden B' and I can only assume they are riding the train off the tracks as well. Hopefully no one will be affected by this. Best

Back at ya my Indiana brother. My best to you and everyone on this venue who strive to practice this profession in an honest manner with the highest level of integrity. Hopefully everyone has a fantastic 2015. I feel blessed just to be alive and living in the USA all the while doing something I love to do. Best

Eugene, I assume you must have called the sign company and what exactly did they tell you happened? Hopefully you get paid for the permit you secured. Paul is right though, always get the money for the permit upfront and then ask for an install deposit to prevent situations like this. If the company balks, it should be a forewarning of what may be an end result you will not like. Maybe the company you were contracted by was also blindsided by the end customer, you never know. But still you should be compensated for your work provided. Stay on top of the situation and I hope it is resolved in a satisfactory manner for you. Best

Erik; This "Neon Resurgence" really doesn't surprise me that much. There is nothing more beautiful than a well crafted and installed neon sign. Well, maybe only the lovely "K Girl". But her aside, nothing lights the night more dramatically than neon, period. It takes craftsmen with professional experience to give birth to a fantastic looking neon sign such as the one depicted or for that matter, the work of art you laid on the City of Pacific Beach. Signage is more than LED modules and drivers. Skill, love of the industry and a sense of pride goes into true sign work. I think you are correct in pointing out that if you are well positioned in this area and didn't walk away from the heart of your trade, good things will come. And don't fret over parts, there will always be some enterprising company that will fill the void that was created when the masses ran to the cheap LED alternative. Best

Agreed....... Kinda like the argument about stopping the proliferation of drugs. Do you blame the drug dealer or the drug user. Both are complicit in the spread of the poison. The Chinese are glad to produce every manner of junk if we are willing to buy it. I was thinking of getting out of the electrical business and going into selling fake Rolex watches. Hell I can make them for pennies on the dollar and sell them for a couple of thousand dollars less than the real thing. So who who cares if the watch was made in Vienna (or wherever Rolex is) or Beijing. Money first and everything else second. Heck, why not go for the jewel of Germany next, you know, Porsche. What is the difference between making them by German craftsmen in Stuttgart or Chinese children in Kowloon? But you are right.............money trumps everything nowadays. I don't see how education can trump this. Best

I was curious about this as my position on "Made in China" is firmly on record. Did Mcdonald's purchase these signs directly from a Chinese firm or are these signs sub-contracted by an American based company to China? Either way, they probably were fabricated in one of their child labor factories under strict standards imposed by the USA............yeah right. Best

Happy Birthday to the Photogenic Queen of cyberspace, K Girl. Keep being you my Queen and don't take any crap from that Ruffian Erik.................. Best

Gary; Like Bob Dylan said in his song.......... "The times they are a changing". Best

Erik; Apparently they owe nearly a million dollars to a defined pension fund. Defined funds are paid 100% by the employer and most companies today are not defined but contributory so I would have to assume they were union. Maybe just very benevolent............... An excerpt from an article "The largest unsecured creditor is the Sheet Metal Workers' National Pension Fund, which is owed nearly $858,000. Other unsecured creditors include Boston-based Cabot Industrial Value Fund, which is owed about $376,000 for lease obligations, and American Opto Plus LED, a California LED manufacturer, which is owed nearly $264,000, according to the filing." Best

Lori may not be afraid to climb into the trenches, but runs like a scalded dog when the road blocks become occupied by an adversary. Apparently she and her organization don't have the mettle to address the issues you brought up here on the Syndicate. I, for one, would like her explanation of how she handles some of the serial "Dead Beats" that belong to her organization or how she illuminates her position on unlicensed contractors and why her organization thinks that the unlicensed hacks are making the industry better. But alas, I think nobody over there in a position of power knows how to walk on their hind legs. Long live The Syndicate........ Best

Mark; Now who are you trying to kid? You know darn well you won't be able to stay away from the office for a week. I have followed your posts for awhile now and know you are a hard driver and a dedicated business owner. Stay away for a week.........give me a break. Giving the whole shop a break for the week, do you need a good electrician? I work cheap and i actually know my trade! Keep fighting the good fight my friend. Best

Erik; I told you that many entities are watching this site because you are like a Ray of Sunshine to the industry. And you know what they say about Sunshine............it is the best disinfectant. I always mention The Syndicate to customers and fellow contractors. Heck, I even mention this site to contractors who are in other venues because some of the same NSP's not only handle electrical, lighting and signage, but they cut across different trades. It doesn't matter if you are a Sign Contractor or HVAC contractor, you need to know who those Predators are who will potentially make your life miserable. If you think that you are are safe and lucky because your house was not burglarized last night, your home might just be next. Vigilance is the order of the day. Erik, not only are you a great Sign Man who puts out quality products, you are a Firebrand in the industry. You are providing many contractors an invaluable service which is greatly appreciated. Consider me on your "Team". I will stand by you, shoulder to shoulder, no matter the adversary.... no matter the odds. Best

Angie; The way I see it, is that if you can't get paid, it isn't real work in the first place. So don't fret not doing a job that is going to cause you nothing but problems anyway. Smart move to walk. But if you are really feeling down about not investing your money on a bad debt, take the money you would have lost and fly to Las Vegas. Put it down on the Craps table or feed it to the slot machines. At least you'll have a chance of collecting and have a good time to boot.............. Best

Erik; I find this absolutely incredible that you even have to post this........ Shouldn't it be crystal clear that this information might be helpful in locating prospective candidates for the position you are trying to fill? I guess wonders never cease. Best