From meeting longstanding customers and getting hands-on in the production centre, to setting fresh goals for growth and community impact, it’s been an exciting introduction to life at the helm of a dynamic signage business.
We hear from Junior, “Two months into ownership and the word I keep hearing, and saying, is journey. And that’s exactly what this has been so far: a challenging, rewarding, eye-opening journey into a completely new world of business.
Coming from a B2C background, running a B2B signage business has been a big shift. It’s far more proactive, I’ve had to get out there, meet people, build relationships and make sure I’m visible in the local business community. That part, I’ve really enjoyed and it’s something I really thrive on. Site visits have gone really well, and it’s been great getting to know customers face-to-face, hearing about their needs and being able to recommend the right signage solution for them.
I’m gaining confidence when it comes to quoting and understanding the pricing structure more and more each day. In the beginning, it felt overwhelming, but I’ve worked hard to streamline the processes to suit my ways of working and find a rhythm that works for me. I’m also learning the ins and outs of our systems and figuring out how to work more efficiently, which makes a real difference day-to-day.
I’ve been lucky to have brilliant support from Jeff, Stuart, Grace, Ryan, Emma and Jonathan at the Franchise Support Centre, they’ve been incredibly helpful and always available when I’ve had questions. Having that guidance behind me has made a huge difference, especially in these first few weeks.
Working alongside Ash, my sign maker, has also been a massive asset. He knows his craft inside out and having that kind of skill and experience on-site is essential. We work well together, and that teamwork has made it easier to deliver great results from day one.
I’m starting to understand more about the variety of signage options out there and what’s involved in each project. What’s become clear is that it’s not about selling a product, it’s about finding the right solution for each customer that fits their expectations, budget and timeline.
As I settle into the role, I’m beginning to put my own stamp on things. I’ve got a better sense now of the types of projects I want to focus on and what success could look like for me and the business. It’s also been great to see new business starting to come through the door, which is always encouraging.
That said, I know I need to carve out more time for customer outreach and marketing activity to keep building brand awareness in the Huddersfield and Halifax areas. I plan to use my personality to connect with people and build meaningful relationships and I’m learning to have more confidence in myself as I go.
There’s still so much to learn, and I know this is a 12-month journey and beyond, not a sprint. But I’m enjoying the challenge and I’m proud of the progress we’ve made already. I’m looking forward to what the next few months bring and I’m excited to keep growing the business, one step at a time.”
With a passion for quality, a drive to succeed and the support of a national network behind him, Junior is already making his mark. His focus over the coming months? Building strong local partnerships, growing the team and ensuring Signs Express continues to be the go-to provider for signage across Huddersfield, Halifax and beyond.
