Shows
Screen SaverEpisode 11: Connecting with CustomersAdrienne Palmer and Lindsay Carpenter talk about the benefits of shaking things up, how memory kits can help you connect with clients, and ways you can integrate your team to boost morale, productivity, and profits.
2021-05-1136 minScreen SaverBridging the Gap: Promotional Products + Apparel DecorationAdrienne Palmer and Charity Gibson talk bout the invisible wall between promo products and decorated apparel, opportunities for collaboration, and why just do it and just do you should be your new mantras
2021-05-0336 minScreen SaverEpisode 9: DesignAdrienne Palmer and Veronica Anderson talk about the benefits of having design in-house, how YouTube can help you strengthen your own skills, and the right amount of edits you should allow between yourself and the client.
2021-05-0321 min
Screen Printing: Art, Ad, or AlchemyEpisode 1: Biosensors and ElectrochemistryAndy MacDougall dives into the world of biosensors and electrochemistry with guest Dr. Martin Peacock. Find out how screen printing revolutionized diabetes treatment worldwide, and is now on the frontlines of the battle with COVID.
2021-04-3039 minScreen SaverEpisode 8: Apparel DecorationAdrienne Palmer and Jeremy Picker, AMB3R Creative, talk decoration apparel trends and techniques, how to build retail-ready merch lines, and unique digital marketing strategies like using QR codes and offering exclusive content
2021-04-2650 minScreen SaverEpisode 7: SustainabilityAdrienne Palmer and Marshall Atkinson, Atkinson Consulting and Shirt Lab, discussing what going green really means, the resources available to you that I promise you didn’t know about, and the many steps you can take to be a more sustainable shop.
2021-04-1947 minScreen SaverEpisode 6: Data Driven Business DecisionsAdrienne Palmer and Alison Banholzer, Wear Your Spirit Warehouse, discuss the differences between qualitative and quantitative data, why you should stop relying on your gut for decisions, and how you can bring more money into your own pocket.
2021-04-0127 minScreen SaverEpisode 5: Social ConsciousnessAdrienne Palmer and Roger Burnett, founder of Social Good promotions and co-author of Red Goldfish Promo Edition talk discuss how meaningful, purposeful, and socially conscious choices for your business can give you a competitive advantage, what individual consumers are looking for (hint, it involves social values), and how you can simultaneously make money and give back to your community.
2021-03-2638 minScreen SaverEpisode 4: Lean ManufacturingAdrienne Palmer and Dave Kent, Signet Marketing, talk about the importance of continuous improvement, how writing 10 things you're grateful for can affect your mental health, which in turn affects your work, and the overall simplicity of implementing lean manufacturing.
2021-03-1933 minScreen SaverEpisode 3: Business Partners and Life PartnersAdrienne Palmer and Val and Eric Solomon, Night Owls, talk about how friendship turned into a relationship and then into a booming business, avoiding burnout, and complementary management styles.
2021-03-1927 minScreen SaverEpisode 2: Hiring and Retaining Great EmployeesAdrienne Palmer and Tracey Johnston-Aldworth of Traces Screen Printing talk team trips to Rome, hiring for potential over skill and knowledge, and profit sharing.
2021-03-1338 minScreen SaverEpisode 1: We Talk ShirtyAdrienne Palmer and Ron Augelli, owner/CEO of WeTalkShirty.com, discuss the best ways to brand your screen printing business. Learn the story behind branded golf balls, why you shouldn’t have all your eggs in one basket, and how to avoid pyramid schemes.
2021-03-0438 min
Success Buds | Tamil PodcastHardwork or Smartwork |InspirationalHardwork or smartwork? Which one is better
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2021-02-2404 min
Talks By Nila!Hardwork✍️ or Smartwork💡by Nila KSWhich one you support Hardwork or Smartwork!? I need both! Be self motivated...continue listening to my Podcast and keep supporting✨Muy feliz diá Gracias✨🌸✨nos vermos mañana...hasta pronto posible🦋
2021-02-1905 min
INVISION Podcast With Dee CarrollINVISION Podcast with Dee Carroll (Episode 15): Ashley Mills of the Vision CouncilIn this episode, Dee chats with Ashley Mills, CEO of the Vision Council. Ashley and Dee discuss the changes to The Vision Council in 2020, what The Vision Council is anticipating as trends in the delivery of vision care going forward, and how it will be working with independent eyecare business owners — as well as ECPs as a whole — in the new year. Most important, we discuss the current status of Vision Expo East 2021, Vision Expo West plans and contingencies … just in case.
2020-12-2146 min
JimmyCastJimmyCast (Episode 18): Jeffrey Samuels On How To Build A Business To Support A LifestyleThis month, Jeffrey Samuels, owner of William Jeffrey’s Jewelers near Richmond, Virginia, joins host Jimmy DeGroot and co-host Doug Meadows of David Douglas Diamonds in Marietta, GA to talk about how a jewelry store owner can build a business that supports their lifestyle.Samuels started in the industry as a loose diamond sales rep covering nine states. He decided to open a retail jewelry store in his hometown of Mechanicsville when his oldest son was born in 1990.At that time, store hours were six days a week from 10 until 8. Today, the store is open Tuesday through Friday un...
2020-11-1824 min
2020-10-1801 min
Unnai ArindhalHardwork &SmartworkStop doubting yourself,work hard and make it happen.a dream does not become reality through magic,it takes sweat determination and harwork.but with that hardwork do some smartwork also..think more,do more,achieve more....
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2020-09-0409 min
Signs UnscriptedNeon is Cool Again with Corrie Siegel, Museum of Neon ArtCorrie Siegel took the reins at the Museum of Neon Art on April 1, just as the pandemic was beginning. She steered the museum through those uncertain months, creating virtual visits and new ways for patrons to explore neon. In this episode, Corrie talks about neon's new popularity, industry events to explore, and her thoughts about the line between signmaking and fine art.Support the show (http://signsofthetimes.com)
2020-09-0411 minSigns UnscriptedA Pandemic Pivot with Mars Bravo, Signs From MarsMars Bravo launched Signs From Mars just months before the pandemic started with a focus on signs for her contacts in the music industry. Learn about her pivot, how she attracts new customers and how she's made the challenge of 2020 work for her.Support the show (http://signsofthetimes.com)
2020-08-2511 minSigns UnscriptedNeon in Cuba (and beyond) with Adolfo Nodal of Habana Light Neon + SignsAdolfo Nodal of Habana Light Neon + Signs talks about donating his time to restore historic neon in Cuba and Los Angeles, where he sees neon in the future and modern "neon punks" who are reinvigorating interest in this art form.Support the show (http://signsofthetimes.com)
2020-08-1411 min
Signs UnscriptedRecruitment Lessons from the Construction Industry with Eric LarsenWagner Sign's Eric Larsen discusses his two recent columns in Signs of the Times, his commitment to educating the next generation of signmakers, and what he's learned by talking with construction industry folks about how they attract, educate and retain the next generation of fabricators.Support the show (http://signsofthetimes.com)
2020-07-2911 min
INVISION Podcast With Dee CarrollINVISION Podcast with Dee Carroll (Episode 14): Tamra Asmuth of One Hip ChicOur guest is Tamra Asmuth, owner of One Hip Chic in Rochester, NY, and the first place winner of INVISION’s 2020 America’s Finest Optical Retailers contest. Tamra shares her own professional history prior to opening One Hip Chic, including schooling for computer programing when she got a job at Sterling Optical, and goes on to explain how she fell in love with the optical industry and after an apprenticeship got her license as an ophthalmic dispenser. “I loved the thought of totally changing a person’s look through their eyewear,” she says, “And I am still a fan of a good makeo...
2020-07-2828 minSigns Unscripted2020 Makers of Tomorrow: Part IISigns of the Times Associate Editor Grant Freking talks with Chelsea Lindsey of Precision Signs (Garner, NC) and Phillip Yu of Gamut Media (Fullerton, CA) about the challenges their sign and graphics businesses have faced during the current healthcare crisis, their roles within their companies, their unique starts in the industry and two distinctive trends they’ve spotted.Support the show (http://signsofthetimes.com)
2020-07-2109 minSigns Unscripted2020 Makers of Tomorrow: Part I2020 Makers of Tomorrow River Prince of Prince Sign Company (Ellisville, MS) and Simon Nussbaum of Green Dot Sign (Saint Paul, MN) join Signs of the Times Associate Editor Grant Freking for a chat about running their sign businesses during COVID-19, their signmaking origins, industry trends and much more.Support the show (http://signsofthetimes.com)
2020-07-1616 minJimmyCastJimmyCast (Episode 17): Wilson Lin on Starting a New Business During a Historic Health CrisisThis month, JimmyCast brings you a story of hope — of a business person who fell so hard for metals and gemstones that he felt he needed to open his own jewelry business, even in the face of a historic health crisis.In the episode, host Jimmy DeGroot and co-host Doug Meadows chat with Wilson Lin, a 33-year-old whose family immigrated from China to Nebraska when he was in his teens.After graduating school, Wilson, a non-smoker and non-drinker, decided he had little interest in the family business of liquor and spirits. Instead, he found his passion in working wi...
2020-07-0927 minSigns UnscriptedWorkforce Development with ISA's Alison KentISA Workforce Development Director Alison Kent responds to a recent article by signmaker Eric Larsen discussing the need to attract a new generation to the sign industry. She details the certification and other opportunities available through ISA from her home office near Washington D.C.Support the show (http://signsofthetimes.com)
2020-07-0911 minSigns Unscripted2020 Signshop Competition with Mark Kissling, Signs of the TimesMark Kissling, managing editor of Signs of the Times, discusses the best way of increasing your odds of winning in the 2020 Signshop Competition, how to enter and his top tips for success. Plus, learn Mark's go-to fast food lunch.Support the show (http://signsofthetimes.com)
2020-06-2210 min
Aspa Zone | By Ashwini PareekTried And Tested Hacks To Do Smartwork Instead Of Hardwork | Episode 6 By Ashwini PareekIn this episode I have mentioned 7 hacks you can implement in your personal life and in your business life that can help you to do smartwork instead of hardwork. That will definitely help you to do work smartly and be more efficient and productive. This is an podcast of Aspa Zone By Ashwini Pareek.
2020-05-2016 minJimmyCast(Season 1, Ep. 16): Larry Rickert on Working From Home and His Last Big ProjectThis month, JimmyCast welcomes Larry Rickert, owner of Jim Kryshak Jewelers in Wausau, WI.The two know each other well, as Jimmy was the general manager at Rickert's business from 1996-2007, before leaving to begin his jewelry consultancy business.Amongst other useful business advice, Larry offers timely guidance to jewelry business owners on how to adjust to working from home. In fact, Larry is something of an expert on the matter -- having worked off-site with Jim Kryshak Jewelers since 2005.Larry's most important lesson? Stop micro-managing and trust your people. Since 2005, "the store has continued to grow...
2020-05-1244 min
INVISION Podcast With Dee CarrollINVISION Podcast with Dee Carroll (Episode 13): Dibby Bartlett of the Optician’s Association of AmericaIn this episode, Dee speaks with the president of the Optician’s Association of America, Dibby Bartlett. Dibby is a 40-year veteran of the optical industry having held various positions from optician to optical manager to marketing manager. She is currently Chief Operating Officer of Todd Rogers Eyewear and a director in the Opticians Association of Massachusetts, as well as president of the OAA.Around 8:10, Diddy outlines all the things the OAA does for American opticians, whether they are members of the organization or not. It is an extensive list, including a tool chest of branding “goodies” to help optici...
2020-05-0641 minSigns UnscriptedSign Industry Update with Grant Freking, Signs of the TimesSigns of the Times Associate Editor Grant Freking discusses his upcoming feature on the state of the sign industry post COVID-19, including his interviews with industry association leaders, sign companies and leading manufacturers.Support the show (http://signsofthetimes.com)
2020-04-0909 minSigns UnscriptedSocial Media Success with Jeremy Vanderkraats, Signs by VanJeremy Vanderkraats is the owner/operator of Signs by Van, a custom signshop in Salinas, CA.Support the show (http://signsofthetimes.com)
2020-03-2711 minINVISION Podcast With Dee CarrollINVISION Podcast with Dee Carroll (Episode 12): Drs. Adam Ramsey and Darryl GloverIn this episode, Dee speaks with two ODs well-known to the INVISION audience. Dr. Adam Ramsey and Dr. Daryl Glover have both established themselves as industry thought leaders and in this episode the three discuss their latest joint venture, Black EyeCare Perspective (www.blackeyecareperspective.com), an online community they founded to facilitate open and authentic dialogue surrounding implicit bias, organizational structure, diversity and inclusion in the eyecare industry.They start with a run through of the various eyecare practices, and other business ventures, Drs. Ramsey and Glover own or run. At 12:00, they discuss their own experience running businesses with a...
2020-03-2550 minSigns UnscriptedWhy did ISA reschedule?ISA President Lori Anderson discusses today's decision to postpone the 2020 ISA Sign Expo to August of this year, including vendor and attendee feedback and responds to Signs of the Times' audience and staff member questions. For ongoing coverage of sign industry reactions and event cancellations, visit https://www.signsofthetimes.com/channel/newsSupport the show (http://signsofthetimes.com)
2020-03-1208 minSigns UnscriptedSustainability and the Sign Industry with Simon Nussbaum, Green Dot SignSimon Nussbaum is a 2020 Signs of the Times Maker of Tomorrow. In this episode, he discusses easy sustainability "wins" for signmakers, why he chose to take his business down a sustainable path, and his top alternatives to traditional signmaking materials. Support the show (http://signsofthetimes.com)
2020-03-1012 min
INVISION Podcast With Dee CarrollINVISION Podcast with Dee Carroll (Episode 11): Mark Hinton of eYeFacilitateThis month, Dee chats with a 30-year opticianry and management veteran, a retailer, business owner, educator and coach, Mark Hinton. In addition to managing the optical in a private practice he co-owns with his OD partner, Mark runs the training and coaching consultancy eYeFacilitate. To start, Mark goes deep into his own optical experience and history (2:00), as well as his philosophy on running an eyecare business. At 3:40, he shows the proof is in the pudding and confirms he practices what he preaches at his own business to highly successful ends. He talks about the #1 challenge independent practioners are facing i...
2020-02-2431 minSigns UnscriptedPlanners (Still) Don't Hate You with Wendy Moeller, Compass Point PlanningWendy Moeller is a community planner and the founder of Compass Point Planning in Blue Ash, Ohio. Her work focuses on writing and rewriting zoning for signage, among other specialties. She is also a national board member for the American Planning Association, as well as a past Advisory Board member for Signs of the Times.Support the show (http://signsofthetimes.com)
2020-02-1512 minJimmyCast(Season 1, Ep. 15): Jason Druxman on Moving From Corporate Jewelry to Independent LifeThis month, Jimmy DeGroot welcomes a guest he knows quite well. In fact, they know each other so well that they can complete each other’s …“… sandwiches?” suggests Jason Druxman, co-owner of Avenue Jewelers in Appleton, WI.Druxman has been in the jewelry business for over 30 years — “which is impossible,” he jokes, “because I’m only 36.” Before taking over Avenue Jewelers (where he worked with DeGroot), the fourth-generation jeweler spent much of his early career in corporate settings — working for Sterling Jewelers’ sub-brands.In the podcast (11:50), he discusses pros and cons of working in a corporate jewelry environment versus an indep...
2020-02-1136 minSigns UnscriptedMobile Signmaking + How to Slow Down with Tim Tibbetts, RIWrapsTim Tibbetts is a mobile signmaker who does lettering on the fly and has reinvented himself to meet industry demands, and wrote to us to share his thoughts about slowing down based on Robin Donovan's recent column on life in French Polynesia. His companies Island Reflections Corp. and RIWraps.com are based in Rhode Island.Support the show (http://signsofthetimes.com)
2020-01-3109 minSigns UnscriptedLearning as You Go with Dale Salamacha, Media 1/Wrap ThisDale Salamacha never attended college, but before he could legally drink, he was making and selling signs. Today, the fast-thinking, fast-talking Floridian is not only a popular Signs of the Times columnist, but also the president of Media 1/Wrap This in Longwood, FL.Read more about Dale's building-buying adventures here and here.Support the show (http://signsofthetimes.com)
2020-01-2511 minSigns UnscriptedNeon Bending in Japan with Kody Shafer, Neon Spectacular: JapanKody Shafer is a neon bender currently living and working in Osaka, Japan. A former employee of Yoshi's Neon Studio, he is currently working on a book that will document neon's growth and evolution in Japan. Shafer raised money to leave his job and focus on the photographic project via his Kickstarter fundraiser, Neon Spectacular: Japan.Support the show (http://signsofthetimes.com)
2020-01-1709 minSigns UnscriptedFour Decades at a National Sign Co. with Kevin Stotmeister, Federal HeathAs he winds down a 39-year career with Federal Heath Sign Co., CEO Kevin Stotmeister reflects on the state of the industry, challenges signmakers face and opportunities for years to come. (Best wishes on your next chapter, Kevin! Thanks for your wise counsel as a member of our Editorial Advisory Board for so many years.)Support the show (http://signsofthetimes.com)
2019-12-2013 min
INVISION Podcast With Dee CarrollINVISION Podcast with Dee Carroll (Episode 10): Trudi Charest of 4ECPsIn this episode of INVISION with Dee Carroll, brought to you by Art Optical Contact Lens, Dee talks with the co-founder of 4ECPs and the EyeInnovate conference, Trudi Charest.First Trudi gives a little info on her personal background, including her family’s optical heritage, working as an optician in retail, a sales rep for B+L and Optos, and training and producing live events, and how her company 4ECPs was founded with partner Kevin Wilhelm due to a lack of available marketing resources for ECPs. At 6:30 minutes, Dee asks about the idea for the EyeInnovate conference, held in Nov...
2019-12-1026 minJimmyCast(Season 1, Ep. 14): Aleah Arundale on Selling Diamonds and the Power of Jewelers Helping JewelersThis week, JimmyCast welcomes Aleah Arundale, founder of the popular private Facebook group, Jewelers Helping Jewelers, and a fifth-generation jeweler who works for diamond wholesaler Olympian Diamonds.Chatting with co-hosts Jimmy DeGroot and Doug Meadows, Aleah shares why she created Jewelers Helping Jewelers (4:05), which now has 18,500 members. A few years back, Aleah felt there was something missing in other social media communities. “I wanted a free, open forum where everybody could say whatever they want, whenever they want,” she says. She decided to launch a brand new community for which the primary rule would be having the fewest rules...
2019-11-2721 min
Barb Wire(Season 1, Ep. 11): Jenny O CalleriDropping into the Barb Wire for this month’s episode is Jenny “Jenny O” Calleri, the owner of Huntington Jewelers in Las Vegas, NV.A jewelry-industry veteran whose career has seen her move between the supply and retail side in both sales and management, Jenny O finally took her biggest step yet two years ago— becoming the owner of her very own store with the nearly 70-year-old Huntington Jewelers.In the podcast, she discusses what a transformative experience a GIA education can be for a young person in jewelry sales (12:40) and how, after she took her very first GIA gems...
2019-11-041h 07JimmyCast(Season 1, Ep. 13): Dave and Spencer Mink On the Importance of Counting Your TrafficIn this month's episode of JimmyCast, host Jimmy DeGroot talks customer data with Dave and Spencer Mink of TraxSales. One of the earliest customer tracking companies, launched in 1996, TraxSales uses an infrared camera system to track door traffic (eliminating visits from your staff and other non-customers like the mailman). The statistics generated can then be integrated with retailers' CRM program, offering the ability to create up to 30 different reports, including closing ratio and a statistic owner/CEO Dave Mink calls "revenue per guest". Hear more about how Dave's big "epiphany" led to the creation of the company in 1996...
2019-10-2124 minSigns UnscriptedSGIA Becomes Printing UnitedRay Weiss, director of digital print programs for SGIA, discusses the association's newly rebranded tradeshow, Printing United, and how signmakers can take advantage of all it has to offer. Support the show (http://signsofthetimes.com)
2019-10-1510 minSigns UnscriptedHosting Students in Your Shop with Mathew Pratt, Ramsay SignsOn Sign Manufacturing Day, Ramsay Signs production manager Mathew Pratt talks hosting local students for shop tours, why tours are a good use of your time and what current employees get out of kids in the shop. Support the show (http://signsofthetimes.com)
2019-10-0509 minSigns UnscriptedWorking ON (not IN) your business with Teresa Young, Sign BizTeresa Young, president and CEO of Sign Biz and the brains behind LobbyPop.com, the School of Sign Arts and more discusses when to hire your first employee, marketing basics and what makes today's sign industry different (read: more competitive) than it was in decades past.Support the show (http://signsofthetimes.com)
2019-09-2813 minBarb Wire(Season 1, Ep. 10): Ben SmitheeThe Barb Wire celebrates its tenth episode with a visit from Ben Smithee, CEO at The Smithee Group (thesmitheegroup.com), a digital consultancy whose mission is "helping big brands think small and small brands think bigger". Talking with host Barbara Palumbo, Ben shares why he decided to originally focus his consultancy on the jewelry business (8:10), and Barbara refers to him as one of the industry's few true "influencers" online (11:10). He talks about his unique upbringing in Dallas as the adopted Asian son of white parents (17:00). Ben's passionate about social media, calling it "the great equalizer" for sm...
2019-09-251h 05
INVISION Podcast With Dee CarrollINVISION Podcast with Dee Carroll (Episode 9): Eclectic Eye is America's Finest Optical RetailerDee sits down with the first place winners of INVISION’s 2019 America’s Finest Optical Retailers contest: Robbie Johnson Weinberg and Dr. Michael Weinberg of Eclectic Eye in Memphis, TN.After establishing how Robbie and Dr. Mike met and how Eclectic came to be, they get into the nitty gritty of the things that makes Eclectic Eye a very special business. Like the fact that they converted to private pay only – that’s right, they take NO insurance - and the benefit that affords them (23:00). They also made the decision to only carry independent brands (27:00) and how other independents can make tha...
2019-09-2448 minJimmyCast(Season 1, Ep. 12): Kim Gordon on Making the Leap to Jewelry Store OwnershipKim Gordon is living the dream — it's the dream of owning her own store, the aptly named Dream Jewelers in Oshkosh, WI. Gordon has spent most of her career in jewelry sales, having spent more than a decade as an assistant manager at a Kay Jewelers and, after that, another decade as sales manager at Jim Kryshak Jewelers in Wausau, WI. Then, in 2014, she finally made the leap into jewelry-store ownership, using her life savings to purchase a Wisconsin business called Thimke Jewelers, which she later rebranded as Dream Jewelers. Gordon shares the story of her journey, an...
2019-09-1548 minSigns UnscriptedMillennials as Managers with A.J. Titus, SignaramaA.J. Titus, newly minted president of Signarama, shares his thoughts on family business, an intergenerational workplace, the need for new technology and infrastructure in the sign industry and more.Support the show (http://signsofthetimes.com)
2019-09-1411 minSigns UnscriptedSales Leads 101 with Lee Gruetter, YESCOLee Gruetter, training development director at YESCO's corporate headquarters in Salt Lake City, discusses how to build your business using simple sales techniques. But beware, these aren't for the faint of heart; think generating 50-70 leads per day. Support the show (http://signsofthetimes.com)
2019-09-0711 minSigns UnscriptedThe Need for Evidence-Based Sign Codes with Bill Dundas, FASIBill Dundas of the Foundation for the Advancement of the Sign Industry discusses the organization's origins, his past with Signs of the Times, ways for signmakers to stay up-to-date on new electrical and building regulations, and the need for evidence-based sign legislation.Support the show (http://signsofthetimes.com)
2019-08-3111 minBarb Wire(Season 1, Ep. 9): Hayley HenningMarketing colored gemstone is on the agenda when Hayley Henning visits The Barb Wire with host Barbara Palumbo.Henning is currently vice-president of Greenland Ruby, where she has been working the last two years after spending most of her career as one of the key faces behind the rise of Tanzanite since the mid-1990s. (In fact, Barbara says that before she knew Hayley personally, she thought of her as “the Tanzanite lady”.)The South African native shares some of her personal journey (2:55) from her homeland to a career in the U.S., working for a company called Afgem...
2019-08-2458 minSigns UnscriptedBuilding Customer Trust with Cindy Hulen, Essential Architectural SignsCindy Hulen talks about scrambling to satisfy her first customer, eating costs on a job gone wrong and her top tips for building trust with customers. Plus, she brings her dog to work at Indianapolis-based Essential Architectural Signs. Support the show (http://signsofthetimes.com)
2019-08-1710 minJimmyCast(Season 1, Ep. 11): The Dumbest Things We've Ever DoneIf making mistakes is the best way to learn, then the latest episode of JimmyCast promises to be a tremendous learning experience. In the episode, Jimmy DeGroot and co-host Doug Meadows each share five dumb things they've seen jewelers do in their jewelry stores. "This includes us," notes Jimmy. "Actually, my list is mostly mine," says Doug. Tales shared include a pyrotechnic prank gone wrong (3:40), a store owner who brought in a new sales trainer to work with his team, only to completely sabotage the effort before it even began (11:30), plus an expensive lesson from a...
2019-08-1634 minSigns UnscriptedSign Photography Tips with Jeff Russ, Signs of the TimesTake stunning photos of your sign design and fabrication projects with these easy-to-follow tips from Jeff Russ, who has spent decades sifting through sign photos as the senior art director of Signs of the Times. You can read Jeff's work in his bimonthly Design Matters column, or reach him at jeff.russ@stmediagroup.com.Support the show (http://signsofthetimes.com)
2019-08-0210 min
INVISION Podcast With Dee CarrollINVISION Podcast with Dee Carroll (Episode 8): John Marvin of Texas State OpticalIn this episode of the INVISION Podcast with Dee Carroll, Dee speaks with TSO’s John Marvin, her go-to man on industry happenings, about managing eyecare businesses into the future. Marvin is president and CEO of Texas State Optical. In addition to heading up TSO, he is also INVISION’s regular management columnist and Dee’s go-to advisor whenever she has a question on industry happenings and trends. Get comfy and click play, this is a good one folks!
2019-07-2954 minSigns UnscriptedFighting Fire with John Robbins, SignaramaWhen his neighborhood was demolished by a fire tornado last summer, John Robbins, co-owner of Signarama in Redding, CA, sprang into action. His team created signs of support for first responders and other workers while the city endured this traumatic event. They were a local sensation.Support the show (http://signsofthetimes.com)
2019-07-2611 minJimmyCast(Season 1, Ep. 10): Secrets of Cool From EAT GalleryIn this month’s episode of JimmyCast, hosts Jimmy DeGroot and Doug Meadows chat with the manager of the winning store in the “Small Cool” division of INSTORE’s America’s Coolest Stores”, EAT Gallery of Maysville, KY.Katherine Cotterill, manager at EAT Gallery, has an eclectic past, including more than three years spent in New Zealand and Samoa (2:30). She talks about how she was hired to run the store in 2016 by Simon and Laurie Watt, owners of colored gemstone dealers Mayer & Watt, who had opened EAT Gallery in the early 2000s as a side project (5:30).The discussion continues to...
2019-07-2232 min
The New One Minute Manager SummaryHardwork Vs Smartwork!Hardwork is the common denominator for success. In every age, hardwork has always won. Never compromised with hardwork. It should be combined with smartwork and multiple other stuffs and techniques.
2019-07-2202 minSigns UnscriptedCreative ADA Signs with Ryan Neurohr, Architectural Sign DesignsOpportunities to go beyond the basics with ADA signage options, with tips from Ryan Neurohr of Architectural Sign Designs near Tulsa, OK. To read the article Neurohr mentions, visit this architectural signage feature from last December. Support the show (http://signsofthetimes.com)
2019-07-1910 minSigns UnscriptedFamily Business Boundaries with Maggie Harlow, Signarama DowntownMaggie Harlow, CEO of Signarama Downtown in Louisville, KY, talks about her switch from the automotive world to signage, how she and her husband learned to create separate "sandboxes" at work, and why making mistakes is crucial to employee development.Support the show (http://signsofthetimes.com)
2019-07-1312 minBarb Wire(Season 1, Ep. 8): Craig Husar of Craig Husar DesignsWatch collectors, vintage jewelry, adventures in treasure hunting, and a showplace new store are on the agenda when jeweler Craig Husar steps into the Barb Wire this month. Husar is the owner and self-titled "Chief Romance Officer" at Craig Husar Fine Diamonds & Jewelry Designs in Brookfield, WI.Husar's spectacular new store, which is located opposite a major new lifestyle center, opened in January. Says the owner about the difficult store-creation process: “I was relentless. I’ve never been so focused and passionate about making something happen in my life. And it was that passion, that drive, that led me here...
2019-07-0850 minSigns UnscriptedBuilding Better Sign Codes with David Hickey, ISADavid Hickey is the International Sign Association's VP of advocacy.Support the show (http://signsofthetimes.com)
2019-07-0310 minJimmyCast(Season 1, Ep. 9): Open the Dang BoxOpen the box. That’s the central theme of the latest edition of JimmyCast.By “opening the box”, Jimmy and Doug mean jewelers’ tendency to grasp for things — a training course, a new technology, or a hot line of jewelry — but then not do what they have to do in order to ensure that the new purchase positively impacts their business.Says Jimmy: “A lot of time people regard training as a pill, and as they write the check, they think “This is gonna fix me, this is gonna fix me.” But then those jewelers get the training package back to th...
2019-07-0133 minSigns UnscriptedPlanners Don't Hate YouSign Research Foundation Executive Director Sapna Budev discusses independent sign industry research, her advocacy role and her observation that today's planners are seeking to better understand signage regulatory needs. For more, visit signresearch.org/research/Support the show (http://signsofthetimes.com)
2019-06-2112 minSigns UnscriptedSignmaking in MiniatureChris Raley is the founder of Route 9 Signs. He creates miniature replicas of popular signs, as well as his personal favorites. A multi-talented maker, Raley has also dabbled in woodworking and jewelry-making, racking up hundreds of Etsy sales of his work. Explore his portfolio (and photos of him with his replicas alongside the original signs) on Instagram, or through his new YouTube channel.Support the show (http://signsofthetimes.com)
2019-06-1509 minJimmyCast(Season 1, Ep. 8): Doug Meadows Shares the Ups and Downs of His Life as a JewelerOn this month’s JimmyCast, the focus turns to co-host Doug Meadows, who shares an abridged history of his life in jewelry retail.The interest in Doug’s story is probably not in its uniqueness, but rather its familiarity. In fact, Jimmy says at the end of the podcast that “I bet you 99% of the jewelers that are listening to this right now, they would have a very similar story in terms of how things came along.”Hear Doug's story in the latest episode.
2019-06-1223 minBarb Wire(Season 1, Ep. 7): Doug Hucker of AGTAColored gemstones, and their increasing popularity with younger buyers are the key topics when Doug Hucker, long-time CEO of the American Gem Trade Association (AGTA) is interviewed by host Barbara Palumbo on this month's edition of The Barb Wire.Doug shares the story of his path into the jewelry business, his years at GIA, his leadership of AGTA, and also talks about the increasing popularity of colored gemstones with new buyers, as well as the AGTA's participation in the new "The Collective" event during Las Vegas jewelry week this year.
2019-05-2757 minSigns UnscriptedSignDawgsTV - Reality TV Meets the Sign IndustryWilliam Watson of Dallas-based Signs Manufacturing & Maintenance Corp. discusses the creation of SignDawgsTV, a YouTube reality show that follows his sign company's day-to-day operations.Support the show (http://signsofthetimes.com)
2019-05-1410 minSigns UnscriptedAdvocacy for Small Sign CompaniesAlex Perry of Chicago-based Right Way Signs talks about why sign industry advocacy matters.Alex has one of the sign industry's coolest website designs, and was named among the 2019 Makers of Tomorrow honorees earlier this year.Support the show (http://signsofthetimes.com)
2019-05-1412 minSigns UnscriptedAlex Kurakake, Smart Alex SignsInstagram's most popular signmaker and California-based entrepreneur Alex Kurakake of Smart Alex Signs discusses his Instagram fame, and why he plans to stick to old school painting techniques. Alex is also one of our 2019 Makers of Tomorrow.Support the show (http://signsofthetimes.com)
2019-05-1408 minSigns UnscriptedDan Sawatzky, Imagination CorporationDan Sawatzky , owner of Imagination Corporation and co-founder of The Sign Invitational, discusses this year's competition.For more, visit: thesigninvitational.com and come to booth #2135 at the 2019 ISA Sign Expo to vote for a winner.Support the show (http://signsofthetimes.com)
2019-05-1309 minSigns UnscriptedJennifer Konanz, Konanz & Co.Jennifer Konanz discusses getting a small shop off the ground, her creative collaborations, how she chooses clients and the books and websites she visits for inspiration and education.Konanz is the founder of Konanz & Co. (Calgary, Alberta, Canada), as well as a 2019 Makers of Tomorrow award recipient. Learn more about Konanz in her exclusive interview with Signs of the Times.Support the show (http://signsofthetimes.com)
2019-05-1310 minSigns UnscriptedPablo Guerrero, Amigo ArtsPablo Guerrero is a designer-turned-signmaker (and much more) who founded Amigo Arts in Monroe, WA.Pablo was previously featured in Signs of the Times as one of our 2018 Makers of Tomorrow. Here he discusses low-budget video production and marketing for small sign companies.Pablo also serves on Signs of the Times' Editorial Advisory Board.Support the show (http://signsofthetimes.com)
2019-05-1311 minSigns UnscriptedPat Lawrence, S.M.L. ElectricalPat Lawrance, sales manager for S.M.L. Electrical, shares his thoughts on LEDs.Pat was previously featured in Signs of the Times' Lighting + LEDs column.Support the show (http://signsofthetimes.com)
2019-05-1315 minSigns UnscriptedJim Dawson, Synergy Sign & GraphicsJim Dawson is the owner of Synergy Sign & Graphics in Strasburg, OH.He's also a co-organizer of the 2019 Sign Invitational , hosted at the Signs of the Times booth (#2135) at the upcoming ISA Sign Expo.Support the show (http://signsofthetimes.com)
2019-05-1309 minBarb Wire(Season 1, Ep. 6): Nick Linca of Provident JewelryThis month, the Barb Wire welcomes innovative jeweler Nick Linca, a managing partner with Provident Jewelry, a seven-store jewelry retailer. The business launched 25 years ago as a jeweler specializing in estate goods. However, in 2008, it moved in a new direction by opening a luxurious, state-of-the-art store in Jupiter, FL selling higher-end branded goods.Linca, who had been a manager at Zale in the late 1990s and a sales manager at Hamilton Jewelers from 2000 to 2008, was brought on to lead the launch of the Jupiter business.Over time, Provident Jewelry’s Jupiter location has achieved status of one of...
2019-05-0353 min
INVISION Podcast With Dee CarrollINVISION Podcast with Dee Carroll (Episode 7): Evan Engel of EyeCareProIn this episode, Dee talks with Evan Engel, the vice president of sales and marketing at EyeCarePro, an optometric practice and eyecare business digital marketing firm. Evan has a robust background in marketing eyecare practices and uses a data driven approach to help practices acquire new patients… in short, he knows what sort of marketing works and what doesn’t.During the episode, learn once and for all what marketing actually is — Hint: it’s much more all-encompassing than you think (3:58) — the top three things that will give you the biggest bang for your marketing buck (8:25), the best tool to get new...
2019-05-0244 minBarb Wire(Season 1, Ep. 5): Dave BindraThis month on The Barb Wire, host Barbara Palumbo welcomes a rising star in the jewelry business, gem trader Dave Bindra, vice-president of B&B Fine Gems. Still in his early 30s, Bindra has built up an impressive resume, serving as president of the Los Angeles chapter of the GIA Alumni Association, member of the board of directors of the Jewelers Vigilance Committee, acclaimed AGS Conclave speaker, not to mention running a seriously cool Instagram account @gemfluencer. (Come for the awesome collection of gemstones, stay for the awesome collection of color-coordinated shoes.)Enjoy the newest episode of The Barb...
2019-04-0350 minBarb Wire(Season 1, Ep. 4): Michael O'ConnorMichael O'Connor drops into The Barb Wire this month to talk with host Barbara Palumbo about his career in the jewelry business -- which has featured one of the most unique development paths in today's industry.The two discuss Michael's progress from Toronto teenager to jewelry salesperson, to New York-based jewelry designer, to jewelry marketer, to QVC on-air presenter, and finally, his ultimate transformation into celebrity stylist and on-air style commentator for numerous major media brands.Discussion topics include techniques for staying young, the importance of being a no-BS operator, this year's Oscar trends, as well as some f...
2019-02-1358 minINVISION Podcast With Dee CarrollINVISION Podcast with Dee Carroll (Episode 6): Dr. Steve VargoAs an eyecare business manager, how can you keep your staff motivated and doing the right things? What if "TGI Monday" become your staff mantra? Dee gets answers on these questions, and more, from Dr. Steve Vargo, a business consultant with IDOC and author of Eye on Leadership, An Optometrist’s Game Plan For Creating A Motivated and Empowered Team.
2019-02-1341 min
INVISION Podcast With Dee CarrollINVISION Podcast with Dee Carroll (Episode 5): Jackie GarlichOphthalmologists don’t like optometrists. Optometrists think ophthalmologists are full of themselves. Established ODs think new grads are lazy. Young ODs think older ODs are out of touch. In the latest INVISION with Dee Carroll, Dee talks with Dr. Jackie Garlich, founder of 20/20Glance (www.2020glance.com), a free weekly email that runs down clinically relevant optometry news, and the two discuss these areas of contention and wonder why we all can’t just get along.At the end of the episode, Dee asks a question on behalf of Dr. Sue Miller of Bright Eyes Vision in Pennsylvania about the...
2019-01-0344 minBarb Wire(Season 1, Ep. 3): Alexis PadisIn this episode of "The Barb Wire", host Barbara Palumbo talks — and plays a drinking game — Alexis Padis, director of operations at the successful San Francisco-area jewelry store, Padis Jewelry, plus the company's side business, Padis Vineyards. Padis is also the youngest member of the board of the American Gem Society and was a 2017 "Award of Excellence " winner from the Women's Jewelry Association.Discussion topics include the role of millennials in the jewelry industry, as well as unfounded prejudices against millennials in the jewelry business. The two discuss the rise of Padis Jewelry from her father selling puka shells out o...
2018-12-161h 05
INVISION Podcast With Dee CarrollTry Not to Blink (Episode 14): Vision Therapy with Dr. Joanna CarterJoanna Carter pratices vision therapy in Medford, OR at Insight Vision Therapy. In this episode she joins Roya and Jimmy and shares how she got her start in vision therapy and what she has learned along the way.NOTESVTODS Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/1250264331786476/Joanna Carter’s website, Insight Vision Therapy: http://www.medfordvt.comCortical Vision Impairment Curtails the Vision of People with Healthy Eyes: https://apnews.com/2c653fd77b6848dd8d3004f2fc68889b/CVI:-The-impairment-affecting-children-whose-eyes-are-fineCortical Vision Impairment: An Approach to Assessment and Intervention: https://www.amazon.com/Co...
2018-12-071h 01INVISION Podcast With Dee CarrollTry Not to Blink (Episode 16): Today's CannabisJimmy and Roya talk with cannabis grower Matt Wyatt, owner of Misty Bear Creek Farm, about the science and industry of marijuana.NOTESAbout CBD Oil: https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/317221.phpCannabis Therapies: https://www.greenstate.com/explained/heres-science-behind-cannabis-therapies-pain-inflammation/Cannabinoids as Novel Anti-inflammatory Drugs: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2828614/
2018-12-0747 min
INVISION Podcast With Dee CarrollTry Not to Blink (Episode 18): ER Eye TraumaRoya and Jimmy deep dive into the world of ER Doc Rob Orman, to chat about how he handles patients with eye trauma.SOURCES ERCast: http://ercast.libsyn.com/Corneal abrasions: https://www.reviewofoptometry.com/article/ro1117-go-deep-on-corneal-abrasionsPatching abrasion https://www.cochranelibrary.com/cdsr/doi/10.1002/14651858.CD004764.pub3/epdf/standardTetracaine for 24 hour: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/24730399
2018-12-0745 minINVISION Podcast With Dee CarrollTry Not to Blink (Episode 19): Eye Fear Getting SuedGetting sued — or, more accurately — how not to get sued is the topic in this guest podcast from Roya Habibi, OD and Jimmy Deom, OD, of Try Not to Blink.In this episode, Habibi and Deom discuss the 10 top reasons that eyecare doctors are sued by their patients and what you can do to avoid legal trouble. The most common mistake that doctors make that can land them in legal trouble? Failure to dilate the pupil.
2018-11-3059 minBarb Wire(Season 1, Ep. 2): Jen Cullen WilliamsIn the second episode of "The Barb Wire", host Barbara Palumbo chats with Jen Cullen Williams, the managing director of Luxury Brand Group, a communications agency for the jewelry and luxury industries.The episode includes in-depth discussion of industry trade events — including the dangers of “trade show arrogance” from certain monolithic trade events as well as the opportunities for industry events to better serve their audiences with new technology and focused education. But there’s also lighter discussion of trade show dress codes, the importance of careful shoe management during a trade event, as well as the towering personal confidenc...
2018-11-151h 01Barb Wire(Season 1, Ep. 1): John CarterIn her debut episode of "The Barb Wire", host Barbara Palumbo chats with her good friend, John Carter, the president and CEO of Jack Lewis Jewelers in Bloomington, IL, as well as the president of the American Gem Society (AGS).Their free-wheeling conversation covers child care, Adam Sandler movies, rocking out to AC/DC, and the funniest people in the jewelry business. But it also includes valuable intel on social media, website creation, marketing strategy and story-telling at one of the country's most innovative retail jewelry stores.Introducing "The Barb Wire". Think of it as talk radio for...
2018-10-1459 minINVISION Podcast With Dee CarrollExtras-Dr. Scott Keating-INVISION Podcast with Dee Carroll (S1.E4-BONUS)Here is bonus content from Dee Carroll's discussion with Dr. Scott Keating, owner of Vision Trends in Dover, OH.In this additional material, Dee and Dr. Keating discuss:• The challenges of working with smaller frame companies• Evaluating the brands you carry • How to decide to bring a new brand in • The best thing Dr. Keating did to get his business’ name out there when he started offering more unique product • Reframing the managed care discussion to transition patients into better eyewear
2018-10-0510 min
INVISION Podcast With Dee CarrollOptical Retail Formula for Success with Dr. Scott Keating-INVISION Podcast with Dee Carroll (S1.E4)In the latest installment of The INVISION Podcast with Dee Carroll, Dee talks with Dr. Scott Keating, an optometrist who has been in private practice for 30 years and is the owner of Vision Trends in Dover, OH, a full scope optometry office specializing in unique and trendy eyewear that sets itself apart from its competition. Vision Trends offers over 1,100 frames in stock and has built a reputation in its small town for its progressive frame selection.During this episode, Dee and Scott discuss a number of hot dispensary topics, like:• What most optometrists don’t understand about running an e...
2018-09-2933 minINVISION Podcast With Dee CarrollThe INVISION Podcast (with Dee Carroll) Episode 1: Robert BellIn the debut edition of "The INVISION Podcast with Dee Carroll", INVISION editor-in-chief Dee Carroll hears from popular columnist and sales guru Robert Bell, who provides optical retailers with a long overdue wake-up call.
2018-09-2034 minINVISION Podcast With Dee CarrollSuper Productivity (Without Super Stress)-INVISION Podcast with Dee Carroll-S1.E2In this episode of "The INVISION Podcast with Dee Carroll", INVISION editor-in-chief Dee Carroll hears from Dr. Danielle Richardson of Fierce Clarity about techniques eyecare pros can use to achieve peak productivity while maintaining inner calm.
2018-09-2039 minINVISION Podcast With Dee CarrollExtras-Todd Rogers-The INVISION Podcast with Dee Carroll (S1.E3-BONUS)Here are a few extra segments from Dee Carroll's chat with Todd Rogers Berberian, owner of Andover, MA optical Todd Rogers, which was recently named INVISION's "America's Finest Optical Retailer" for 2018. In these extras, Todd and Leigh share a bit more about their relationship, their family, their future plans for the business, and Leigh closes with a pretty amazing story about an event that occurred as the Rogers' prepared to move into their new store location.
2018-08-0709 minINVISION Podcast With Dee CarrollBreaking the Rules With Todd Rogers-INVISION Podcast with Dee Carroll (S1.E3)Dee Carroll chats with Todd Rogers Berberian, owner of Andover, MA optical Todd Rogers, which was recently named INVISION's "America's Finest Optical Retailer" for 2018. In this interview, Todd, along with his wife and business partner, Leigh, discuss the importance of breaking rules, what it's like to work with a spouse, and the independent philosophy that has made his business such a standout. In our "Ask INVISION" segment, Andrea Hill answers a question about how to build cooperation in a team in which everyone seems to be pulling in a different direction.
2018-08-0336 min