Young blood: YPN strengthens the sign industry for the next generation

by | 17 September 2019 1:02 pm

Compiled by Jason Cramp

The Young Professionals Network (YPN) was created by the Sign Association of Canada’s (SAC-ACE’s) board of directors in March 2016 as a response to the recognized challenge of attracting the next generation and retaining their talent within the sign industry.

The initial iteration of the group consisted of monthly conference calls co-ordinated and lead by the SAC-ACE team (along with direction from the board of directors) with predetermined topics, ranging from industry news and events to challenges faced by members, and interesting projects they were working on.

In 2018, five key members of the YPN were nominated and accepted to the International Sign Association’s Elite program (recognizing young professionals who represent the next generation of industry leaders). Upon completion of this program, and recognizing how successful a similar group can be, the YPN restructured and re-launched at the ‘Canada night’ during the International Sign Association (ISA) Expo in Vegas in April 2019. The group’s new vision and contagious enthusiasm has already seen positive change. For instance, the YPN has since formed a board of directors to represent members across the country, it is also in the process of recruiting additional members, organizing events across the country, and planning for the future.

A solid foundation

Currently, there are eight members on the board of directors and 16 additional young professionals actively participating. The team of board members volunteers their time and effort to work together on education, events, marketing, and recruitment along with other initiatives directed toward those new to the industry.

It has been a big year for the YPN in terms of the group’s development and hosting multiple networking events in Ontario and Alberta. These events encourage the younger generation of sign professionals to come out and meet with others in the industry.

“YPN allows us to grow as individuals outside our respected company walls; it gives us the ability to connect with other like-minded, hardworking people in our industry from coast-to-coast. Being a member gives you access to exclusive events, educational programs, and networking opportunities,” says Matthew Lavery of Spectra Signs in Vaughan, Ont., and president of the SAC-ACE YPN. “Further, I feel YPN is beneficial to each member because it asserts someone as a leader and gives them the chance to be creative while, at the same time, opening doors to making connections in and around the industry, which in turn can expand each company’s outreach.

“I am excited about the future, the team, and our vision. There is nothing more inspiring than a group of highly motivated and skilled young professionals who put their minds together to accomplish one goal—leading the future of the sign industry by creating a network of the best young professionals Canada has to offer.”

The sweet smell of success

There are many reasons why the current YPN members have joined this group and continue to prosper in the sign industry.

“I am extremely passionate about this work. Having the opportunity to network, bounce ideas, and share experiences with other colleagues in the same age bracket is invaluable,” says Lee Murphy of Access Signs Inc., in Longueuil, Que., and co-vice-president of the SAC-ACE YPN. “The cornerstone of my engagement and passion comes from my personal background.
I grew up less fortunate, and the sign industry has given me a way to not only achieve a level of success without necessarily obtaining a specialized diploma, but to also be able to provide for my family.

“The level of awareness of the sign industry as a career option early in one’s educational path (e.g. secondary school, college, etc.) is non-existent. Through the YPN, we’re attempting to break that barrier and in turn, increase employment opportunities and provide quality candidates to this trade.”

Murphy’s counterpart as vice-president on the YPN board is Taylor Blanchett-O’Donnell, the corporate services manager of Blanchett Neon in Edmonton, Alta. As one of the founding members of the YPN, she is very involved in the group’s dynamic.

“The YPN provides me with what feels like my own personal support team,” she says. “The group has so many amazing resources I can reach out to at any time and know that I will get answers, suggestions, and recommendations based on actual experience in the sign industry.”

Cream of the crop

There are a few members of the group who have achieved the ISA Elite experience, which takes place annually at the ISA Sign Expo. After going through a rigorous application process and judging panel, young professionals employed by a company, which is an ISA member, are chosen to attend the expo as well as a leadership conference hosted by the association. However, in years past, there have been a very limited number of Canadians who have been accepted into these classes—generally four a year out of approximately 30 to 34 people.

Lavery, Blanchett-O’Donnell, Dario Giansante of Global Lux in Boucherville, Que., and Emily Butko Wallis of Signature Signs in Niagara Falls, Ont., were part of the ISA Elite class of 2018, while Murphy and Krista Edwards of Media Resources International in Oakville, Ont., were part of this year’s class. Six of the eight YPN board of directors share the ISA Elite distinction.

Meet the YPN Board of Directors

President: Matthew Lavery

Matthew Lavery is the project co-ordinator for Spectra Advertising and Signs in Concord, Ont. He is the founder and director of the Young Professionals Network (YPN) and sits on the Sign Association of Canada’s (SAC-ACE’s) board for the events and fundraising committee. He also serves a role on the SAC board for Sign Expo Canada 2019. Lavery is extremely passionate about the youth movement in the sign industry and participates passionately in a co-op exchange program with a local high school, as well as the association’s Sign Manufacturing Day. With a background in sign installations, painting, sales, and project co-ordination, he has dedicated his passion and drive to the sign industry for the past 12 years and is comfortable giving advice or recommendations based on his experience. In 2018, Lavery was accepted into the ISA Elite program.

Vice-president: Taylor Blanchett-O’Donnell

Taylor Blanchett-O’Donnell is part of the fourth generation to work at Blanchett Neon, a family-owned and operated custom sign company in Western Canada. Blanchett is one of the founding members of the Young Professionals Network (YPN) and is an active member in both the provincial and national sign association. Blanchett is devoted and driven to promoting the sign industry as a viable career path. In her role as corporate services manager, she is responsible for business development, health and safety, brand presence, strategic direction, and works alongside senior management and the ownership group to develop, demonstrate, and execute the company’s vision of excellence. Blanchett-O’Donnell was named to the ISA Elite class of 2018.

Vice-president: Lee Murphy

Lee Murphy is a senior sales representative for Access Signs Inc., in Longueuil, Que. Through the Young Professionals Network (YPN), he promotes the signage industry as a rewarding career option to the younger generation. As a senior sales representative, he is responsible for business development, client satisfaction, and expanding Access Signs’ visibility throughout the industry. Lee was named to the ISA Elite class of 2019 and was recognized as an industry influencer throughout North America.

Director of education: Christopher Cicero

Christopher Cicero is a founding member of the Young Professionals Network (YPN) and is active in various trade groups, trade shows, events, and his local community. He started his career in tool and die before moving on to mechanical engineering where he studied product design. Cicero is now with Roland, a manufacturer of wide-format inkjet printers for the sign, apparel, textile, personalization, and
vehicle graphics markets, and is responsible for sales and business development across Canada. With his technical background, he manages engravers, 3D printers, computer numerical control (CNC) milling machines, and medical product lines.

Director of events: Krista Edwards

[2]Krista Edwards has been in the sign industry for nine years and is a project manager and sales representative for Media Resources Inc. She recently graduated from Sheridan College with honours in project management. Edwards represents the second generation of her family in the industry; the sign business has affected most aspects of her life and she intends to keep it that way.

Director of recruitment and outreach: Dario Giansante

[3]Dario Giansante has been working in the sign industry since 2013. As the director of recruitment and outreach, his goal is to assemble the best and brightest young minds from across the country to help grow the Young Professionals Network (YPN) in both quality and quantity. He has worked in multiple facets of the industry, including sign supply/distribution, assembly, and as an installation supervisor for a trade show exhibit company. His varied roles in different companies have provided him with a vast range of experience. Currently, Giansante is a regional sales manager with Global Lux. He was named to the ISA Elite class of 2018.

Director of marketing and design: Stacey Gagne

[4]Stacey Gagne is the business development manager at Signex Manufacturing in Manitoba. She leads the company’s sales and pre-production teams and promotes its products, services, and quality. Gagne, who always looks for creative ways to expand clientele and build long-lasting relationships with existing and new clients, started working for Signex in 2010 as a graphic designer. Having completed the Building Supervisors for Tomorrow program through the Winnipeg Construction Association, her wide range of knowledge and experience has allowed her to work alongside many contractors, project managers, and architects on several noteworthy projects. Gagne is also on the board of the Young Construction Leaders of Manitoba and is part of several committees such as the Winnipeg Chamber Ambassadors program, City of Steinbach business development committee, and Summer in the City. She is also an active member of the Manitoba Women in Construction.

Director at large: Mark Wallis

[5]Mark Wallis started working for his parents’ Niagara, Ont.-based sign company, Signature Sign and Image, at the age of 15. From design and project management to installation, fabrication, and service, he has always been involved in every aspect of the business. Upon completing his degree in multimedia and design production at Fanshaw College, Wallis returned to join his parents as a co-owner in the family business. Recently, Wallis has taken the sign shop to the next level by investing in a variety of new equipment and expanding the services and products the shop offers, as well as modernizing the business operations by introducing new project management software. Wallis was named to the ISA Elite class of 2017. That same year, he was awarded the Outstanding Young Professional by the Sign Association of Canada.

 

 

Source URL: https://www.signmedia.ca/young-blood-ypn-strengthens-the-sign-industry-for-the-next-generation/

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