March 11, 2021

This paid piece is sponsored by Pride Neon Sign Solutions.

Is your business one of the many with signs more than five years old?

Are you looking to turn a vehicle or storefront into a ready-made marketing opportunity?

Or maybe your business has a new location, is doing some renovation or is looking for a simple but effective way to give your space a fresh look?

Pride Neon Sign Solutions, a family-owned, local sign leader for more than 70 years, has a growing line of products to fit all those needs.

“Many people think of us for our custom, high-quality signs, which continue to evolve. However, even our longtime customers might be surprised to learn some of the new product lines we’re offering that are growing in popularity,” said Bret Menke, a third-generation member of the family business who serves as vice president of sales.

Take a look inside the operation here!

There’s much more to this story, of course, but here’s an overview of the many ways Pride Neon can help lead your business to success.

Turning retro into retrofit

We’re not just talking about the classic neon signs that you likely picture when you think “Pride Neon” when we talk about an update many businesses might want to consider.

If your sign was produced before 2016, chances are it will shine brighter and operate more efficiently with an LED retrofit.

“There are thousands of signs in and around Sioux Falls that would benefit from this,” said Tess Mairose, a Pride Neon sales and service specialist.

“We’ve just started scratching the surface, and already customers are loving this approach. Not only does a retrofit look beautiful and is state-of-the-art technology, but it’s a long-term cost-effective option.”

Here’s what you need to know about retrofitting your signage to LED:

Your signs will shine brighter.

Your sign’s visibility will be enhanced with an LED retrofit, and LED lighting is less prone to failing, resulting in signage that remains illuminated. Check out this “before and after” look.

“And it holds that brightness,” Mairose added. “It’s a much clearer, cleaner look. Plus, it will hold that brightness no matter what the temperature. Cold temperatures can make non-LED lights dim, but these do not. They’re going to stay nice and bright.”

It’s safer.

LED lights run on extremely low voltage compared with traditional neon and fluorescent systems, reducing fire risk.

You’ll use less energy.

LED lighting generates significant monthly energy savings versus traditional types of illumination. You’ll consume 50 percent to 90 percent less energy, so the bottom-line benefit will become apparent fast.

You’ll rarely need maintenance or replacement.

Pride Neon’s first-rate service team is always ready to make sure your signs are shining – but you will see less of them after an LED retrofit.

“We have a larger client with a lot of signage that retrofitted all their signs three years ago, and we have not been back once,” Mairose said.

Plus, the LED retrofit comes with a five-year warranty on power supplies and a 10-year warranty on the LED’s themselves, “so they shouldn’t have as many future service calls, and we warranty our service labor for one year after a retrofit,” Menke said.

LED lights also are rated for 100,000 hours, which equates to more than 10 years of continuous running time.

What can be retrofitted?

All sign types: monument, free-standing, channel letter, neon or fluorescent. Most of the work can be done on-site.

“We can figure out what you need on the spot, we use a program that creates an LED layout, and we’ll get a price off that and have it all done within a day, then schedule an installation so you can start enjoying the benefits,” Mairose said.

Ready to learn more? Contact Tess Mairose and her team at 605-336-3563 or [email protected].

Graphically enhanced

Whether it’s a door, a window or a vehicle of any size – those surfaces present a space for telling your story with effective signage.

In this case, that takes the form of vinyl graphics, banners and vehicle wraps.

Pride Neon offers a wide variety of ways to customize your message, including custom-cut vinyl letters in any font or size for your doors or display windows.

Banners can be designed and printed in a variety of sizes and colors for anything from an anniversary celebration to a fundraising event.

“Many people don’t realize you can work with us to create that type of signage just like you’re used to doing with more traditional signage,” said Brett Boltjes, lead salesman of the wraps and graphics department.

“It’s a high-quality product with a fast turnaround.”

This business line from Pride Neon launched in 2017 and also can increasingly be seen around town.

“Our vehicle wraps have become very popular,” Boltjes said.

“If it’s a vehicle that moves around a lot, this form of signage becomes mobile marketing for your business. But even if it’s a trailer or truck that might be parked, that same branding is still attracting eyeballs every time someone passes by it.”

Pride Neon custom decals and vehicle wraps can be used on everything from small cars to full-size, 53-foot trailers.

“It’s a one-stop approach,” Boltjes said.

“We’ll guide you through the entire process, and when it comes to installation, you can be assured you’re working with the best. We’re the only South Dakota dealer who is part of the 3M-certified, professional installer network and one of only 97 nationwide, which is critical because this is a product that absolutely needs to be installed correctly the first time.”

Want to learn more about wraps and graphics? Contract Brett Boltjes at 605-334-7446 or [email protected].

Signs by design

Now for the business that started it all: high-quality, custom signs that will lead customers to your door and help tell your story once they’re inside it.

There are two categories of signs to consider: those that are attached to or inside your building and those that stand alone outside or along the roadway.

Let’s start with the latter.

Standalone signs can take a lot of shapes:

The hi-rise sign

These are 40- to 100-foot-tall beacons usually found along interstates or major highways.

Benefit: They’re meant to attract people from long distances.

Billboards or off-premise signs

These typically are 40 to 60 feet tall and 200 to 400 square feet. They can be single-ad static or multi-ad LED displays.

Benefit: Pride Neon can design and build a structure either for your own advertising or something that allows you to sell advertising.

Freestanding or pylon signs

These are 20 to 40 feet tall and 100 to 300 square feet. They’re generally found on high-traffic arterial streets.

Benefit: These attract customers from a distance and are among the most impactful signs a business can display. They make a statement.

Monument signs

These are 6- to 20-foot-tall signs that are found in light commercial or planned developments.

Benefit: There’s a lot to like about these signs, which can serve as landmarks and attract customers in close proximity. Pride Neon can guide you through unique designs and high-quality features to ensure these signs stand out. With these signs, it’s not about the quantity of signs you display but the quality of what you display.

Electronic message centers

These are the ultimate on-site advertising tool, reaching people right outside your front door.

Benefit: They effectively communicate everything from specials to pricing and product offerings, with an easy way to adjust as your messaging changes.

“Pride Neon is consistently one of the top sellers of Daktronics equipment in the country,” Menke added. “So just like all of our sign solutions, you make one contact with us ,and we take you step by step from there.”

Now for signs inside or attached to your building. There are lots of options for those, too.

Channel letters

These individually LED-lighted letters and logos can be made in any size, shape, font or color. You typically see them on storefronts or in a prominent place on the building.

These can be “face lit” with the entire letter/logo illuminated for maximum brightness for a bold statement, or they can be “reverse lit or halo lit” where letters are opaque with the light shining back against the building and washing it with light. That creates a softer, more subtle look.

Benefit: Using channel letters is the most efficient use of your square footage allowance, and it’s an excellent way to create a unique sign specific to a logo or brand. Color-changing LEDs offer a next level of customization and interest. For instance, you can make your sign green for St. Patrick’s Day or pink to mark awareness of breast cancer.

Cabinet or wall signs

Larger cabinet signs include plastic inserts or “faces.” Routed aluminum faces include lettering or logos that are routed out and illuminated with the background remaining opaque for a classy, professional look.

Benefit: Their large surface area makes a big impression. These signs also can be any shape, can be layered and decorated with accent lighting.

Projecting or blade signs

These double-sided signs attach to the building and project perpendicular to the wall. They’re typically smaller signs in areas with foot traffic.

Benefit: These are popular in downtown areas or inside shopping malls or complexes. They’re compact and flexible enough to serve many purposes.

Flat cut-out letters

These are nonilluminated letters and logos typically routed out of aluminum and painted or brushed and clear coated.

Benefit: They can be used inside or outside. The interior letters often are made with specialty metals such as brushed aluminum, bronze, copper or brass for a distinct look.

Interior design based signage/interior displays

These attractive displays are equal parts art and signage, often incorporating wall wraps and flat cut-out letters.

Benefit: These make a great impression on customers and offer a way to tell your company’s story or deliver a message. Think of them in lobby areas, conference rooms or other public-facing spaces.

Perimeter lighting

This approach to LED lighting highlights the architecture of your building.

Benefit: Perimeter lighting for your building draws the eye and adds a splash of light and color.

“We can guide you through all these signage opportunities and, importantly, ensure that you’re in compliance with local zoning requirements,” Menke said.

“Those can vary depending on your situation and location, but it’s something we work with daily. We’ll make sure your sign not only optimizes your business, but that you’re also following the zoning ordinances.”

To learn more about signage opportunities, reach Bret Menke at [email protected], or call 605-336-3563.

Did you know Pride Neon is hiring? Build your career here and get started by reaching out at 605-336-3563.

Signs lead to success: Pride Neon builds on decades of quality in evolving family-owned business