Sign of the Times: Some Businesses Prosper in Recession

While the sluggish economy has forced some businesses to close, Philadelphia Sign Company is thriving. The company's current success can be partly attributed to providing the right service at the right time, according to President Bob Mehmet '80. Philadelphia Sign designs and installs signs throughout the United States for many familiar companies such as Chase, Bank of America, PNC Bank and Subaru. 

"We continue to focus 50 percent of our business model on mergers and acquisitions as we originally did in the late 1980s," he said. "This model is perfect for a recession, because during down times Fortune 500 companies in the United States and throughout the world continue to merge to create a better business model for their shareholders."

The other 50 percent of Philadelphia Sign's business comes from repeat customers and projects such as hospitals and airports. Repeat customers are usually companies or retailers that continue to grow and open new locations every year. 

"All retailers need signage no matter the size of the company," he said. "When the economy is good, retailers have the ability to open new stores, which means additional signage is needed."

Whether businesses are merging or a retailer is opening a new store, Mehmet believes proper branding is key. During the design phase, a representative from Philadelphia Sign visits the site that is to be branded. With input from the client, a decision is made on what signage would be best for the site. 

"Exterior signage must be carefully examined to achieve the brand experience," he said. "Are the trees in the way of the sign? 

Is the sign too low or too high to be seen from the road? Can the sign be read while driving? All these questions must be answered to brand a location correctly."

Philadelphia Sign engineers all the sign types to withstand the wind and soil conditions at any given site. The signs are then shipped around the country – and overseas – to be installed.

"We do everything – design, if needed, engineering, program management, fabrication, installation and maintenance," he said.

When Mehmet saw that a recession was imminent, he knew Philadelphia Sign needed to continue to diversify its business model to remain successful. 

"Having a large base of clients is beneficial for any company, especially if it is diverse," he said.

In addition, Philadelphia Sign now produces more than just signs. They produce interior and exterior kiosks, bus shelters, sculptures and canopies. 

"We do whatever we can to help fill in during slower times," he said. "We are always looking to add different products to offer existing and future clients."

It was York College that taught him how to adapt to his changing environment.

"If I didn't know the answer in class, I had to search for it and not rely on what I 'thought' was right," he said. "Guessing an answer in the workplace can cost thousands of dollars, while asking a question costs nothing. I'll take the latter of the two."

Mehmet began working at Philadelphia Sign as an engineer immediately following graduation. He believes he was ready to contribute right way because his was pushed to his limits by York's engineering management major.

"It was not long after graduation that I realized the value of my degree," said Mehmet. "I learned how to be a professional and was shown the road to success in life."