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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.