Vancouver Sign Group: Chasing the vision to “make it happen”

by | 7 July 2020 3:48 pm

[1]By Sonia Yooshing

Founding a new company not only involves formulating a terrific business strategy; it also means days, often months, of planning and preparation, risk evaluation, and endless questions about the unknown. Yes, it does sound daunting at first, but for those that are able to move past these challenges, a world of endless opportunities awaits. One such organization, Vancouver Sign Group Inc. (VSG), was able to chase the vision and take their business to soaring heights. Recently founded in 2019, the company, as some may think, is still in its infancy; however, the firm constitutes the expertise of two separate sign shops—Scott Paragon Signs and Zippy Signs—making success an inevitable outcome.

Sign Media Canada recently spoke with VSG’s vice-president of sales and director, Jordan Jacobs, to learn more about the company’s history, its signmaking process, recent projects, and how the sign shop is conducting business amid a global pandemic.

Sign Media Canada (SMC): What is the history of the shop?

Jordan Jacobs (JJ): Scott Screen Process, founded by Bill Scott in 1941, was an exclusive screenprinting shop located in the heart of Vancouver’s South Granville district, producing items such as decals and posters primarily for the real estate industry. In 1962, Scott handed down the company to his two sons, Joe and Bob Scott, where they continued growing the business for more than 40 years.

In 2004, the current president and CEO of VSG, Robbie Jacobs, along with his son Duane purchased the assets of Scott Screen Process and, two years later, those of Paragon Signs, a large-format and custom fabrication shop. The resulting company, Scott Paragon Signs, was formed in 2006, an organization that has continued its growth organically year-over-year in the wide-format digital printing and custom 3D sign markets with local and national accounts.

Zippy Signs was established in 1990 by Alnoor Virani. Following his unexpected demise in 2012, the company was taken over by close relatives Tazmina and Mahmood Mangalji, who, at the time, did not possess much knowledge about the sign industry. That said, the duo never allowed their lack of experience get in the way of the company’s success; they were able to build the business with their “get it done” attitude and focused on fostering valuable customer relationships.

In 2019, the two companies joined forces to create Vancouver Sign Group Inc.

SMC: How large is the facility?

JJ: Until recently, we had two facilities running. We made the executive decision to close down one location so all the staff was under one roof. This made it relatively easier to manage our projects.

Our current facility has more than 1161 m² (12,500 sf) of printing and fabrication space. At the moment, we have 28 members on our team or family—as we like to call it here.

SMC: What type of signage does your shop primarily make?

JJ: At VSG, we do not often say “no” to projects regardless of their size or level of detail. That said, the shop primarily focuses on direct large-format printing, roll-to-roll large-format printing, and custom fabrication. 

SMC: What type of projects have you been working on recently?

JJ: We have been completely immersed in the local construction boom, producing thousands of suite numbers, exterior signage, as well as sales centre and wayfinding signs. Currently, construction hoarding, site signs, and direct-to-substrate prints consume a large portion of the day.

SMC: How much of the signmaking process is handled in-house?

JJ: With a wide range of equipment and some innovation and brain power, we have the means and skills to produce nearly 99 per cent of all the products in our facility—which we do!

SMC: What tools/equipment do you use to complete your projects?

JJ: In our digital printing division, we currently have five large-format printers: HP Latex 365 and 560, two Mimaki JV33-260 eco-solvent devices, and a 1.5- x 3-m (5- x10-ft) CET Color Q5-1000 ultraviolet (UV) flatbed, with the ability to print up to 102-mm (4-in.) thick media and with white ink. We also have two Graphtec FC-8600 plotters, a Seal 62 Pro laminator, a Xerox 700 digital colour press for small-format requirements, and last but not least, our Rollover application table for easily mounting prints to rigid substrates.

In our fabrication division, we have a 1.5- x 3.7-m (5- x12-ft) and a 1.2- x 2.4-m (4- x 8-ft) computer numerical control (CNC) machine. A 0.6- x 0.9-m (2- x 3-ft) engraver handles the finer, more intricate projects. To supplement the workload when we are at maximum capacity, we make use of two laser engravers: a Trotec Speedy 300 and a 0.9- x 1.5-m (5- x 3-ft) machine. Similar to most fabrication shops, we have two welders and an array of handheld and power tools to ensure projects are completed with precision and on time.

SMC: What does your planning and design process involve?

JJ: We work closely with our partners to ensure we are all on the same page, and the customer receives what they had anticipated. We generally visit the site to take measurements, suggest the best materials for the requested signage, and provide a quote to our customers. Then, we work with one of our two in-house designers to plan and layout proofs and fabrication drawings. Once approved, the fabrication or printing process commences.

SMC: How is technology changing your business?

JJ: Technology is definitely changing the way we manage our projects and schedule sign installations. We like to keep abreast of new advances in materials and equipment to stay at the forefront of our industry, and technology has made it easier to manage work processes and deadlines today.

SMC: What makes your company unique?

JJ: We are constantly met with challenges on a daily basis. Overcoming these difficulties and exploring new and creative ways to supersede them sets us apart from the companies that choose not to challenge themselves.

I have also noticed signage is often overlooked by the end-user and left until the very last minute. We pride ourselves on working closely with our customers to understand their requirements and ensuring the final product fulfils their expectations, even if this means working around the clock to make it happen.

SMC: What is the key to staying successful in this industry?

JJ: This is a tough industry at the best of times. That said, being optimistic, keeping oneself informed of new trends and products, and having a strong team to support the business in the warehouse as well as management and sales departments is vital to staying ahead in the game.

SMC: What are the future plans for your business?

JJ: We plan to stay focused and grow the business while continuing to navigate our way into lucrative and forward-facing markets. Our goal is to evolve as a leading name in the industry and provide our clients with amazing products and services. 

SMC: How have recent COVID-19-related events affected your business?

JJ: This is a challenging time, and we all share the strain and uncertainty the pandemic brings. At VSG, we continue to put our employees first, offering any assistance we can, including financial help to make this difficult time easier on everyone.

We have cut our facility hours back and are working with reduced staff at the moment. Currently, we are busy printing a slew of Coroplast (corrugated plastic sheet) and temporary COVID-19-related signage for several industries.

 

 

 

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