To maintain quality control, the company manages as much of the process in-house as possible.
SMC: What type of projects have you been working on recently?
TB: Our vision statement is, “For developers, municipalities, and organizations truly looking to stand out, we will be the partner for quality signage and iconic features.”
We continue to find ourselves specializing in those types of projects: freestanding pylons; entrance signs/monuments (for both developments and municipalities); wayfinding; channel letters; corporate rebranding; and the one-off, too big, too complicated projects no one else can or wants to do.
SMC: How much of the sign installation process is handled in-house?
TB: To maintain quality control, it’s our preference to manage as much of the project in-house as we can.
As a union shop, we like to keep our people busy first, but if it’s not economically viable
to travel to installation sites, we’ve built a partner network that spans across North America, to provide competitive installation services to our customers.
All co-ordination is fully managed in-house by our installation co-ordinator and project management team.
SMC: What tools and equipment do you currently use to complete your projects?
TB: Recent investments in our facility and equipment include an Altec LS87 boom truck, in addition to our two existing LS63 models, all upgraded in the past two years; a computer numerical control (CNC) folding brake; and a pressure laminator. We also have five metal benches, two operational paint booths, a paint prep booth, three channel letter benches, and more than 20 fabrication staff to ensure the work is completed right, the first time.
SMC: What are some of the steps involved in your planning process?
TB: We employ industry experts in all avenues of the business, from sales to graphic design, drafting and estimating, production planning, and fabrication and installation.
By taking a consultative approach, we’re able to ensure we deliver the right signage display to our clients—whatever that means to them—by involving all of the necessary parties early on in the planning process,
while providing a single point of contact to our customers.
Further, site surveys are mandatory on every project, to ensure accuracy and completeness, and to prevent future change orders back to our customers.
Since the beginning, Blanchett has believed in delivering high-quality products that are designed to stand the test of time.
SMC: How is technology changing the way you run your business?
TB: Technology has allowed us to expand our professional networks, to reach both new customers and industry connections in signage, construction, and the local business market.
By capitalizing on these connections, we’re able to greatly expand our knowledge base, through new and innovative products and ways of doing things, as well as our experience, by relying on the feedback of others who may have gone through similar circumstances.
Technology has also allowed us to become more efficient. The recent purchase of our CNC folding brake results in a faster produced, higher quality product that we no longer have to rely on outside suppliers for.
SMC: What is the key to staying successful in this industry?
TB: Knowing we’re only as good as the people we employ and ensuring we’re bringing in top talent—both from within the industry and outside of it.
It’s also important to stand behind your values. A race to the bottom doesn’t serve your business, the industry, or your customers.
SMC: What are your future plans for the growth of your business?
TB: Blanchett will continue to elevate the standards for the sign industry. Our goal is to model safe and innovative signage displays that stand the test of time, expand on our legacy of excellence over the past 75 years, and execute plans for a new facility to achieve our goals of growth, creativity, and innovation.
