Friendships In the Electric Sign Industry

[Erik Sine]

I was told not that long ago by an old guard in a conversation of the industry that you can't keep friendships in this industry because it's just "business".

I thought that was an unfortunate and sad statement to make, and maybe that's why problems exist with their own company and cause.

As long as I've had this site I've developed many relationships and made lots of new friends, but I've also had different relationships with friends depending on how it was relative to the industry, fellow sign shop, supplier/distributor, component manufacturer. I've had some try to take advantage or think that because they were a customer, had a beer with them, or have been a financial supporter of this site that they were owed some sort of favor. I've always been real clear by my actions on how I run this site that there is a clear boundary because I will not let friendship or relationship in anyway dictate, cloud, compromise and jeopardize this site in anyway and turn it into something which it is not. Selling of advertising, products is always second and integrity of this site is always #1, and as most of you know who have been on this site long enough I've been more than happy to loose or toss that aside as it's happened overtime.

So, I've had to let some people go over time. Friendships built on honesty, loyalty by individuals can carry and across crossing or parallel lines.

I have many friends that I call family, I consider many on this site to be a family, family doens't always have to agree but honesty and loyalty is key.....and there is not much I WOULDN'T do for family.

Anyway, just some closing of the week thoughts

[Snoochie]

Erik,

I, for one, appreciate all that you and K Girl do with this venue for all us Contractors to take advantage of.

For me "Integrity" and "Respect" stand out at the forefront of what led me to and keeps me riveted to The Syndicate. The other two balance out this 360 degree sign you have on display. All, though, are mutually important

Respect......... You can't command this from me as it must be earned. I don't take it lightly and I give it only and I repeat only when it is earned and deserved. Erik you have both earned it and deserve it and I freely give it to you my friend.

You are a fantastic Administrator and a Doggone good sign Professional. You and the lovely K Girl deserve all the great things that I know come to you now will come to you in the future.

Please don't change, keep giving them hell and keep putting out the beautiful signs that you do. You are a credit to this industry and do us all proud.

Thanks for allowing me to be part of this.

Peace Out........ Josey Wales, I mean Erik.

[Erik Sine]

Thank you for the kind words Dom. One day I hope to have a beer with you,hopefully under one of the signs I did

I was asked why I posted this, and if anyone is wondering it's because lately in person and over the phone I've been helping/doing some things with members of this site and they let me know how much they appreciate it, and I let them know how much I appreciate what they have done for me now, and in the past.....and well it's reciprocal.

So I thought back to the old conversation above and I thought that to be sad. Wish I could elaborate more on it, as there is more to it and behind it, but it's not important. Some people will be lonely all their lives and those that wish to follow under them in that work motto will be too.