Issue link: http://read.uberflip.com/i/707472
S I G N & D I G I T A L G R A P H I C S • August 2016 • 79 started asking for electric signs, so after two years, that's what we did." Denver' population had risen more than 18 percent from 1990 to 2000; cities grew, new communities took shape, and the need for signage increased. "As the area between Denver and Boulder started to expand, we grew too," Dobie explains. "Soon we were a big shop—crane trucks and 20 employees." The workload broadened as well. Vinyl and screen printed work turned into larger, more intricate projects. BSC went the extra mile to establish itself. "We developed a reputation for tackling jobs no one else wanted to do," Dobie says, "and quite frankly, we broke even on a lot of spectacular signs. But, we learned from it and developed a strong reputation during those years." Just a few years ago, BSC upgraded its facilities by more than doubling its build- ing size, and the company has set its sights on expanding operations, improving workspace, and training its staff. While making these commitments, BSC focused on promoting a great company culture and stressed the need for teamwork. "In the process of moving and getting reestablished, we underwent lean man- ufacturing training in order to become a more efficient operation." As part of that transition, and because written work orders were becoming obsolete, the com- pany implemented the Casper on the Cloud business management software to process orders. Fabrication Collaboration Manufacturing is key to any hands-on sign shop. BSC takes pride in all of the work it does, but there's just something about those larger-scale, unique projects that seem to scream for attention. After initially producing mainly vinyl, screen printed, and site signs; BSC moved into doing more flat cut-out letters, sign cabi- nets, channel letters, and neon signs. "During that time, we became UL listed, bought our first router table and then finally our first crane truck, an Elliott L-55," says Dobie. Above all else, BSC maintains its qual- ity offerings; using only top-end materi- als on projects and adhering to a higher standard. Dobie believes that true qual- ity exists when the test of time has not minimized or affected the strength of the sign. "It isn't about what the sign looks like when it goes outdoors," says Dobie. "It's about how it looks two or three years down the road." By 2014, the company had enough momentum to start a new division— B S C Custom, Custom Architectural Lighting and Specialties. The next year an Architectural Etched Glass division was created to produce ADA signage and custom glass projects, and ultimately complement the custom architectural group. "We felt the need to diversify a lit- tle, and although we had grown every year, we also wanted to reduce the risk of reduced revenue during economic downturns," explains Dobie. Tools and Gadgets With these departments in place, BSC depended on a number of machines and With its wide range of capabilities, BSC is able to tackle demanding custom interior retail graphics and signage.