Monthly Newsletter: July 2023

NEWSLETTER MONTHLY JULY

CDL SIGN DIVISION A REMARKABLE JOURNEY OF DOUBLING SALES AND PROFIT

In the fast-paced world of sign installations, CDL Sign Division has been making waves with its exceptional growth and success. Under the leadership of Chad Johnston, the Director of Sign Division, CDL’s National Account segment witnessed an incredible feat - doubling sales and profit in just one year! This remarkable achievement is a testament to the team’s dedication and their “growth-minded” approach.

Brett Wheeler, the National Account Manager for Signs, has been instrumental in fostering relationships with major national accounts. The CDL Sign Division’s expertise in Rebrand projects has gained them accolades and a strong footing in the industry. Notably, Pro Signs awarded CDL the Rebrand project for over 150 Subway locations, continuing until October. Additionally, Persona, whom they met at the ISA sign show in Atlanta, has chosen CDL for over 30 Casey’s rebrands, with more pending bids in the pipeline. The ID Associates partnership has also led to extensive work, with over 30 Tractor Supply projects scheduled until the end of the year.

To handle this remarkable growth and demand, CDL Sign Division expanded its installation team from 2 to 5 teams, totaling 10 skilled professionals. These dedicated teams work tirelessly, enduring all weather conditions and traveling extensively to accommodate national account requirements, from Iowa to Texas. Their versatility is remarkable, as they possess skills in welding, electrical work, construction, and attention to detail.

Renato Pinto, the Graphics Manager, has been leading the charge in fleet vehicle wraps for renowned clients such as Heritage Tractor and the City of Pittsburg Police Department. The division has invested in continuous education, ensuring that their vinyl technicians are adept in all areas of graphics.

The success of the CDL Sign Division would not be possible without the efforts of their incredible administrative staff. Haley Holt plays a crucial role in organizing, billing, and coordinating with five crews nationwide. Her communication skills and attention to detail have been vital in managing relationships with national accounts. Vanessa Scott handles permitting, a critical aspect that can make or break a partnership with a national account. Her expertise in navigating the complex world of licensing and paperwork ensures seamless installations.

With a relentless commitment to excellence and a forward-thinking approach, the CDL Sign Division continues to excel in the industry. The future is bright, and the division looks forward to many more years of success, driven by the dedication and passion of its talented team.

“Growth-minded” would be the phrase I would attribute to the success we’ve had over the past few years in the sign division. That mindset is evident throughout the entire division. Our commercial installers, no matter what experience they started with, can now weld, do electrical, and operate multiple types of equipment. Our vinyl technicians exercise continued education in all areas of graphics, and our administrative staff all wear many hats. A few years ago, we made the decision to aggressively pursue national accounts. Our fleet has over doubled in size, our installation team went from 3 employees to 10, and our vinyl room continues to take on new challenges. The growth would be sustainable without the continued effort and commitment from all of the employees for this division,” said Chad Johnston, Director of Sign Division.

MAINTAINER SPOTLIGHT:

WALTER LESHER

THRIVING IN WORK AND PLAY: WALTER’S PASSION FOR FAMILY AND OUTDOOR ADVENTURES

Outside of his professional commitments, Walter is proudly married and a father to two energetic boys. Keeping up with his kids’ sports activities keeps him on his toes and reminds us of the importance of striking a work-life balance. When he’s not donning his supervisor’s hat, you’ll likely find Walter immersed in nature, pursuing his passions for hunting and fishing.

Throughout his seven years with a CDL, Walter has learned a valuable lesson that he shares with all of us: when times get rough, we mustn’t give up. His unwavering determination in the face of challenges sets an excellent example for the entire team. We can all draw inspiration from his resilience and tenacity.

Walter firmly believes that growth never stops, especially in our dynamic work environment. As a signal supervisor for six years, he acknowledges that one of the most rewarding aspects of his job is the constant opportunity to learn and improve. This mindset aligns perfectly with our company’s commitment to fostering a culture of continuous learning and development. One of the key reasons Walter finds joy in his role is our company’s incredible culture. Our supportive environment allows him to excel in his responsibilities. When faced with challenging situations, Walter knows he can count on the expertise and assistance of his colleagues, such as Todd Osment and Jason Mill, who are always ready to lend a helping hand.

EMPLOYEE SPOTLIGHT: RENATO PINTO CELEBRATING TALENT AND ACHIEVEMENT

Renato Pinto, our Graphics Manager in the Sign Division at CDL has been accepted into the ISA Elite program. With over seven years of dedication and hard work in the sign, graphics, and visual communications industry, Renato’s remarkable journey from a vinyl helper to an ISA Elite member is truly inspiring.

Renato’s journey began at CDL shortly after he graduated from Pittsburg State University’s graphics department. His passion for design and dedication to his craft quickly caught the attention of his colleagues and superiors. From day one, Renato displayed an unwavering commitment to delivering exceptional results and pushing the boundaries of creativity.

Over the years, Renato has played a pivotal role in our organization’s success, spearheading various innovative projects and elevating our design standards to new heights. His ability to transform ideas into stunning visual masterpieces has left a lasting impact on our clients and the entire team. Renato has been a driving force in enhancing our capabilities. His recent accomplishments include crafting striking fleet vehicle wraps for Heritage Tractor and the City of Pittsburg Police Department. Renato’s artistic vision and expertise have significantly contributed to our overall success, leaving a lasting impact on our clients.

The ISA Elite program, established to recognize outstanding young professionals in the industry, selects only 35 individuals each year. Being accepted into this exclusive group is a testament to Renato’s exceptional talent and potential as a future industry leader. The ISA Elite not only acknowledges the hard work and achievements of these young professionals but also provides them with unique opportunities for personal and professional growth.

We are incredibly proud of Renato’s achievements and are eager to see how his involvement in the ISA Elite will further fuel his passion for design and leadership. We have no doubt that Renato will continue to make significant contributions to the industry and elevate the standards of graphic design and visual communication.

The summer season is in full swing. While the warm weather and sunshine offer ideal conditions for outdoor activities, they also come with a variety of safety concerns that everyone should keep in mind. According to the American Safety Council (ASC), excessive heat exposure can lead to four common medical problems that range from minor inconveniences to life-threatening injuries, including heat rash, heat cramps, heat exhaustion and heat stroke. The good news is that these conditions are entirely preventable, as long as you take precautions and stay proactive about your health and wellbeing.

Summer safety is particularly important for workers who spend a lot of time outside, and those that are indoors with limited means of ventilation. Unfortunately, every year thousands of employees experience on-the-job injuries, illnesses and even fatalities because of overheating. There were 36 worker fatalities from exposure to excessive heat in 2021, according to the Bureau of Labor and Statistics BLS.gov). In the United States... An average of 702 heat-related deaths occur each year. Each year, there are 67,512 emergency department visits due to heat, on average. Each year, an average of 9,235 people are hospitalized due to heat (CDC.gov). That said, heat is a prevalent hazard in all types of worksites, not just those outdoors. For example, employees working in manufacturing settings are regularly exposed to high ambient temperatures given off by industrial machinery. To help you anticipate and overcome these risks, we’ve put together a comprehensive list of 5 summer safety tips to keep employees healthy both on and off the clock. When it comes to combating heat-related injuries and illnesses, prevention is always the most effective approach. The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) has a Water. Rest. Shade. campaign that educates employers and workers about the dangers of extreme heat and humidity and provides downloadable resources. One focus of the campaign is to spread awareness of heat exhaustion and heat stroke since these conditions are widely considered the most dangerous consequences of overexposure.

5 Summer Safety Tips to Beat the Heat

1. Know the Warning Signs

Under normal circumstances, the human body regulates its internal temperature by sweating. However, spending too much time in the hot sun performing physical activities can negatively impact this function. Losing too much water and electrolytes may lead to heat exhaustion, which can rapidly escalate to a heat stroke if left unchecked. Common warning signs of heat exhaustion include:

· Excessive sweating

· Fatigue and weakness

· Headaches and dizziness

· Muscle cramps

· Nausea or vomiting

If you experience any of these symptoms, it’s important to immediately move to a cool or shaded area, drink water, and remove any unnecessary, layered clothing as soon as possible.

2. Take Safety Advisories Seriously

According to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), 2016 was the warmest year on record in the U.S. and abroad, and many experts believe more record-setting temperatures are on the way. 2022 was the 5th warmest year on record (NASA.gov). Luckily, many government agencies and safety organizations release frequent health advisories to warn the public about dangerous conditions. If you’re planning to spend time outdoors, you might want to download OSHA’s heat safety mobile app to keep track of high temperature weather conditions.

3. Drink Plenty of Water

Whether you’re at the beach or working in the hot sun, it’s crucial to replenish the liquid and electrolytes you’ve lost from sweating. While there is no set amount of water you should consume, OSHA recommends drinking at least 2 to 4 glasses of cool fluids each hour, depending on your level of exposure and the specific activities you’re engaging in. It’s also important to avoid caffeine and alcohol, since these types of beverages could lead to further dehydration.

4. Take Rest Breaks in the Shade

Air conditioning may be the quickest way to cool off but spending a few minutes in the shade also lowers your body temperature. Prolonged exposure to the sun not only leads to uncomfortable sunburns, but it also increases your risk of heat exhaustion or heat stroke and may cause you to faint. This is especially dangerous when working around heavy machinery, so be sure to take a break if you start to feel fatigued or dizzy.

5. Remember to Reapply Sunscreen

While most people think of sunburns as a minor annoyance, this form of skin irritation can increase the risk of skin cancer and also affect your body’s ability to regulate its temperature, per the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Although wearing a hat and light-colored clothing may limit your exposure, the surest way to prevent sunburns is to put on a broadspectrum sunscreen with at least SPF 30 before heading outside, and remember to reapply every 3 to 4 hours or as recommended in the product instructions. No matter what you have planned outdoors, these Summer Safety Tips will help you keep it cool and beat the heat to stay healthy and safe!

EXPANDING OUR TEAM

WELCOMING TALENTED NEW ADDITIONS

Name Position

Gregory Lechowski Signal Maintainer

Gayle Hribar Accounts Payable

Cody Shepardson Signal Installer

Robert Blunt Signal Maintainer

Jack Stapleton Electrical Service Project Manager

Matthew Moore Inventory Clerk

Rusty Flack Forklift Operator

Name Position

Caroline Mayo Signal Maintainer

Jonathon Hagen Signal Maintainer

Bradley Lay Journeyman Plumber

Shane Niccum Signal Maintainer

Sean Thoreson Signal Maintainer

Marcus Lipetzky Signal Maintainer

OPEN POSITIONS

Refer a new employee and be paid up to $500 per employee hired based on position. You must fill out a candidate referral form. Payout is in two increments of 60 days of employee hired and 90 days of employee hire date.

Location Title

Pittsburg, KS Boring Foreman

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Pittsburg, KS Journeyman Lineman

Pittsburg, KS Boring Locator

Pittsburg, KS Boring Operator

Pittsburg, KS HVAC Installer

Pittsburg, KS Service Electrician

Pittsburg, KS Shipping and Receiving Clerk

Pittsburg, KS Fiber Optic Technician

Pittsburg, KS Master/Journeyman

HVAC Technician

Pittsburg, KS Railroad Signal Installer

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HVAC Service Technician

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Humboldt, KS Journeyman Plumber

Humboldt, KS HVAC Lead Installer

Humboldt, KS Master Plumber

Humboldt, KS Plumbing Service Technician

Joplin, MO

Construction Estimator

Joplin, MO Wire Shop Technician

Houston, TX Boring Operator

Houston, TX Master/Journeyman Plumber

Houston, TX Journeyman Electrician