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alltex

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Posts posted by alltex

    Local competitor being scared? Or an A Hole?

    in General Message Board

    Posted

    I've been getting 3 calls a day from different "google" search engine companies. So I decided to type in my business name, ALLTEX Signs. Above my listing, this ad appears from Signs Manufacturing. See link http://www.signsmanufacturing.com/signage/Alltex_Signs.htm?gclid=CPDuyKOov7oCFSNp7AodJnsAOw

    I guess they're either scared, or assholes. I've forwarded this to my attorney. Doesn't seem to be too ethical. But coming from these guys, it doesn't surprise me. But I do plan on contacting the TX Dept of Licensing and filing a formal complaint. I've never OK'd the use of my business name in their advertisement. Plus I have to put my TSCL# (state license number) on any form of advertising.

    If the link doesn't work, the ad say's this across the top.

    Before you purchase a sign from Alltex Signs consider Signs Manufacturing Corporation

    Range Rover

    in General Message Board

    Posted

    Those dudes are dumb asses. I've had rice rockets doing wheelies fly by me doing 90+ mph. I've never been in a situation where a gang of them try to stop my vehicle. I do drive a F350 4x4 dually.. With that, and being from TX. I guess they figure I'm packing "my little friend" with me...

    I have no sympathy for the "douche bag biker" that got ran over. His story of "just trying to help diffuse the situation". Is as bogus, as his suspended license.

    L E D RECOMMENDATIONS

    in General Message Board

    Posted

    Angie, not trying to open a can of worms but... You really need to research the LED's your going to use. If this sign has any intricate bends (you can only do with neon). This sign has a 100% chance of looking like crap. The LED flex in my opinion works OK for border, or possibly real large letters. I've worked with the Sloan before. You're not going to be able to do small letters, or intricate work, and pull it off. This is not due to your abilities. It's the limits of the product. I'd get your supply house's rep involved.

    I would love to see some pics of the sign. Maybe it will work..

    MET Laboratories UL48 Program???

    in General Message Board

    Posted

    Had the exact same experience. Finally gave up and went UL.. Sure there's more hoops to jump through with UL. But UL was responsive, and have their UL48 program together. I know my local sign inspectors will recognize the UL label.

    I really gave MET too many chances to get my money. I spent over 5 weeks, dicking around with MET. And still was spinning my wheels. I to had multiple prices from MET. It seemed they're real new to the UL48 program. I was worried about their support structure, and honestly, their commitment to me.

    The Drake Hotel Sign

    in General Message Board

    Posted

    Great post Erik! We're currently fabricating a "retro" neon entrance sign for a restaurant. This customer loves neon. And we love making neon signs for him.

    I'm not saying that we don't use LED's. 85% of our letters are LED's. I explain the differences to our customers. But most customers now have been brainwashed into thinking LED's are the answer for their lighting needs.

    Graphic Artist / Assistant needed Garland, TX.

    in General Message Board

    Posted

    Looking for someone experienced in Corel, photo shop, and plotting/cutting vinyl. This will be about 50% of your job. You will also be helping filling out work orders. Filling out permit applications. And other general fun office stuff. Basic knowledge of electrical sign fabrication is a plus. This is a full time job, at our location.

    We're located in Garland, TX.. Competitive pay, 1/2 medical, vacation and holiday pay.

    Mark Ulrich

    mark@alltexsigns.com

    ALLTEX Signs

    2213 Executive Dr.

    Garland TX 75041

    972 278 7446 off

    972 578 1233 cell

    Anyone have a policy or rule for installers smoking?

    in General Message Board

    Posted

    Do you guys actually own your companies and have you for long???

    Do you believe that a smoker will NOT smoke in YOUR truck if that is the rule..... The reason the truck stinks is not because smokers are in it it's because as an employee they don't care about YOUR rules. Out of site is out of mind. EVERY smoker I have ever had working for me has broken the no smoking rules to the point that every now and then I have had to fire one. That usually cuts down on the smoking on the job for a short time.

    My advise don't hire smokers if you can avoid it (whoops illegal to discriminate so hire them) or accept that things are going to smell bad..... Some guys are well worth the smell though.

    Yup, I own my business. I have a lot of employees who smoke. Like I stated earlier. My guys know where and when they can smoke. I don't sweat the small stuff. I have yet to have one customer complain about anyone smoking. 22-23 yrs in the sign business, working for others and owning my own. I've heard about every fictional, and non fictional complaint. I never recall hearing one about smoking. To each his own.

    Anyone have a policy or rule for installers smoking?

    in General Message Board

    Posted

    Sunflower seeds and chewing tobacco....My sunflower seed problem has moved on to better things...Tobacco spitter's....Now that's my pet peeve. Finding spit cups, and seeing spit stains on my shop floor. That'll get you an ass chewing... Also, COFFEE!!! At least 2 times a week, there's a random coffee left in my office. Or strategically placed on a forklift, sign, shear....I don't drink coffee, and despise the smell of it.

    The Demand for more Neon - The Beginning?

    in News

    Posted

    Last night was fun. I didn't think I'd enjoy dealing with the ding bats, who consider themselves, "Historic Preservationists." All I can say is they will be the death of their city. 2 out of 6 agreed neon would be OK. (the only men on the board). I thought I could sway 1 of the ladies. But the other 3 women...No way... They have a chip on their shoulder. Mainly due to their failing businesses..Yes, one of that brain trust flat out said. "All the businesses here are suffering because people can't find them, and lack of parking." I explained again, I can solve everyone's visibility problems...

    I explained to them when neon was first used. How the signs were fabricated, the advancement of neon over the last 100 years, and how it can be presented to enhance their beloved architecture, and how that correlated with the introduction of electricity to their city. That was my Braveheart Speech, I swayed that one lady! The other 3 stayed entrenched on preserving the integrity of their beloved town square. I then pointed out, this sign was 1 block off their town square...Nothing will shift the brain trusts minds..

    I actually got 5 out of 6 to agree to let our sign be 15' tall vs the 7' allowed. The brain trust then decided my customers colors were not "Historic".. "Red, White, and Blue are not historic? It's the color of the American and the Texas State flag! How more historic can you get?" I replied... The 2 guys laughed, and agreed. The brain trust forwarded me to look at the Home Depot, Lowes, or Sherwin Willimas historic paint swatches. Yup, those paint suppliers who can't get 2 cans to match. Are the cities curators of historic colors..

    I explained to them indirect lighting will not help out my customers visibility. Due to the existing amount of ambient lighting in the downtown area...

    After the meeting, my customer was willing to give into them. I told him, he's the one who wanted me to push for neon, and that's what he wanted. But I would do what ever he wants.

    I have a great idea, that will meet their historic guidelines, and piss off the brain trust. My work now begins...

    • Like 1

    The Demand for more Neon - The Beginning?

    in News

    Posted

    Tomorrow I'll have the distinct privilege of attempting to promote NEON to a cities Historical Preservation Committee. I've already heard from the city officials, that my customer and myself will not be pleased with the outcome. This "HPC" believe's their downtown should preserve the look and feel of the 1880's. And neon was not invented and used for signs during that time period.

    I can't wait to walk into their Historic County Building, which was built around circa 2005. Enjoy all of the old time conveniences that were available to everyone in the 1880's. Such as; Air Conditioning, Electricity, Lighting,Power Point displays, Microphones, paved roads, horseless buggies, toilets, and running water,....And the "HPC"s preferred sign type...Hand made computer assisted plotted vinyl on MDO or Aluminum. With goose neck lighting fixtures.

    This city, courted my customer to bring his restaurant in, to expand their tourism, His chain is known by virtually everyone in N. TX.. He is highly successful in his other old downtown areas. Brings in an average of 250,000+ people a year. He allows me to build outstanding neon signs. Which he and I both believe is the eye candy and image of his locations.

    Except for this location. After 5 years, people can't find him. He's 1 block off the square. His 3' x 5' oval wooden sign, surrounded by an ivy encrusted arbor. Blocked by neighboring buildings. Just doesn't have the impact it could have had, 130 yrs ago.

    Kind of funny how his landlord, the City. Even asked him to donate to their tourism budget. I was there when that question was presented 2 weeks ago. Let's say some ears are still burning.

    I'll update ya'll on Friday. I'm armed with a lot of neon facts. I even have a picture of their beloved historic theater. Showing a nice neon marquee entrance. (Which now has been covered up with historical pre finished brushed sliver panels, with historic plotted vinyl in neon patterns.)

    • Like 1

    Sign Estimator salary

    in General Message Board

    Posted

    I understand. 10 years of experience should be good enough for anyone to understand their job. But the million dollar question is, can they do their job? I've seen estimators who were on the ball, detailed oriented, understood basic fabrication and install times. But missed obvious issues with installation or the fabrication. And we got soaked.

    I do all of my companies estimating. Some of my customers can verify, it takes me a long time to kick out a quote. I wear a lot of hats. I'm going on 23 yrs in electrical signs. I still miss stuff. But I quote by material cost, raw labor, over head, then determine my final sale price.

    We really don't talk salaries, prices or mark ups on this site. All I can say is I pay my people very well, and do my best by them. I expect the same in return.

    Sign Estimator salary

    in General Message Board

    Posted

    Good question. All my employees think they're not making enough. And I think I'm paying them too much. Using that as a formula E=(-$) + I=(+$) = $0 x 10(years) = $0.00

    I hope that was helpful. Just trying to do my part, since no one else chimed in.

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