Q: Tell us about your company.
A: Bismarck Sign Company was established in 2018 by founders Alexandra Lund, Jennifer Francis, and Wayne Munson, who collectively bring over 65 years of experience to the business. It has been a humbling yet exciting journey thus far. Our goal was to become more active members of the community, and starting our own company allowed us greater control over our contributions and involvement. We also had a clear vision of the company culture we wanted to establish.
Our mission is to provide an innovative and simple process that leads to quality marketing products. Our products are divided into four main categories: signs, wraps, films, and design. Signs include everything from a sidewalk sign to a 50’+ pole sign. Wraps include storefronts, fleets, doors, and walls. Films include commercial window tint, custom-printed glass films, and architectural films to recover surfaces. Our trademarked tagline is “Get Noticed. Be Remembered” We design with return on investment in mind to make sure that your brand is getting noticed and remembered.
Q: What is your story? How did you end up where you are?
A: I grew up on a ranch near Warwick, ND, and attended school in New Rockford, ND. I struggled to find my place in school, as my visionary brain often led me to daydream rather than focus on my classes. I was also a socially awkward introvert. I spent a lot of time dreaming up new ideas, imagining what living a big city life was like, and wondering how I could help change people’s lives for the better.
When I was twelve, my mom was diagnosed with terminal brain cancer, and that experience had a profound impact on my development into the person I am today. A lot of valuable lessons came from that journey. Following college, I stayed close to home to be able to help with my mom as she continued to decline. I accidentally stumbled into the world of signs and my dream shifted from moving to the big city to instead bringing some of the color to the local community through storefront wraps, elevator wraps, fleet wraps, and custom signs.
I was told many times over the years to stick to the way things were done and stop trying to innovate. But fortunately for me, the way my brain works is that if you tell me it will never happen, it’s just jet fuel to make it happen. I had some great mentors in the industry that helped me build a foundation of sign knowledge and I developed strong relationships with vendors nationwide to enhance my knowledge of the available materials. Building relationships has always been essential to me, as I deeply care about people, innovation, and advancing our industry as well as our community. Currently, I serve on the steering committee for the Board of Directors of the International Sign Association and am the Chair of the Wrap Committee for the same organization.
Q: What are five exciting things going on at your business right now?
- We just launched a new safety program to help prevent workplace injuries and encourage a safe environment.
- Our wrap team is busy wrapping multiple fleets with vibrant graphics to help them “Get Noticed and Be Remembered.”
- We have recently added to our team to continue to streamline our processes.
- We have recently acquired more space to be able to expand our operations.
- We are working on a new website for Bismarck Sign Co. to continue to innovate the customer experience.
Q: What is something you learned about business in the last year?
A: This is not something I “learned” in the past year per se, but it played a significant role. I was reminded that focusing 80% of your time on the 20% of tasks you excel at is the key to moving things forward more efficiently. In any business, it’s easy to become stretched thin by attempting to provide a variety of services simply because you can.
Q: Do you have any resources you recommend to other entrepreneurs?
A: I am a business nerd. I have overflowing bookshelves that are all centered around business and entrepreneurship. I just can’t learn enough fast enough. Some of my favorites are:
“Relentless” by Tim Grover
“Good to Great” by Jim Collins
“Built to Last” by Jim Collins
“10x is easier than 2x” by Dan Sullivan and Benjamin Hardy
“Who Not How” by Dan Sullivan and Benjamin Hardy
“The Five Dysfunctions of a Team” by Patrick Lencioni
“Rich Dad Poor Dad” by Robert Kiyosaki
“The Psychology of Money” by Morgan Housel
“Diary of a CEO” by Steven Bartlett
“The Vision Driven Leader” by Michael Hyatt
“Mind Magic” by James R. Doty MD
Sometimes being an entrepreneur can get lonely or you can become so hard on yourself that you get in a downward spiral. Having a group of entrepreneurs or business leaders you can meet with can be very helpful.
We have also found a lot of success building our company around the Entrepreneurial Operating System ( EOS ) Implemented by Patrick Metzger from the Greenhouse.
Q: Is there anything else you’d like to say to our readers?
A: As leaders in our organizations, we have the unique opportunity to change lives. Focus not only on performance outcomes but also on personal and professional growth. Encourage your team to challenge themselves and think creatively. Know what their individual vision boards look like and help them build the blueprint to get there. Be the leader you wish you had.
Bismarck Sign Company
bismarcksignco.com
Facebook | /bismarcksignco
Instagram | @bismarcksignco