WATCHFIRE ® CASE STUDY: WATCH WHAT HAPPENS.
AUTOMOTIVE :: Klean-a-Kar - Columbus, Ohio
AFTER
:: SIGN SPECS ::
19mm Color LED
Matrix: 48 x 112
6 Lines x 22 Characters
3’5” High x 7’3” Wide
BEFORE
Background
Klean-a-Kar, a family-owned, full-service
car wash, has been in business in
downtown Columbus, Ohio, for nearly 60
years. Offering everything from quick
washes to full detail packages, it’s a
community staple. However, their old
sign, which simply read “Car Wash”, did
little to advertise its full range of services
– or even its name. Recognizing a growing
need to set his business apart from the
competition, Klean-a-Kar owner Dan
Ramsey contacted DāNite Sign Co. in
hopes of finding a dynamic sign solution
that would build the company’s brand and
better inform consumers of what’s
available there.
Results
With guidance from the design team at
DāNite Sign Co., Ramsey became familiar
with Watchfire LED signs. After learning
more about the unique on-site advertising
capabilities of the product, Ramsey opted
to purchase a high resolution, full-color,
video-capable electronic message center.
After the installation of the 19mm LED
sign, business at Klean-a-Kar increased
as new customers arrived in search of the
various services advertised on the sign.
Case Study
When Klean-a-Kar owner Dan Ramsey approached DāNite Sign Co., he was looking for a way to set his
business apart from other car washes in the area. “Before, we had two fixed signs that said ‘Car Wash’,
but we didn’t really advertise our name,” he said. “But now, there are so many other car washes out
there, we felt we had to get our name advertised in a better way.”
After seeing Klean-a-Kar’s old signage, DāNite Sign Design Consultant, Ryan Srbljan couldn’t have
agreed more. “I’d estimate those signs were over 25 years old, and the brand was not well displayed,” he
said. “They were missing an opportunity to better serve their customers who didn’t realize all of the
services that Dan was offering.”
“We wanted to get our company’s name and
Located in a high-traffic area right
services advertised, and a Watchfire LED sign
outside downtown Columbus, Klean-aKar had a golden opportunity to put its
is just the most striking way to get the job done.”
name and services in front of thousands
–– Dan Ramsey, Owner,
of people daily. This is where the sign
Klean-a-Kar, Columbus, Ohio
design experience of the DāNite Sign Co.
team came in handy. “Dan wanted to get
something that really had some presence to it, so we went with a custom designed sign that incorporated a 19mm LED sign,” Srbljan said. “And Watchfire had the right product for the right price.”
Ramsey agreed. “In the process of picking a sign, we spoke to multiple sign companies that used and
endorsed Watchfire,” he said. “Knowing that Watchfire was used by multiple companies, we knew it
must be pretty special.”
Since the installation of the sign, Ramsey has seen a return on his investment. The new sign has helped
Klean-a-Kar accomplish something it struggled to do before – inform customers about specific services.
The result has been an increase in the number of people coming in and looking for certain packages
contributing to the increase in sales.
And those branding problems Klean-a-Kar was having? Consider them solved. “We wanted to get our
company’s name and services advertised,” Ramsey said. “And a Watchfire LED sign is just the most
striking way to get the job done.”
FOR MORE INFORMATION CALL YOUR LOCAL SIGN DEALER.
©2010, Watchfire Signs by Time-O-Matic. Danville, Illinois, USA.
WATCHFIRE ® CASE STUDY: WATCH WHAT HAPPENS.
AUTOMOTIVE :: Merchants Auto - Hooksett, N.H.
AFTER
:: SIGN SPECS ::
19mm Color LED
Matrix: 128 x 416
16 Lines x 83 Characters
10’ High x 30’ Wide
BEFORE
Background
When Merchants Auto first sought to
upgrade its signage in the 90’s, the
successful New Hampshire-based used
car dealership turned to Watchfire Signs.
At the time, they purchased a bulb unit.
That transaction marked the beginning of
what has become a lasting relationship
between the two companies, and it was no
surprise that Merchants Auto called on
Watchfire again when it was ready to
upgrade to a larger, LED sign solution.
Results
Michael Sydney, Vice President of
Merchants Auto, had a pretty good idea
about what brand of LED sign he wanted.
Still, he did his due diligence, obtaining
quotes and references from LED sign
dealers and manufacturers from around
the country. In the end, though, the
answer was clear: Watchfire Signs was
still the best choice.
Case Study
Merchants Auto knows the value of longevity in business. After all, the used car dealership has been in
business since the 1960s, when current Vice President Michael Sydney’s father-in-law opened it. So
when the time came for Merchants Auto to upgrade to a larger, more modern sign solution, it decided to
purchase from Watchfire Signs – the same company that sold it a bulb sign two decades earlier.
“We were looking for something dramatic that would positively affect the retail sales operation,” Sydney
said. “Our other sign was becoming ancient, and we were interested in joining our community’s rebate
program for the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions.”*
With these objectives in mind, Sydney enlisted the help
of local sign company Jutras Signs. Cathy Champagne,
President of Jutras Signs, had prior experience as a
Watchfire dealer, and was familiar with the product.
“Merchants Auto really put their trust in us to help them
pick the right sign,” Champagne said. “And based on our
experience, we felt that a 19mm Watchfire LED was the
best choice for the impact they were looking for.”
“People really notice it, and they
comment on it. Just by raising
people’s awareness that we’re
here, it’s working.”
–– Michael Sidney, Vice President,
Merchants Auto, Hooksett, N.H.
Sydney trusted Champagne’s judgment. After all, his own research suggested the same thing. “When we
were first looking for a sign, there were few vendors who provided the product that we wanted. Out of
those, Watchfire had great references and reports from users. I spoke to people as far out as Detroit,
and everyone said the Watchfire sign is just awesome.”
Merchants Auto bought the sign hoping it would modernize its storefront, attract customers, and help
the dealership take better advantage of its residence near a busy highway. So far, the new sign has lived
up to their hopes. “People really notice it, and they comment on it,” Sydney said. “Just by raising people’s
awareness that we’re here, it’s working.”
* The new sign also helped Merchants
Auto take advantage of an energy
efficiency program his state was offering.
With the help of his utilities service rep,
Merchants Auto was able to consolidate
its electrical usage and have the new LED
sign monitored to determine energy
savings. In the end, Merchants Auto
received a $50,000 rebate check from
their local utility company.
While the product is top-notch, Champagne also credits the Watchfire sales staff for the appeal of their
products. “I believe the relationship between our local Watchfire representative Bill Smillie and
Merchants Auto really helped them through the sale,” she said. Sydney agreed, attributing his loyalty to
the Watchfire brand partly to its “wonderful and knowledgeable representatives.”
“Jutras Signs and Watchfire were both great, and I’m very happy with the end result,” he said.
Apparently, many other nearby businesses are impressed, too. Sydney said that several other business
operators have inquired about where to buy a similar sign. “We’ve only had the new sign for half a year,
but we already have had prospective Watchfire customers stopping in to see it,” Sydney laughed. “I’m
always more than happy to help Watchfire make another sale. It’s a great company with a great product.”
FOR MORE INFORMATION CALL YOUR LOCAL SIGN DEALER.
©2010, Watchfire Signs by Time-O-Matic. Danville, Illinois, USA.
WATCHFIRE ® CASE STUDY: WATCH WHAT HAPPENS.
AUTO - AUTO PARTS & REPAIR SERVICE :: Lefler Collisions - Evansville, Ind.
:: SIGN SPECS ::
25mm Color LED
Matrix: 56 x 112
7 Lines x 22 Characters
5' High x 10' Wide
Background
Lefler Collisions auto repair shop has
been proudly serving customers for
years at its numerous locations in the
Evansville, Ind. area. In 2009, with
business booming, owner Jimmy
Lefler made plans to expand his
business even further. To help make
the expansion a success, he wanted a
dynamic sign solution that would bring
a new level of attention to his brand –
and put a powerful new advertising
opportunity at his fingertips.
Results
Lefler approached local sign company
Alvey’s Sign Inc. for help in choosing an
electronic message center for his new
venture. John DeVries, a sales
representative at Alvey’s, was quick to
suggest a Watchfire unit for Lefler’s
new location. Putting his trust in
Devries’ suggestion, Lefler had the
sign installed for his new store’s grand
opening. The brightness, clarity and
display quality exceeded his
expectations. In fact, when he later
expanded once again, he bought
another sign by Watchfire.
Case Study
When Lefler Collisions owner Jimmy Lefler spoke to John DeVries of Alvey’s Sign Inc., it was in the hope of
finding an attention-getting sign that would help his new auto repair shop location bloom. DeVries introduced
Lefler to the Watchfire brand, which instantly caught his attention. “We wanted to take advantage of being
able to change messages on a daily basis,” he said. “The Watchfire sign lets us do just that.”
For his part, DeVries knew he couldn't go wrong
in recommending a Watchfire LED sign. Alvey’s
Sign Inc. has been a Watchfire dealer for five
years, and DeVries knows it to be among the
best LED brands on the market. “I believe in the
product,” DeVries said. “It's great quality and
American-made, so we have a comfort level
whenever we deal with a Watchfire unit.”
“We’ve absolutely achieved recognition.
We service our local community…by
displaying upcoming events…”
–– Jimmy Lefler, Owner
Lefler Collisions
A Watchfire representative brought a demonstration truck on-site to give Lefler a real-life preview of how
the sign would appear. “The demo truck was another example of the excellence of the product,” he said.
“And it helped that our local representative was completely prepared and knowledgeable.”
The sign quickly became a point of reference and recognition in the area. “When we first put in the sign,
there weren’t many others like it out there in our community,” he said. “We were able to have the first,
biggest and most prominent sign, and be known for it in our area. So we’ve absolutely achieved recognition.”
Lefler also felt it was important to use the sign to advertise community events, and show support for local
organizations, schools and churches. “We service our local community,” he said. “By displaying upcoming
events, we can use the sign as a support tool for the community, as well as for our own advertising services.”
When Lefler later opened another new location, he made sure it too was branded with another Watchfire
sign. In the near future, he plans to switch out the signs at his older locations with Watchfire products as
well. “I already know the quality of the product, and what it can do for my business,” he said. “Why would I
spend time looking elsewhere?”
FOR MORE INFORMATION CALL YOUR LOCAL SIGN DEALER.
©2010, Watchfire Signs by Time-O-Matic. Danville, Illinois, USA.
WATCHFIRE ® CASE STUDY: WATCH WHAT HAPPENS.
AUTOMOTIVE :: Bobby’s Tire & Muffler - Franklin, Va.
AFTER
BEFORE
:: SIGN SPECS ::
19mm Color LED
Matrix: 48 x 112
6-Lines x 5” Characters
3’4” High x 8’ Wide
Background
In late 2009, the city of Franklin, Va., took
a major economic blow when
International Paper, a global paper
manufacturer, announced it was closing
its Franklin-based mill. When Bobby
Cutchins heard the news, he worried it
would mean a drop in business at his
Franklin-based muffler and tire business.
Cutchins had recently invested in a new
electronic message center by Watchfire.
Would he see a return on his investment
now that more than 1,000 area jobs were
about to disappear?
Results
Cutchins' concerns turned out to be
unfounded. According to Cutchins' son,
Bobby's Tire & Muffler general manager
Robby Cutchins, the new electronic
message center actually played a key role
in the store's continued success during
the difficult period. “It added to our
business,” he said. “Traffic actually went
up because of it.” The new LED sign – the
first of its kind in the Franklin community
– re-energized the 28-year-old tire and
muffler service center at just the right
time, giving it a dynamic,
attention-grabbing way to inform
motorists of specials, rebates and more.
Case Study
Since opening its doors nearly 30 years ago as a two-bay service station, Bobby's Tire & Muffler has
become a household name in the small town of Franklin, Va. Started by Bobby Cutchins in 1982, Bobby's
Tire & Muffler has recently added a second location, Bobby's Tire Pros, in Emporia, Va. Between the two
locations, Cutchins now employs 24 people.
In 2009, Bobby's Tire & Muffler continued to thrive in spite of the economic crisis. Business was so
steady that Cutchins worked with Brooks Gray Signs in Richmond, Va., to buy a fully animated, full-color
Watchfire LED sign. The dynamic advertising tool wasn't only the first of its kind for Bobby's, but also for
the entire city of Franklin.
Cutchins planned to use the new sign to promote specials
and rebates, and maybe even explore co-op opportunities
with big tire brands. But his enthusiasm soured when he
learned International Paper, a nearby mill employing more
than 1,000 people, would be closing due to the recession.
He began second-guessing the timing of his investment,
wondering if it was a mistake.
“It's well worth the investment
- you'll get the return.”
–– Robby Cutchins, General Manager,
Bobby’s Tire & Muffler, Franklin, Va.
Still, with the help of the installation staff at Brooks Gray Signs, Cutchins moved forward, replacing his
old marquee letterboard with then new Watchfire sign. Then, he waited to see if it would work.
He didn't have to wait long. “Traffic at the shop got heavier real fast,” Robby Cutchins said. Cutchins
typically runs 10 promotional messages on the sign on any given day, updating them on a weekly basis.
This way, he's able to advertise 10 times as many specials as he did before. Moreover, the full-color
logos grab drivers' attention far better than a letterboard reading “Michelin” or “Firestone.”
“People may want a certain brand of tire they didn't know you sold, or services they didn't know you
offer, and the sign does a great job of communicating those things,” Cutchins said.
Asked if he would recommend a similar sign to other automotive businesses, Cutchins didn't hesitate.
“Definitely,” he said. “If you have the traffic, it is well worth the investment. You’ll get the return.”
And his father's feelings on the sign?
“He's definitely pleased, to say the least. He loves it.”
FOR MORE INFORMATION CALL YOUR LOCAL SIGN DEALER.
©2010, Watchfire Signs by Time-O-Matic. Danville, Illinois, USA.
WATCHFIRE ® CASE STUDY: WATCH WHAT HAPPENS.
GAS STATION and CONVENIENCE STORE :: Yellow Dog Express - Utica, Ohio
AFTER
BEFORE
:: SIGN SPECS ::
19mm Color LED
Matrix: 48 x 96
6-Lines x 5” Characters
3’4” High x 7’ Wide
Background
Yellow Dog Express is located about
40 miles northeast of Columbus, Ohio,
in the small rural community of Utica.
It's a Marathon gas station and
convenience store combo owned by
Brian and Jo Walters, who bought it
from Jo's father 22 years ago. The
Walters love their shop, but running
it hasn't always been easy. “It's a
demanding business,” Brian Walters
said. “It gets tough at times.” Across
the street sits their biggest competitor
– a gas station and convenience store
that's part of a 150-station chain. “They
keep us on our toes,” Walters said.
Results
Last year, Brian Walters began
researching LED sign brands, deciding
on Watchfire by Time-O-Matic after
another manufacturer “dropped the
ball.” “I couldn't get them out here for
a demo,” Walters said. Watchfire put
Walters in touch with Kessler Sign
Company in the nearby town of
Zanesville, Ohio, who sold and installed
the sign. Now, motorists who pass by
Yellow Dog Express are greeted by full
color video commercials, promotions,
store specials and more. “The impact
of the sign was direct and immediate,”
Walters said. “It started making a
difference the day it was installed.”
Case Study
When Jo Walters' father bought what's now known as the Yellow Dog Express in 1959, it was a modest
gas station with two mechanic's bays. It remained that way until Jo and her husband, Brian, bought it in
1987. Eventually, the bays were replaced by a convenience store, and a drive-through window was added
to let customers shop from their cars.
Brian Walters marvels at how his father-inlaw ran the business for nearly 30 years
without changing anything. “We've had to
redo it every 10 years just to stay afloat,”
he said.
Survival is tougher for the Walters partly
because a 150-station franchise set up
shop right across the street in the mid
'80s. Walters tries to see the bright side.
“They've taught me a lot,” he said. “For one,
they really pride themselves on keeping
relevant messages on their reader board.”
“The sign is the single biggest and most
effective investment that we've made.
It's been an absolute positive.”
— Brian Walters, Owner
Yellow Dog Express, Utica, Ohio
Walters updated his own reader board tirelessly over the years. “It was effective,” he said. “But I realized
it would be more effective if I wasn't limited to one message at a time.” That's when he began researching LED signs. “I knew it would let me communicate more things in a bold fashion.”
Mike Davis of Kessler Sign Company showed Walters several different Watchfire LED sign models.
“I proposed a few different units, in monochrome and full-color,” Davis said. “Once he saw full-color
graphics with his products on it, he was sold.”
But Walters' wife wasn't sure. “She agreed with my thought process,” Walters said. “But she wasn't
convinced we should go full-color.” After a few conversations, the couple decided to take the plunge
together. “Five minutes after the sign went up, the impact was obvious,” Walters said.
Walters knew the sign was making an impact, but he wanted “concrete evidence” it was increasing
sales. So he implemented three promotions and advertised them on the Watchfire sign, and nowhere
else. “Those three programs continue to generate more than the cost of the sign,” Walters said.
“The monthly profit I make from them is significantly more than what I pay for the sign.”
Walters added that his ATM business has increased 23 percent since advertising it on the sign. And he
said that he's certain the sign is paying off in other, immeasurable ways. “Any other business increase
from the sign is just a bonus. It's doing its job – and then some.”
FOR MORE INFORMATION CALL YOUR LOCAL SIGN DEALER.
©2011, Watchfire Signs by Time-O-Matic. Danville, Illinois, USA.
Watchfire® Case Study | Watch What Happens
CASINO :: Sunland Park Racetrack & Casino - Sunland Park, N.M.
Background
Sunland Park Racetrack & Casino is
a thoroughbred and quarter horse
race track and slots casino located in
Sunland Park, N.M. Featuring live racing four days a week from December
through April, the track also offers
simulcast wagering for races across
the country. Their old, low-resolution
Trans-Lux board was expensive to
operate and constantly in need of repair. So the facility’s video manager,
John Nichols, decided it was time to
replace it. He turned to Francis Fluorescent Signs, who recommended a
Watchfire LED sign.
Results
It took a lot of money to maintain the
old Trans-Lux sign at Sunland Park
and it was becoming increasingly
difficult to find the parts needed for
repairs. “Over time the board became
an eyesore,” said Nichols. “With our
new Watchfire LED sign, we just turn
it on and it looks great.” He liked that
the sign was as clear as a flat screen
TV. Watchfire’s Ignite® Graphics Software makes the sign easy to program
and integrates seamlessly with the
racetrack’s complex video system.
Nichols is so pleased with his new
Watchfire sign that he anticipates
adding a smaller sign to the paddock
area and has recommended Watchfire to affiliated tracks.
SIGN SPECS
16mm XVS Color LED
Matrix: 224 x 384
12'7" High x 22' Wide
19 Lines x 60 characters
Case Study
Sunland Park Racetrack & Casino is a feast for the eyes. Guests encounter an entire palette of
color throughout the facility, from racing silks and casino lights, to sumptuous food buffets
and the mountain backdrop in the distance. The facility transmits both live and recorded
video of races on a digital sign located within the track infield.
When the track’s previous, low-resolution digital sign located in the track infield started to
age, it looked out of place. “It was a real eyesore,” said John Nichols, Sunland Park’s video
manager. The sign was expensive to operate as well. Maintenance costs were piling up,
repair parts were difficult to find, and the need to air condition the sign resulted in high
electrical costs.
Nichols began researching digital sign
manufacturers and asked his local sign
dealer, Francis Fluorescent Signs, for recommendations. One name that kept coming up was Watchfire Signs. Nichols talked
with a number of manufacturers, but he
was impressed with the attention he got
from Watchfire, and loved the way the
Watchfire LED signs looked.
“Our big race of the season is the
Sunland Derby which produces the
horse that goes to the Kentucky
Derby, and we had 18,000 people
out here watching it [on the sign].”
— John Nichols
Video Manager, Sunland Race Park and Casino
“Watchfire brought a digital sign out to the race track so we could see how it looked on the
property, and it looked amazing,” said Nichols, who also visited the Watchfire manufacturing facility in Danville, Ill. “It was uplifting to know that the sign was built in America.”
Sunland Park’s new sign is a Watchfire XVS 16mm with live video on demand. The sign features live video during the races and video feeds or recorded videos of other races around
the country. Sunland Park also has a complete recording studio at the racetrack. They can
produce telecasts that include recorded interviews with jockeys and horse owners, then cut
away to live footage of the national anthem or of the horses warming up in the paddock.
Nichols uses a video switching system to simultaneously capture live camera feeds that are
relayed to the Watchfire sign. When there are no races, the sign is used as a standard message center using Ignite software to schedule messages. According to Nichols, the new sign
was a perfect fit for the system and a great investment for Sunland Park.
FOR MORE INFORMATION CALL YOUR LOCAL SIGN DEALER.
©2012, Watchfire Signs by Time-O-Matic, Danville, Illinois, USA.
WATCHFIRE ® CASE STUDY: WATCH WHAT HAPPENS.
CONVENTION AND TRADE SHOW ORGANIZERS :: West Virginia State Fair – Lewisburg, W. Va.
Background
Except for a three-year hiatus during
World War II, the State Fair of West
Virginia has been an annual tradition
since 1921. The fair's rich history is a
big part of its appeal. But once the
State Fair ends its two-week summer
run, the Fairgrounds still must make
ends meet by renting out its facilities.
It's home to excellent venues, but it's
not the only option in town. The State
Fair of West Virginia needed something
to give it a competitive edge over other
facilities. So in August of 2008, the Fair
upgraded from a traditional letterboard
sign to an electronic message center
by Watchfire by Time-O-Matic.
Results
The State Fair of West Virginia saw a
return on their investment
immediately. Attendance to the State
Fair increased in 2008, and the
fairgrounds gained a crucial edge over
other rental facilities in the area.
According to Marlene Pierson-Jolliffe
the sign “has definitely made a
difference. Other rental facilities don't
have these capabilities. We can start
advertising an event immediately after
a contract is signed.” The sign is also
appealing to prospective State Fair
sponsors, who enjoy knowing their
products or services will be broadcast
to thousands of passersby every single
day. Because West Virginia has strict
outdoor advertising laws, the State Fair
uses the sign to entice businesses to
become fair sponsors rather than
selling advertising packages. With the
fair sponsorship, businesses receive an
electronic sign promotion package as a
value-added service.
:: SIGN SPECS ::
19mm Color LED
Matrix: 80 x 144
10 Lines x 5” Characters
5’4” High x 10’ Wide
Case Study
Even the most historical institutions must adapt to current trends. For State Fair of West Virginia
Manager Marlene Pierson-Jolliffe, the time for change arrived in the summer of 2008. For decades, the
Lewisburg-based fairgrounds she manages had relied on a letter-type sign that had to be changed
manually. “You absolutely cannot run a facility with multiple venues and events like that,” she said.
“We had been debating getting an LED sign
for awhile,” she continued. “We run events
in multiple buildings throughout the year,
and we need to be able to message what is
going on to the public. The visually pleasing
way to do that was obviously with an
electronic message center.”
“This sign raises the bar. We can advertise events faster. Being able to preset a
schedule for events that are going on
later in the year saves us time and
effort. It gives us a competitive edge.”
Working with Driftwood Sign & Frame, also
based in Lewisburg, the State Fair
–– Marlene Pierson-Jolliffe, Manager,
bought a 5'4” x 10' Watchfire LED sign,
State Fair of West Virginia, Lewisburg, W. Va.
and had it installed just below the State
Fair's traditional sign. According to
Pierson-Jolliffe, a number of Lewisburg
residents have commented on how well the two signs complement one another. “They think the way the
sign works with our logo is very attractive,” she said.
Todd Hardy of Driftwood & Frame recommended a Watchfire sign to Pierson-Jolliffe because he knew it
would be user-friendly and, above all else, dependable. “A lot of the LED products that are 'hot' today
end up broken tomorrow,” he said. “Watchfire doesn't bring a product to market until it has been
thoroughly tested.”
Hardy helped the State Fair deal with the zoning issues, attending hearings with Pierson-Jolliffe to get
the sign approved by city officials. After the sign was installed, he provided one-on-one training to State
Fair staff members, who were able to schedule, program and post messages to the sign in no time.
“We can book events and instantly start messaging them to thousands of motorists,” Pierson-Jolliffe
said. She contrasts this with a newspaper advertisement. “You may pay $300 or $400 for a small print ad
that people may not even see. But now, when you hold your event here, you get access to the sign as part
of the booking.”
West Virginia residents who drive by the fair in the evening hours these days no longer encounter
darkness. The State Fair of West Virginia has literally brought new light to the community. And PiersonJolliffe said that the future of the fairgrounds is brighter than ever, too.
“We're in a better position now,” she said. “This sign is key to growing our business. We are very happy
with it.”
FOR MORE INFORMATION CALL YOUR LOCAL SIGN DEALER.
©2009, Watchfire Signs by Time-O-Matic. Danville, Illinois, USA.
WATCHFIRE ® CASE STUDY: WATCH WHAT HAPPENS.
CASINO :: Creek Nation Casino Duck Creek - Beggs, Okla.
AFTER
BEFORE
:: SIGN SPECS ::
25mm XVS Color LED
Matrix: 104 x 192
13-Lines x 38 Characters
9’ High x 16’4” Wide
Background
A pole-structure billboard was built to
lure Highway 75 motorists into the
Creek Nation Casino outside of Beggs,
Okla. In spite of the sign's large size
and clear visibility, it continued to
disappoint the casino in terms of
results. So as electronic message
centers from nearby Tulsa businesses
caught the eyes of the marketing staff
and the general managers, they decided
then and there that Creek Nation Casino
needed LED signage if it hoped to
improve its walk-in rates and revenue.
Results
Dewayne Pizzolato, marketing manager,
contacted local sign dealer A-max Sign
Company to inquire about LED signage.
After all, shouldn't every casino enjoy
the bright, dynamic appeal of LED
technology? A-max brought in Watchfire
representative Tony Hicks demonstrate
a Watchfire LED sign on-site. Pizzolato
and his general managers were sold.
Within weeks, Creek Nation Casino
Duck Creek had its first electronic
message center. The results, Pizzolato
said, were dramatic and immediate.
Case Study
When Dewayne Pizzolato approached Brian Ward of A-max Sign Company, he was adamant about finding
a better way to attract attention to the casino and to increase revenue at Creek Nation Casino by bringing
in more customers. He knew the casino's current signage didn't do a very good of job grabbing the
attention of passing motorists. He believed an LED sign was just what the casino needed to change its
fortune. “He’d seen LED signs at work, and knew how effective they could be,” Ward said.
A-max Sign Company had been dealing
Watchfire Signs for years before Creek
“It absolutely does its job,” Pizzolato
Nation Casino approached them. Because
said. “It keeps people coming in. Going
of that long-standing relationship, they were
from our previous sign to a Watchfire
able to show Pizzolato all the best qualities
LED sign took our casino to a whole new
in a Watchfire LED sign up close and
personal, in a demonstration. “We’re a
dimension of advertising.”
Watchfire dealer not only because it works
–– Dewayne Pizzolato, Marketing Manager,
great, also but because it’s incredibly
Creek Nation Casino Duck Creek
low-maintenance,” Ward said. “And best
of all, it’s a great value. This made it easy
to show Creek Nation Casino Duck Creek just why Watchfire would work for them.”
According to Pizzolato, the sign brought an immediate increase in attention to Creek Nation Casino. And
customers weren't the only ones taking notice. “Employees were among the first to praise the sign,” he
said. “They love it. They are proud of the effect it has on the property.”
Most importantly, the sign provided the revenue boost the casino was counting on. “We've seen financial
improvement because of the sign,” he said. “We’ve got more people coming in, and more traffic off of the
highway, which is exactly what we were after.”
FOR MORE INFORMATION CALL YOUR LOCAL SIGN DEALER.
©2009, Watchfire Signs by Time-O-Matic. Danville, Illinois, USA.
Watchfire® Case Study | Watch What Happens
HOSPITALITY :: Century Banquet Center - Sterling Heights, Mich.
Background
In business for 45 years, the Century
Banquet Center in Sterling Heights,
Mich., is in a prime location, yet
business was declining. Gary Mruk,
president of the organization that
owns the banquet hall, decided to
upgrade the facility’s letter board
to a Watchfire LED message center.
The results were astounding.
Results
Since installing the Watchfire LED sign,
Century Banquet Center reports that
it has quadrupled its bookings for
weddings and events. The new sign is
easy to program and allows the facility
to provide a personal welcome that
matches its reputation for delivering
personal attention for all events.
SIGN SPECS
19mm Color LED
Matrix: 64 x 144
8 Lines x 29 Characters
4' High x 9' Wide
Case Study
Despite being located across the street from the Maple Lane Golf Course in Sterling Heights, Mich., and
successfully operating for 45 years, the Century Banquet Center wasn’t being chosen by brides for
wedding receptions. Bookings for funeral luncheons, corporate events and parties also had dropped.
The facility, which offers in-house catering
with customized menus, had a good
reputation for delivering exceptional
customer service and personal attention
for each event.
Gary Mruk, president of the American Polish
Century Club, owner of the facility, felt that
the signage might be the culprit. Century
Banquet Center’s letter board sign was 4'x8'
and two-sided, but it had to be updated
manually. In Michigan’s snowy and cold
winters, updating the sign was a chore.
“It was important to us to find a sign that
is both easy to use and manufactured in
America. Watchfire is both. Even more
important, we needed a sign that would
help drive business to our location.
Our wedding bookings are nearly 4 times
greater with the Watchfire sign”
— Gary Mruk
President, American Polish Century Club
Mruk turned to Huron Sign to design a new structure featuring a 19mm, 4' x 9' LED sign in full-color
from Watchfire Signs. The new sign features vibrant images, full-motion video and Ignite® software
for easy programming. Watchfire signs are manufactured in the United States, which was another
selling point for Mruk.
The new sign can be programmed from inside the building, and features eye-catching graphics.
Now the facility customizes sign messages for each event. For weddings, Mruk asks newlyweds
to email him a digital photograph from the ceremony or from outside the church, and guests are
welcomed to the reception with a photo of the happy couple on the sign.
The new Watchfire sign has had a significant impact on business. In 2009, the facility booked just
seven weddings. In 2011, event bookings more than quadrupled to 38.
FOR MORE INFORMATION CALL YOUR LOCAL SIGN DEALER.
©2012, Watchfire Signs by Time-O-Matic. Danville, Illinois, USA.
WATCHFIRE ® CASE STUDY: WATCH WHAT HAPPENS.
HOTELS :: Days Inn Hotel & Conference Center – Danville, Ill.
Background
Days Inn Hotel & Conference Center in
Danville, Ill. has been serving this
central Illinois community for 25 years.
The hotel is situated in the hub of
Danville’s banking community at the
most heavily traveled intersection in
Vermillion County, near the interchange
of I-74 where more than 32,000 vehicles
pass daily. Given the intense competition
in the hospitality industry, managing
partner Matt Groppi said the hotel was
looking for ways to use the exposure
provided by its excellent location to
improve advertising with customers,
prospects and the local community.
:: SIGN SPECS ::
35mm Amber LED
Matrix: 40 x 96
5-Lines x 10” Characters
5’ High x 12’ Wide
Results
With the help of Kellys Sign Shop of
Danville, Groppi selected a 35mm 5’ x
12’ digital message center from
Watchfire by Time-O-Matic. The digital
message center is upscale and
noticeable, better reflecting the Days
Inn brand. The Watchfire sign enables
the hotel to carry a variety of timely
messages regarding the hotel,
restaurant and lounge, and enables the
hotel staff to advertise more effectively
and target a number of different
audiences, including engaged couples
looking for wedding banquet facilities
and local businesses seeking
conference rooms. Since the sign was
installed, hotel business has increased
roughly 5 percent and traditional hotel
advertising costs were cut. Those
resources instead have been allocated
to hotel operations. “The Watchfire
sign was the best investment I’ve ever
made,” said Groppi.
Case Study
Two years ago, Days Inn in Danville, Ill., sported a tired and outdated manual reader board. Managing
partner Matt Groppi considered replacing it but feared that he lacked the budget for an upgrade to a
digital message center. “We were concerned about price,” he said. “However, after talking it over with
representatives from Watchfire, which is based in our hometown of Danville, we learned that this was
definitely an affordable purchase.”
Since Watchfire never sells directly to customers,
representatives put Groppi in touch with Kellys
Sign Shop, which specified, designed and
installed the new sign.
Groppi was sold on the idea of a digital message
center, with its ability to communicate a variety
of messages to the community 24 hours a day,
seven days a week. Groppi was also attracted to
the simplicity and convenience of the digital sign.
“Before, we changed our message just
once a week, because we didn’t have
the staff or time for daily message
changes. Now, with Watchfire’s
Ignite™ software, we can change our
message as often as we want.”
–– Matt Groppi, Managing Partner, Days Inn Hotel
“Before, we changed our message just once a week, because we didn’t have the staff or time for daily
message changes. Now, with Watchfire’s Ignite™ software, we can change our message as often as
we want.”
The easy-to-use software also enables Groppi to program the messages in advance, so if the hotel is
booked with wedding banquets, he can schedule congratulatory messages to the bride and groom days
before their guests pull into the hotel parking lot. At the same time, Days Inn has started an active
dialogue with the community, providing notices for Boys and Girls Clubs and other organizations, which
was unthinkable with their old sign. Groppi says he even has fielded requests from outside firms
interested in advertising on the hotel sign, but he only posts messages free of charge for local, not-forprofit organizations.
FOR MORE INFORMATION CALL YOUR LOCAL SIGN DEALER.
©2008, Watchfire Signs by Time-O-Matic. Danville, Illinois, USA.
WATCHFIRE ® CASE STUDY: WATCH WHAT HAPPENS.
RETAIL - LAWN & GARDEN :: Anderson Home and Garden - Newport News, Va.
:: SIGN SPECS ::
16mm Color LED
Matrix: 64 x 168
8 Lines x 33 Characters
4' High x 9'5" Wide
Background
Anderson Home and Garden has been
the go-to garden center in Newport
News, Va., for nearly 50 years,
providing the community with
everything from potted plants to
landscaping supplies. When owner
Clark Anderson decided to renovate
the business, he wanted to replace the
existing signage with a more dynamic
sign solution that both added to the
“wow” factor of the new building and
promoted the frequently overlooked
merchandise the store offers.
Results
After an unsuccessful beginning with a
Watchfire competitor, Anderson
encountered the sign of his dreams on
display at another local business. He
called local sign company Sign Media,
and spoke with sales representative
Mike Burnett, who helped arrange for
an on-site demonstration of a
Watchfire sign. Anderson fell in love
with the high-definition display, and
quickly purchased his own Watchfire
LED sign. According to him, the results
the new sign has produced are even
better than he'd imagined.
Case Study
Clark Anderson was looking for a sign to complement the new renovations to his home and garden
business, but the options shown to him by the sign company he was working with just weren’t that
impressive. “I wanted a real high-definition sign,” he said. “Something that would allow me to display
pictures of my flowers and plants without them looking like cartoons.”
The sign company repeatedly tried to
convince Anderson that he didn't need a
sign with such dynamic visual capabilities.
But Anderson knew better. “I’m in the
business of beauty, and I knew the new
sign had to be able to bring that across.
But this other company kept telling me
high-definition wasn’t what I really wanted.”
“We’ve had numerous situations of people
stopping by because they saw a product
displayed they didn’t even know we carried."
–– Clark Anderson, Owner
Anderson Home and Garden
Already convinced that they didn't have his best interests at heart, Anderson later learned from fellow
business owners that the company had a reputation for selling signs that often malfunctioned, and
required frequent service. “ 'Oh no,’ I said, 'this is not for me.' ”
Around that same time, Anderson happened to drive by a Watchfire demo truck at a another local
business. “The image was just incredible. I did a U-turn and came right back. I just sat there and
watched it, I was so impressed.”
When he got home, Anderson called Mike Burnett of Sign Media to request a demonstration at his own
business. That same evening, Watchfire representative Ben Barr arrived, and showed Anderson
firsthand what a high-definition sign could do. “It was like night and day,” Anderson said. “When I saw
that 16-millimeter sign it was just beautiful, there was no decision to be made. I was sold.”
Since installation, Anderson has used the sign to highlight products available at his newly-renovated
store, including some that many customers didn't know were available. “We like to highlight one item
from each of our twenty departments each week,” he said. “We’ve had numerous situations of people
stopping by because they saw a product displayed they didn’t even know we carried. This sign has been a
quick and easy way to broaden the image of what people anticipate our business to be about.”
FOR MORE INFORMATION CALL YOUR LOCAL SIGN DEALER.
©2010, Watchfire Signs by Time-O-Matic. Danville, Illinois, USA.
WATCHFIRE ® CASE STUDY: WATCH WHAT HAPPENS.
PHARMACY :: Apple Discount Drugs - Salisbury, Md.
AFTER
BEFORE
:: SIGN SPECS ::
19mm Color LED
Matrix: 64 x 144
8 Lines x 29 Characters
4’4” High x 10’ Wide
Background
For 35 years, Apple Discount Drugs has
provided pharmaceuticals and consumer
medical equipment to residents along the
Delmarva Peninsula in Salisbury, Md.
Located on Highway 13, a main
thoroughfare, the store saw a major
increase in passing traffic when a
Super Wal-Mart opened up across the
street. Looking to capitalize on the influx
of new motorists, Apple Discount Drugs
purchased a large, fully animated LED
sign by Watchfire.
Results
Apple Discount Drugs purchased the
electronic message center at Phillips
Signs Inc., in Seaford, Del. The company
initially looked at two different sign
brands. An on-site demonstration finally
convinced them to go with Watchfire.
Their new sign, now highly visible to
motorists as they wait at the stop light
at the intersection where the store sits,
made a significant and measurable
impact on Apple's performance,
increasing product sales and improving
attendance to in-store events.
Case Study
Apple Discount Drugs isn't your typical drug store. It houses a traditional pharmacy, yes, but it also sells
consumer medical equipment you can't find at cookie-cutter chain drug stores. Combine their unique
product line with their devotion to top-notch service, and you have a recipe for enduring success.
One of the keys to the store's success is an appreciation for friendly service that's often lost on big chains.
However, no matter how tied to tradition, every company must evolve to remain competitive. And one of the
things a truly evolving company must do is embrace innovative ways to engage and attract new customers.
So when a Super Wal-Mart opened up across the street
from Apple Discount Drugs, the store viewed it as an
opportunity rather than a threat. “It actually brought
about a sort of rebirth to our end of town,” Liz Albert,
Apple's director of store operations, said. “By that same
token, we knew we had to give people a reason to come
across the street.”
“The goal was to capture attention,
and this was the best possible way
to do it. People really respond to
that sign.”
–– Liz Albert, Director of Store Operations,
Apple Discount Drugs
Thanks to its new neighbor, the number of motorists
passing Apple Discount Drugs grew exponentially. Apple sought to engage them with one of the most
dynamic advertising tools of the 21st century: a full-color, fully-animated LED sign. “We wanted to capture
people's attention,” Albert said. “And this was the best possible way to do that.”
Today, as people drive by Apple Discount Dugs, they're greeted by a large, high-resolution sign informing
them about product promotions and events happening inside the store. According to Michelle Wheatley,
Apple's over-the-counter coordinator, the economic impact of the sign has been impossible to miss.
“The very first product we advertised on the sign was a pain relief product for arthritis,” she said. “We had
it on the shelves two months prior, with only minimal sales. When we put it on the sign, sales tripled.”
When the store recently advertised a diabetes screening, dozens of curious customers stopped in for
more information about the event. In fact, sometimes the sign works almost too well. “Not long ago, we
put up dates on the sign for a flu clinic a week in advance,” Albert said. “And people immediately came
in and started requesting flu shots.”
“People really respond to that sign,” she continued. “It's a good investment, without a doubt.”
FOR MORE INFORMATION CALL YOUR LOCAL SIGN DEALER.
©2009, Watchfire Signs by Time-O-Matic. Danville, Illinois, USA.
WATCHFIRE ® CASE STUDY: WATCH WHAT HAPPENS.
RETAIL :: Beach Liquors - Bethany Beach, Del.
AFTER
BEFORE
:: SIGN SPECS ::
19mm Color LED
Matrix: 48 x 112
6-Lines x 5” Characters
3’5” High x 7’3” Wide
Background
Beach Liquors, a family-owned business
in Bethany Beach, Del., resides on prime
advertising real estate. Located on a
highway that runs between Ocean City,
Md., and the coast of Delaware,
thousands of tourists drive by the liquor
store every day. In early 2010, Beach
Liquors owner Mike Kappes decided to
capitalize on his premium location. His
first step: To upgrade the store's
old-fashioned letterboard sign to
something that would command the
attention of the thousands of motorists
who drive by his liquor store daily.
Results
Kappes' journey led him to family friend
Matt Phillips, Sales Manager of Phillips
Sign in Seaford, Del. Phillips introduced
Kappes to Ben Barr, the region's
Watchfire representative, who brought a
demonstration truck to Beach Liquors.
Immediately, Kappes was hooked. With its
high resolution, eye-catching color, and
ability to display multiple messages, the
sign could catch the attention of passing
motorists. What followed was an increase
in sales for Beach Liquors.
Case Study
“I had been talking to them for years,” Matt Phillips said. “I guess I finally planted a bug in their ear
about Watchfire.” Phillips, a long-time family friend of Beach Liquors owner Mike Kappes, knew an
electronic message center would help Kappes' store draw in the many tourists traveling to and from the
nearby beach. A longtime Watchfire dealer, Phillips also knew which brand would provide the best bang
for Kappes' buck.
Kappes took his friend's advice in early 2010. His only complaint? He wishes he would have done it
sooner. “I hadn’t been actively looking for new signage,” Kappes said. “But I was always really interested
in LED signs. Since sales were a little flat last year, we thought it would be something that would help
draw attention to the store.”
Kappes was right, shortly after installation Beach
Liquors' saw a 12 percent increase in profits on ice
sales. “There have been other things we’ve advertised
that have gotten a lot more attention than before
also,” Kappes said. “Things that, before, people may
not even have known our store was offering.”
“We get customers who come in
just because they saw the sign, or
saw a special we were featuring .”
–– Mike Kappes, Owner,
Beach Liquors, Bethany Beach, Del.
The versatility of the sign is a major part of its appeal, Kappes said. “We never changed the messages on
our old letterboard sign. Now we can put up new specials, or items that are unique to our store, every day.”
Matt Phillips isn't surprised Kappes has found success with the sign. “I've been working with Watchfire
for roughly five years, and our experience has always been great. Our regional representative, Ben Barr,
is very knowledgeable, and it always feels like we are working as a team. And I knew a Watchfire LED
would fit perfectly with Beach Liquors existing signage.”
The new Beach Liquors LED sign is a hit with more than just Kappes. Business owners from the
surrounding area have taken notice, too, stopping in to ask about the sign. Most important, passing
motorists are drawn to its colorful, engaging messages.
“We get customers who come in just because they saw the sign, or saw a special we were featuring,”
Kappes said. “The sign has certainly drawn lots of attention.”
FOR MORE INFORMATION CALL YOUR LOCAL SIGN DEALER.
©2010, Watchfire Signs by Time-O-Matic. Danville, Illinois, USA.
WATCHFIRE ® CASE STUDY: WATCH WHAT HAPPENS.
RETAIL STORES :: Ben Garelick Jewelers – Buffalo, NY
AFTER
BEFORE
:: SIGN SPECS ::
19mm Color LED
Matrix: 48 x 122
4-Line x 10” Characters
5’ High x 10’ Wide
Background
A family owned and locally operated
jeweler for more than 50 years, Ben
Garelick Jewelers, of Buffalo, N.Y., was
going somewhat unnoticed by more than
30,000 cars driving by their store each
day. To capitalize on their prime retail
location, the brother and sister team now
in charge of the store decided to upgrade
their sign from letterboard pylon to LED
technology by Watchfire Signs.
Results
Since installing the Watchfire LED sign,
Ben Garelick Jewelers has enjoyed an
increase in public awareness, both of its
location and the merchandise the store
offers. Many customers come in simply
because they’ve seen a popular jewelry
line advertised on the new sign. The
store already is getting more mileage
out of its investment, as the sign now
can be updated instantly from inside,
an important upgrade during the
winter months.
Case Study
Despite being in the same location for more than 12 years and advertising on local radio, billboards
and TV, Ben Garelick Jewelers was just another storefront to the 30,000 cars that passed by everyday.
Co-owners and siblings, Peter Manka, Jr. and Jennifer Radecki, knew they needed to find a way to take
advantage of their high-traffic location and draw attention to their store. That’s when they reached out to
John Cooper, Sr., CEO of Cooper Sign Co., Inc.
“A digital sign is not a sign, it’s an advertising
medium,” explained Cooper. “Peter and
Jennifer understood that and were eager to
go beyond traditional billboard and radio
advertising to instantly reach the hundreds of
prospective customers who literally were
passing by their front door each day.”
“The Watchfire sign was a smart
investment for us. People know we’re
here (now) and they know that we carry
the latest trends in jewelry. ”
–– Peter Manka Jr., Owner, Ben Garelick Jewelers
For the past 12 years, the sign at Ben Garelick
Jewelers was a traditional pylon sign that had to be updated manually. And in Buffalo, N.Y., that’s no
easy task in the middle of winter.
“Our initial sign was incredibly limiting,” said Manka. “Not only was it a chore to update the messages in
the cold weather, but it was very time-consuming and we were restricted by the number of letters we
could use, which ultimately restricted the types of messages we could advertise.”
After looking at various sign manufacturers, Ben Garelick Jewelers chose a Watchfire LED sign based on
Cooper’s recommendation, and also because of the sign’s resolution and design.
“After spending years in this business, I’ve learned that a sign is a long-term investment and quality is
key,” said Cooper. “Watchfire makes a quality sign that will stand the test of time and deliver unmatched
customer service. That’s what will deliver the greatest return on investment for Ben Garelick Jewelers.”
The store has seen a definite increase in foot traffic since installing the new Watchfire sign. Because of
the sign’s resolution and eye-catching graphics, passersby now know it’s there. The sign is customizable, so the jeweler is able to match the look of the messages to the image of the store. Instead of a lot
of flashing lights, the sign maintains more steady images with soothing colors, reflecting the jeweler’s
high-end image. Another benefit of the sign’s high resolution and easy programming is the ability to
instantly highlight popular lines of jewelry that the store has in stock.
FOR MORE INFORMATION CALL YOUR LOCAL SIGN DEALER.
©2008, Watchfire Signs by Time-O-Matic. Danville, Illinois, USA.
WATCHFIRE ® CASE STUDY: WATCH WHAT HAPPENS.
LAWN and GARDEN :: Forest Commodities - Martinsville, Ind.
:: SIGN SPECS ::
35mm Color LED
Matrix: 48 x 96
6-Lines x 10” Characters
5’9” High x 12’ Wide
Background
Forest Commodities in Martinsville,
Ind., was having problems
communicating the nature of their
business to passing motorists. Tucked
away along State Route 67, the
premium mulch, playground and land
clearing business depended on a
ground-lit plywood sign to grab drivers'
attention. But the static sign wasn't
getting the job done. When weather
damage presented the company owner
Dan Wooley with an opportunity to get a
new sign, he called Mike Pflum at the
Indianapolis-based Sign Solutions about
an electronic messaging center.
Results
Wooley expressed his interest in LED
technology to Pflum, who was more
than happy to point him in the direction
of Watchfire Signs. Once the new sign
was installed, Forest Commodities saw
an increase both in store traffic and
overall sales. Wooley attributes most of
the upward swing to the company's new
Watchfire® electronic message center.
Case Study
“When Forest Commodities came to me looking for a sign, they were mainly interested in two things,”
Sign Solutions Vice President Mike Pflum said. “Overcoming the fact that their business sits substantially off of the road, and increasing sales.”
According to Forest Commodities owner Dan Wooley, the Watchfire LED sign succeeded in accomplishing both. “We’re in a rural location,” Wooley said. “I thought, if we were going to spend some money, we
should spend it where it will do us some good. I didn’t feel that putting just any old sign at this location
would work. We needed an LED sign that would stand out.”
Wooley said the sign has not only drawn
positive responses from customers, but it
has also significantly boosted sales. “We
are a manufacturer, and we do a great deal
of wholesale business,” Wooley said. “Even
during these difficult economic times, our
retail business has picked up, and I attribute
that to the sign.”
“Even during these difficult economic
times, our retail business has picked up,
and I attribute that to the sign.”
–– Dan Wooley, Owner, Forest Commodities
Pflum said he knew right away that a Watchfire LED sign was exactly what Forest Commodities needed.
“We push Watchfire above all else,” he said. “The principal reasons we do are that one, we have a very
good business relationship with Watchfire, and two, the Watchfire Ignite™ software is incredibly
user-friendly. We hear it from customers all the time.”
Wooley confirmed that the Ignite software, which sign owners use to put messages on their signs, is
exceptionally easy to use. He hasn't experienced any difficulties with the software, and said the positive
experience extends to the Watchfire technical staff, as well. “We’ve enjoyed working with both Sign
Solutions and Watchfire,” he said.”We’re incredibly pleased with our sign. If I could change one thing, I
would have gotten an even bigger one.”
FOR MORE INFORMATION CALL YOUR LOCAL SIGN DEALER.
©2009, Watchfire Signs by Time-O-Matic. Danville, Illinois, USA.
WATCHFIRE ® CASE STUDY: WATCH WHAT HAPPENS.
RETAIL - GROCERY STORE :: Gardner’s Supervalu Foods - Norwalk, Ohio
AFTER
BEFORE
:: SIGN SPECS ::
25mm Color LED
Matrix: 32 x 96
4 Lines x 19 Characters
3' High x 8'4" Wide
Background
Gardner’s Supervalu Foods – an
independent grocery store that's been
located in Norwalk, Ohio, for 30 years –
suddenly found itself in head-to-head
competition with a formidable
opponent when a large regional chain
moved into its area. That's when store
manager Rick Mingus realized the
store's old static sign was no longer
capable of providing a meaningful
competitive edge. So he picked up the
phone and called local sign company
Brady Signs to inquire about a sign
solution that could serve as a
legitimate marketing tool.
Results
Shortly after getting in touch with Brady
Signs, Gardner's Supervalu Foods was
outfitted with an electronic message
center by Watchfire. In the months that
followed after the new sign was
installed, the store was able to outshine
the competition, even in the face of an
economic downturn. Mingus credits
much of his store's unlikely success to
the marketing power of the Watchfire
sign. In 2010, Gardner’s Supervalu
Foods continues to hold its place as the
go-to grocer of Norwalk.
Case Study
Gardner's Supervalu Foods manager Rick Mingus knew his store was facing nothing less than a crisis.
While the entire country was in the midst of the worst economic downturn in decades, he was facing new
competition that threatened his market share. Rather than retract and wait for the storm to pass, Mingus
was proactive, and invested in a dynamic advertising tool that would help connect with customers
24-hours a day.
“When Gardner’s Supervalu Foods
approached us, they were looking to add an
LED message center to the signage they
already had,” Mark Morehart of Brady Signs
said. “They needed a competitive advantage.”
“[The sign] has directly helped them to
stay in business when the larger regional
chains couldn’t.”
–– Mark Morehart, Brady Signs
Gardner's manager Rick Mingus wholly agreed. “We needed to be able to advertise our products more
effectively,” he said. “And Brady Signs suggested that Watchfire was the company that could best help
us do that.”
Morehart, a Watchfire dealer for nearly 20 years, says he trusts Watchfire products for their quality and
dependability – not to mention their effectiveness. “Gardner’s needed something to bring in customers,
and a Watchfire product is perfect for that. They can advertise their sales, and also connect with the
community, by providing their sign for community events.”
Not long after the installation of the sign, Gardner's sales remained steady as their regional competitors
either went out of business or left the area. “I’ve heard Rick say numerous times that he attributes
Gardner’s survival to their new LED sign,” Morehart said. “It has directly helped them to stay in business
when the larger regional chains couldn’t.”
Mingus agrees the sign has helped keep the grocery store stay afloat. “We’ve managed to do well with
the sign,” he said. “It has helped us to advertise and reach out, and I’ve heard numerous comments from
employees and customers on how great it looks.”
Mingus is thankful for the boost the sign has given the store – and for the opportunity to watch his
competitors close their doors. “We wanted something that really presented a message well, and we got
just that.”
FOR MORE INFORMATION CALL YOUR LOCAL SIGN DEALER.
©2010, Watchfire Signs by Time-O-Matic. Danville, Illinois, USA.
WATCHFIRE ® CASE STUDY: WATCH WHAT HAPPENS.
RETAIL :: Lewes Fishhouse - Lewes, Delaware
:: SIGN SPECS ::
25mm Color LED
Matrix: 40 x 96
5 Lines x 19 Characters
3’8” High x 8’4” Wide
Background
In Lewes, Delaware, the competition
among fresh seafood establishments is
fierce. Situated where the Delaware Bay
and the Atlantic Ocean meet, the
community is an attractive tourist
destination with ready access to the
bounty of the sea.
Lewes Fishhouse, established in 1994,
supplies over 200 restaurants with fresh
seafood, and is home to a thriving
seafood market and take-out business
that serves the Lewes Beach area. Aware
that with longevity his business had
become a part of the Lewes landscape,
owner Chuck Donohue decided he needed
a landmark sign to stand out and draw in
a new crowd. Donohue also wanted a sign
that could be easily changed to reflect the
specials of the day. He started his search
at First State Signs in nearby Dover.
Results
After speaking with First State Signs’
owner Dale McCallister, as well as
numerous businesses in the area,
Donohue quickly decided that a Watchfire
LED message center was exactly what
Lewes Fishhouse needed to advertise
fresh specials and give the location a new
look. Donohue had a custom Watchfire
LED display installed, and suddenly fresh
seafood wasn’t the only thing Lewes
Fishhouse was known for.
Case Study
When Lewes Fishhouse owner Chuck Donohue and manager Deanna Slater approached Dale McCallister of First State Signs, they knew that they wanted a sign that could be easily changed to keep up with
catch-of-the-day specials. McCallister suggested a Watchfire LED sign, knowing it could do just that.
While fresh specials were a priority, Donohue also wanted something that made his establishment stand
out. Once installed, the Watchfire sign delivered. “When we first had it installed, we were the only ones
on our part of the highway to have one. People were actually pulling over to take pictures of it,” said Slater.
Besides attracting the attention of shutterbugs, the
business has enjoyed a healthy increase in its
take-out sales since the sign went up. “We’ve seen a
notable increase in business with our new sign about a 20% increase in our retail store - since the
installation” said Slater.
“We’ve seen a notable increase in
business with our new sign - about a
20% increase in our retail store since the installation.”
–– Deanna Slater
Manager of Lewes Fishhouse
With user-friendly IgniteTM software provided by
Watchfire, Slater is able to change the messages
frequently as specials and inventory change. “Since the sign is so easy to use, we run specials weekly
and daily. We even promote specials on the weekends.”
According to Slater, one of the best perks of the sign was having a Watchfire representative train the
staff on how to use the software to create messages that standout to passersby. “Customers have even
reported turning around on the highway just because they saw a special on the sign that interested them.”
With the increased sales and notoriety that their Watchfire LED sign has brought them, it is no surprise
that Donohue and the staff at Lewes Fishhouse are happy customers. “We would absolutely work with
Watchfire again, the process was simple and all the staff members we dealt with were helpful and
accommodating,” said Slater.
FOR MORE INFORMATION CALL YOUR LOCAL SIGN DEALER.
©2011, Watch re Signs by Time-O-Matic. Danville, Illinois, USA.
WATCHFIRE ® CASE STUDY: WATCH WHAT HAPPENS.
RETAIL :: PDQ Doors - Milford, Ohio
Background
PDQ Doors has been in business since
1983 selling, installing, and repairing
garage doors and pole buildings. They
are located in Milford, Ohio, just outside
of Cincinnati, and their property borders
I-275 – the major thoroughfare around
the city that commuters travel every day.
About twelve years ago, they decided to
take advantage of their location and put
up a highway sign to advertise their
business. At that time, however, there
were strict zoning laws that didn't allow
for signs larger than 100 square feet,
which wasn't nearly large enough to be
seen from the highway. So they were
thrilled when the city loosened the
zoning restrictions for signage in 2008.
:: SIGN SPECS ::
25mm Color LED
Matrix: 160 x 352
16 Lines x 83 Characters
14’ High x 29’8” Wide
Results
Casey McCreadie, PDQ’s general
manager, had been shopping around for
an LED sign for quite some time, which
included taking road trips to see how
other LED signs had held up over the
years. He wanted an LED sign from the
start, and he chose a Watchfire sign
because he’d seen firsthand how durable
their signs are in comparison to the
competitors’ LED signs. When Watchfire
said they would have no problem working
with him to create a double-faced sign
that could display two different ads on
each side simultaneously, the decision
was made – Watchfire Signs it was. Now
that the sign is up, McCreadie says
they’re getting close to 500 sales per
year that can be directly attributed to the
sign. Their revenue from the sign is well
over 6 figures annually.
Case Study
PDQ Doors knows the value of advertising dollars, so they never really questioned whether building a
highway sign on their property was the right thing to do. It wasn’t a small expense, but they felt it was a
necessary one. “We typically allocate about 10 percent of our projected sales revenue for advertising,”
said McCreadie, “and in the case of our Watchfire sign, it was well worth the money.”
Upon learning they were in the market for a sign, a local heating and air company (who also owns a
Watchfire LED sign) recommended Klusty Sign Associates – a sign dealer that designs and builds the
structures that hold the Watchfire LED signs. “As soon
as we had our sign variance approved by the city, Vince
from Klusty was ready to get to work,” said McCreadie.
“We typically allocate about 10
When asked how the entire process went, McCreadie
percent of our projected sales
said, “The process was amazing. Klusty Signs was
revenue for advertising, and in
incredibly efficient, and everything went quickly and
the case of our Watchfire sign, it
smoothly. Everyone at PDQ was impressed by the
was well worth the money.”
Watchfire sign and by the professional nature of the
entire process.”
–– Casey McCreadie,
General Manager of PDQ Doors
McCreadie had heard that they might not notice an
increase in calls right away. “Even though I’d been
warned, I was still nervous when the phones didn’t ring off the hook the first day we had the sign up,”
recalled McCreadie. “Although I knew the cost would eventually pay off, I started thinking I’d just put us
out of business by purchasing the sign.”
He did not put them out of business – quite the opposite. Since the sign went up, their business has been
thriving. “I believe that the sign will pay for itself, if not twofold, long before the end of its useful life,”
McCreadie said. “In 2010, we got 471 service, installation, and material sales in which the customer
specifically, directly stated that they learned about us from the sign. Even if customers aren’t calling
because they saw the sign, they recognize our name because we have the sign, and they will often mention
it. The biggest thing the sign has done is create name recognition and reinforce our other advertising.”
McCreadie now feels great about the decision to purchase the sign. When asked what it was like working
with Watchfire Signs, he said “Watchfire Signs had to build and program the double-faced sign differently
than the typical master/slave unit of most signs. We wanted a master/master sign to display two different
ads on each side simultaneously, and there were never any complications. We just told Klusty what we
wanted, and Watchfire got it done. It was a seamless process. I’d definitely recommend Watchfire to
others considering an LED sign.”
FOR MORE INFORMATION CALL YOUR LOCAL SIGN DEALER.
©2011, Watchfire Signs by Time-O-Matic. Danville, Illinois, USA.
WATCHFIRE ® CASE STUDY: WATCH WHAT HAPPENS.
FOOD SERVICE :: Rockland Food Services - Rockland, Maine
:: SIGN SPECS ::
19mm Color LED
Matrix: 48 x 96
6 Lines x 19 Characters
3'4" High x 7' Wide
Background
Rockland Food Services has been
supplying goods to restaurants in the
tourist town of Rockland, Maine, for 35
years. When owners Joe and Jill Chasse
recently decided to try their hand at
retail sales, they moved their business
to a new building. The new location
came with its perks, and chief among
them was traffic. With nearly 50,000
motorists passing by each day, it was
the perfect opportunity to tell people
about their new venture. All they needed
was a sign to communicate the message.
Results
Before Joe Chasse contacted Bruce
Bailey at Bailey Signs, he already had a
pretty good idea of what he wanted.
“We'd seen a Watchfire LED sign in a
nearby town, and the minute I saw it, I
knew that was what I wanted." Bailey
Signs, a Watchfire dealer, sold Chasse a
new electronic message center, which
immediately served the dual purpose of
announcing the new store's grand
opening and informing customers of the
retail nature of the business.
Case Study
Joe Chasse didn’t spend much time shopping for an LED sign. He was sold after encountering a
Watchfire LED sign while driving through another town. “There was absolutely nothing like it anywhere
near us, the one that made me fall in love with Watchfire was more than 75 miles away” he said. “it was
one-of-a-kind, and I knew it would get all the attention we needed.”
Chasse contacted Bruce Bailey at Bailey
Signs, who installed the sign at Chasse's
new retail store. “We had to take advantage
of their new location right on Main Street,”
Bailey said. “With traffic exposure of nearly
50,000 cars a day, they needed an LED sign
that could display multiple messages.”
“The sign has brought in people who
previously thought we were only wholesale,
and that’s brought in additional revenue.
This sign is definitely very effective.”
–– Joe Chasse, Owner, Rockland Food Services
According to Chasse, the need for multiple messages was one of the main reasons for the purchase.
With the new electronic message center, he was able to advertise deals to customers, and encourage
non-customers to come in and check out the offerings.
Bailey says the new sign has given Rockland Food Services a decisive edge over other local stores – a
development that comes as little surprise to the long-time sign dealer. “That’s why I’ve stayed a
Watchfire dealer for over 35 years,” he said. “Plus, they have a great quality product, and provide
amazing support after the sale.”
Chasse is satisfied with not only the sign's performance, but also its appearance, which has become a
conversation piece among store visitors. “I constantly have people coming in and asking me, 'Where did
you get that sign?' It catches everyone’s attention.”
The proof is in the profits, which Chasse says have improved significantly. “The per-customer exposure
costs have drastically gone down,” he said. “Not only that, but the sign has brought in people who
previously thought we were only wholesale, and that’s brought in additional revenue. This sign is
definitely very effective.”
So effective, that Chasse has chosen to limit his spending on other advertising efforts. “We do roughly
90% of our advertising on the sign,” he said.
Chasse is proud that his Watchfire LED sign was the first of its kind in his area. But that hasn't stopped
him from recommending it to other businesses. “It’s been nearly a year and a half since we’ve bought
this sign,” he said. “And I can say with all certainty that I would have no hesitation about making this
purchase again!”
FOR MORE INFORMATION CALL YOUR LOCAL SIGN DEALER.
©2010, Watchfire Signs by Time-O-Matic. Danville, Illinois, USA.
WATCHFIRE CASE STUDY: WATCH WHAT HAPPENS.
®
RETAIL - HARDWARE :: The Hardware Store - Sparta, WI
:: SIGN SPECS ::
16mm Color LED
Matrix: 64 x 120
8 Lines x 24 Characters
4' High x 6'10" Wide
Background
Paul Sagehorn’s father had operated
the only hardware store in Sparta, WI
for nearly twenty years. In recent years
it had been operating as part of the Ace
Hardware franchise. When Paul took
over the business a year and a half ago
he broke off from the Ace franchise and
renamed his new independent operation
“The Hardware Store.” With a renovated
look and a new identity, he needed only
one more element to make the transition
a success: an attention-getting way
to communicate with his customers.
He wanted to remind them that they
would still get the same great products
and service that had made Sagehorn's
store so beloved in the community.
Results
Sagehorn knew that an ordinary sign
wasn’t going to get the results he wanted
for his new store. He contacted local sign
company, Quality Sign, in search of an
electronic message center that could
rise to the challenge. Greg Haskell of
Quality Sign introduced Sagehorn to the
Watchfire line of LED signs. Sagehorn
took him up on the recommendation,
and business has been booming at
The Hardware Store ever since.
Case Study
When you have 20 years worth of name recognition under your belt, striking out under a new identity can
be risky. That's why as Paul Sagehorn made the transition to The Hardware Store, he wanted to make sure
the community understood they could still rely on him for the same great service and value. Additionally,
he wanted to bring some excitement to the grand opening of his independent venture. An LED sign –
with its ability to display multiple animated messages – would let him do both.
“Since we were coming up with a new name we
really wanted to upgrade the store,” Sagehorn said.
“Plus, our previous sign was 20 years old.”
Greg Haskell of Quality Sign recommended a
Watchfire LED sign to Sagehorn. It would provide
the advertising and marketing muscle he wanted,
and its sturdy construction would withstand the
tough Wisconsin weather.
“This year, with the help of our Watchfire
sign, the increase in sales has been
fivefold anything we’ve ever sold .”
— Paul Sagehorn, Owner
The Hardware Store
Sagehorn saw his advertising options skyrocket with the acquisition of the sign. “In our business, there are
so many things that people don’t realize we sell,” he said. “When we advertise on this sign, someone out there
looking for that ‘something’ is bound to see it.”
Sagehorn said customers stop in regularly and comment on the sign’s ability to grab their attention. It has
helped in unanticipated ways, too. For example, by displaying “help wanted” ads on the sign, Sagehorn got
more applicants than he ever has through newspaper advertising.
“With the 10,000-plus traffic flow we get on the highway, this sign has been amazing at getting customers in,”
he said. “Everyone going to and from work sees our sign, and the mere fact that people are commenting on
it is a testament to how well it’s working.”
The sign has brought The Hardware Store a measurable increase in sales, Sagehorn said. “Recently,
we advertised the rental of tables and chairs for graduation, just as a test of how well the sign is helping
business,” he explained. “This year, with the help of our Watchfire sign, the increase in sales has been
fivefold anything we’ve ever sold – a definite sign that people are paying attention.
”Because of his satisfaction with the sign's performance, Sagehorn has recommended Watchfire products
to three other local companies, two of which are now in the process of acquiring their own LED units. It's a
simple matter of paying it forward, he said.
“When I was looking for my sign, I wanted the best and clearest resolution possible – a sign that looked sharp,
like a plasma TV. With my Watchfire sign, that's exactly what I got.”
FOR MORE INFORMATION CALL YOUR LOCAL SIGN DEALER.
©2011, Watchfire Signs by Time-O-Matic. Danville, Illinois, USA.
www.watchfiresigns.com
WATCHFIRE ® CASE STUDY: WATCH WHAT HAPPENS.
RETAIL :: Tri-County Towne Center - Springdale, Ohio
AFTER
BEFORE
:: SIGN SPECS ::
XVS 16mm Color LED
Matrix: 128 x 240
16 Lines x 48 Characters
7’4” High x 13’4” Wide
Background
Tri-County Towne Center is a retail
shopping center located in Springdale,
Ohio. They are near the connection of
I-275 and I-75, two major freeways in
the Cincinnati area. In the past, they
relied on a pylon sign with a manual
letter board, and space was limited to
one or two tenant signs. With more
than 30 tenants, the sign didn’t offer
effective advertising. Clark Gilhart,
executive property manager, said he
and his uncle, owner John Gilhart,
decided to purchase an LED sign
because it would help draw attention
(and customers) to their existing
tenants and help them attract new
retail business.
Results
Clark and John Gilhart purchased a
Watchfire LED sign in June 2010.
And Klusty Sign Associates, a sign
dealer in the Cincinnati area, designed
and installed the structure that holds
the Watchfire LED sign. Everyone is
happy with the sign, including the
tenants, some of whom are reporting
increased sales since the sign went
up. “Our Watchfire LED sign created
an immediate visual impact on our
shopping center, helping us
differentiate ourselves and our
tenants from other businesses in the
market,” said Clark.
Case Study
One thing tenants at Tri-County Towne Center have consistently requested is more visibility to passing
traffic, but Springdale, Ohio had strict signage requirements, so the options were limited. Fortunately,
Clark and John Gilhart got a sign variance from the city, and so began their quest for an LED sign.
“Working with Klusty Signs was wonderful.
They were quite knowledgeable, and they
helped us become familiar with how to take
full advantage of an LED sign,” said Clark.
When asked if he and John had considered
other LED sign manufacturers, he said they
had. “We considered others, but we chose
Watchfire because of their reputation for
excellence and because they were highly
recommended by Vince Klusty, president
of Klusty Signs.”
“Our Watchfire sign helps us attract
new retailers and customers. Our
leasing activity has increased, and our
tenants are reporting increased sales.”
— Clark Gilhart,
Executive Property Manager, Tri-County Towne Center
Clark is excited about what the LED sign can do for their business. “The new sign is the first ever LED
sign approved for our market, and we believe it gives us a competitive edge.” Their tenant mix includes
national, regional and locally based companies, and many of those tenants don’t have the big name
advantage. The sign’s flexible messaging is great for them because it gives equal advertising time to all
tenants. Clark said, “It allows us to promote any specials our tenants have. We also use it to remind
customers about big shopping events, like black Friday, back-to-school and holidays.” All of these things
help bring in customers.
Increasing traffic to the shopping center was only one motivator for purchasing the sign. “Our primary goal
was to insure the stability and success of our tenants, and in turn, the shopping center as a whole,” said
Clark. They give advertising space to their tenants upon request, which helps them attract retailers. In fact,
since the sign was installed, their leasing activity has increased. “There are several factors that bring
tenants to Tri-County Towne Center,” Clark reported, “and our Watchfire LED sign is one of them. It has
given tenants a valuable resource in this highly competitive consumer environment. We recently completed
a deal with a 55,000 square foot tenant, and the LED sign definitely helped them make their decision.”
FOR MORE INFORMATION CALL YOUR LOCAL SIGN DEALER.
©2011, Watchfire Signs by Time-O-Matic. Danville, Illinois, USA.
WATCHFIRE ® CASE STUDY: WATCH WHAT HAPPENS.
REAL ESTATE BROKERS :: Greenwood Realty, Inc. - Greenwood, S.C.
:: SIGN SPECS ::
19mm Color LED
Matrix: 80 x 160
10-Lines x 5” Characters
5’4” High x 11’ Wide
Background
A real estate broker with Greenwood
Realty, Inc., in Greenwood, S.C., Renee
Simchon wanted a dynamic sign that
could keep up with the region's changing
housing availabilities. As she researched
the color signage market, she soon
realized only an electronic message
center would meet her expectations.
Results
After purchasing her Watchfire LED sign,
Simchon saw immediate results.
Customers stopped in to comment on the
brilliance and color of the sign, and her
properties began selling faster than ever.
Simchon was so pleased with the results
that with the help of local sign company,
Rainbow Signs, she turned to Watchfire
again when she opened her second
location.“Watchfire, as a whole, is very
responsive in handling any problems
users experience,” Simchon said. “That,
along with the excellence of the product,
is why I'm a faithful customer.”
Case Study
“Almost instantaneous.” That's how real estate broker Renee Simchon described the impact of her first
Watchfire LED sign.
“It got such a great response, with the public coming in and asking about the properties advertised on
the sign,” she said. “We’ve even had several thank you letters from customers who have absolutely loved
seeing their properties on the sign.”In addition to positive customer feedback, the sign has resulted in
unprecedented growth for Simchon's real estate business. “No other company in town can showcase
their products like we do,” she said. “It’s definitely an eye catcher.”
Soon after acquiring the sign, and with the
help of Rainbow Signs, Simchon set about
opening a second real estate office in the area.
This time, she wasted no time putting an
electronic message center in front of the
building. “That was my first purchase, even
before we purchased furniture,” Simchon said,
adding that the second sign has been just as
effective at attracting customers as the first.
“I didn’t just want a sign that I could put
text on, I wanted my sign to vibrantly
show the homes and properties that I
have for sale.”
–– Renee Simchon, Broker, Greenwood Realty
Simchon looked at a number of electronic messaging centers during her initial search. In the end, she
said, “There’s no comparison when you look at the quality and the brightness of a Watchfire sign. When I
put people’s faces on my sign, you can actually tell who they are. On other signs, you can barely make
out the text. I think the clarity and the color is second to none. That’s what sold me on my sign, and that’s
why I bought a second one.”
Simchon also credits Watchfire’s customer support for her satisfaction with the company. “I love my
local representative, Tracy King,” she said. “When I call him, he’s responsive. He can usually walk me
through things over the phone, and if he can’t, he’ll put me in touch with someone who can.”
Simchon wasn’t the only one impressed with Watchfire’s customer support; Rainbow Signs owner Bill
Caine was also pleased with the endless help of their Watchfire representative. “Everything went really
smooth, Tracy King helped out our sales guys from the beginning. He insured that everything went over
well; he was there through the entire sale. It made things a lot easier on us,” said Caine.
FOR MORE INFORMATION CALL YOUR LOCAL SIGN DEALER.
©2009, Watchfire Signs by Time-O-Matic. Danville, Illinois, USA.
WATCHFIRE ® CASE STUDY: WATCH WHAT HAPPENS.
SERVICE – LOCKSMITH :: Lock-Man - Pinellas Park, Fla.
Background
Lock-Man, a Florida-based locksmith
company, had been in business for nearly
two decades when owner Claude Hensley
decided its outdoor signage needed a
boost. Located on a six-lane highway,
Lock-Man had a unique opportunity to
advertise to passing motorists. But the
old neon sign in front of the store did little
to capitalize on the opportunity. Looking
to change that, Hensley approached
nearby sign company, Adtech Electric
Advertising, for advice on signage that
would make a positive impact on sales.
Results
After speaking with representatives at
Adtech, Hensley began to consider buying
a full-color Watchfire electronic message
center. With its vibrant colors and
high-resolution display, the large LED
sign had the potential to really grab
passing drivers’ attention. After
conducting his own research and listening
to the advice of Adtech’s experienced
sales staff, Hensley purchased the
Watchfire LED sign. Within a year,
Lock-Man experienced a significant
increase in store traffic – and Hensley
attributes the uptick in customers almost
exclusively to the new Watchfire sign.
:: SIGN SPECS ::
19mm Color LED
Matrix: 48 x 128
6 Lines x 25 Characters
3’5” High x 8’3” Wide
Case Study
When Lock-Man owner Claude Hensley first approached Rick Silver of Adtech Electric Advertising, he
was looking to replace an old neon sign that had stood outside his storefront for years. “The sign was too
far from the street to be effective, and it was getting dilapidated and ugly-looking,” Hensley said.
Silver encouraged Hensley to consider a Watchfire electronic message center. In full-blazing color and
capable of displaying multiple messages, it would provide Lock-Man with a way to promote its many
products and services to a streaming audience of motorists.
Hensley immediately recognized the value the sign
would add to his business. “We have a niche in
electronic keys for cars and automatic remotes,”
he explained. “And for what I wanted to do, I
needed a full-color graphic so we could put
pictures of the keys and remotes that people can
actually recognize.”
“Traffic to the store is up 20 percent,
and that’s a conservative estimate.”
–– Claude Hensley, Owner,
Lock-Man, Pinellas Park, FL
Clarity of message wasn’t Hensley’s only concern. Lock-Man is located on the high-traffic Park Blvd. in
Pinellas Park, Fla., but his old neon sign lacked the dynamic qualities necessary to appeal to cars
passing by at 50 miles per hour. “You’ve got about 2.5 seconds to get your message across and attract
attention to your business while people are going down that road,” Hensley said. “Our new Watchfire
sign does that. A lesser sign wouldn’t do it.”
In addition to the sign’s appearance, Hensley has also been thoroughly impressed by its reliability.
“When we first took a look at the sign, our local representative showed us how it’s designed to keep
moisture out,” he said. “We’ve had the sign for close to a year without any issues at all.”
Hensley noted that rarely a day goes when someone doesn’t comment on the sign. Yet what most
impresses him is how the sign has greatly increased store traffic. “Traffic to the store is up 20 percent,”
he said. “And that’s a conservative estimate.”
When asked if he would buy the Watchfire brand again, Hensley didn’t hesitate. “I probably wouldn’t even
investigate other options,” he said. “There’s a reason I chose Watchfire to begin with. I wanted to be able
to set it and forget it.”
FOR MORE INFORMATION CALL YOUR LOCAL SIGN DEALER.
©2010, Watchfire Signs by Time-O-Matic. Danville, Illinois, USA.
WATCHFIRE ® CASE STUDY: WATCH WHAT HAPPENS.
SERVICE :: Marsha Slater’s State Farm Insurance Agency - Barboursville, WV
AFTER
:: SIGN SPECS ::
19mm Color LED
Matrix: 48 x 112
14 Lines x 11 Characters
39” High x 7’5” Wide
BEFORE
Background
Marsha Slater’s State Farm Insurance
office in Barboursville, WV is right on
Route 60, which is a heavily traveled,
four-lane highway running between
Huntington and Barboursville. For many
years, Marsha had a traditional letter
board sign to advertise her business,
and for a while, that was good enough.
But she and her nephew, who works in
her office, got tired of manually changing
the message – especially during the
winter. So when businesses nearby
began putting up electronic signs, she
knew it was time to do something new to
attract attention and customers.
Results
In 2009, Marsha began researching
LED signs. She initially considered a
monochrome option in red or amber, but
in the end, she decided to go forward
with a full-color sign. Her Watchfire
territory representative brought his
demo truck to her office, and that really
helped her decision. “I could see
first-hand the quality of the sign, the
vivid colors, and the clear images, and I
knew that a color Watchfire sign would
help set me apart from other nearby
businesses on Route 60.”
Case Study
As a business owner, Marsha has always liked to stay current on industry trends and new technology, so
when she started to see LED signs popping up around her like crazy, she began considering purchasing
one to replace her letter board sign and to better promote her business. She decided on Watchfire both
because she was impressed by the quality of the demo sign and because she knew the Watchfire name.
“Every LED sign we see going up in and around Barboursville is a Watchfire sign, and they are beautiful.”
She called Watchfire sign dealer Action Outdoor Faith Signs
to get the process started. “Lester from Action Outdoor
Faith Signs was such a huge proponent of Watchfire LED
signs that he was almost impossible to say no to. And
when my nephew saw the quality of the Watchfire signs,
we agreed that Watchfire was the way to go.”
“I know the sign has increased
awareness of my business even
though I’ve been in this location
for 15 years… And I am seeing
increased business since the
sign went up.”
Now that Marsha has had the sign for a couple of years,
she’s had the chance to really evaluate what having an
— Marsha Slater, CLU, ChFC
LED sign has done for her business. “I know the sign has
Agent, State Farm Insurance
increased awareness of my business. Customers tell me
they didn’t know I was here until they saw the sign, even
though I had been in this location for 15 years, so that has definitely helped. And I am seeing increased
business since the sign went up.” The sign also makes her life easier. Her nephew creates the messages
and programs the sign so she can focus on her business. Both of them are relieved that they no longer
have to go outside and brave the elements to change the message. “This is so much easier, and it’s also
great that I can now display even more messages. I can change the messages multiple times a day if I
want to, and with the flexibility, I can quickly respond to what’s going on in the community. My only regret
is not buying the next size up,” she said with a chuckle. “It’s only been a couple of years, and I’m thinking
it’s time to upgrade to a bigger sign.”
When asked if she would recommend Watchfire LED signs to others, Marsha said she definitely would.
“We’ve had excellent service, and the sign is beautiful. People are impressed by technology, and this sign
is the best type. It gives a good impression. I know that with Watchfire, I am getting the best sign. It feels
state-of-the-art, and that’s exactly what I wanted.”
FOR MORE INFORMATION CALL YOUR LOCAL SIGN DEALER.
©2011, Watchfire Signs by Time-O-Matic. Danville, Illinois, USA.
WATCHFIRE ® CASE STUDY: WATCH WHAT HAPPENS.
RETAIL SERVICES :: Thompson Plumbing Heating & Cooling - Cincinnati, Ohio
Background
When Thompson Plumbing Heating &
Cooling built a new service center
one-quarter mile off an exit ramp of I-75
in Cincinnati, company owner Wesley
Holm saw it as golden opportunity.
According to a traffic analysis, roughly
360,000 cars were driving by the new
location each day. Holm knew the
people inside those cars were potential
customers, and invested in the most
effective, dynamic on-site medium
available to engage them: a fully animated
electronic message center by Watchfire.
:: SIGN SPECS ::
XVS-25 Color LED
Matrix: 112 x 352
14 Lines x 70 Characters
10’ High x 29’8” Wide
Results
The new LED sign has enhanced
awareness of the Thompson brand
while creating countless new customers.
“We've seen our business mix change,
and we can only assume it's because of
the sign,” Holm said. “People have told
us, 'I drive by the sign every day, and I
finally called in because of it.'” Thompson
tracks phone calls and walk-in sales by
zip code, and Holm says the store has
seen a dramatic increase in customers
who live near the I-75 corridor.
Thompson has also worked trades with
local TV and radio stations interested in
capitalizing on the sign's high-traffic
location, thereby increasing Thompson's
overall advertising footprint even more.
Case Study
Founded in the 1920s, Thompson Plumbing Heating & Cooling is regarded as a rock-solid company that
provides superb equipment, installation and customer service. Its commitment to excellence has led to
expansive growth, and the latest result of that growth was the opening of a new, state-of-the-art
service center.
Located on the high-traffic I-75 interstate just outside the Cincinnati metro area, the service center
made Thompson accessible to 2.5 million motorists weekly. But as company president Wesley Holm
noted, those people can't be expected to become customers automatically. Thompson would need to give
them a reason to call or visit.
Knowing he had a unique advertising opportunity on his
hands, Holm contacted Vince Klusty at Victory Sign
Associates (now Klusty Sign Associates) in Cincinnati, Ohio,
and trusted their sales professionals to help him find a
reliable, reasonably priced LED sign. After pricing several
different brands, an on-site demonstration of a full-color,
fully animated Watchfire model finally won him over. “The
on-site demo was important, because you just don't know
what it's going to do until you see it,” he said.
“It gives us great top-of-mind
awareness, and that's why we
recommend it so highly.”
–– Wesley Holm, owner, Thompson
Plumbing Heating & Cooling.
What the new sign has done for Thompson, in a word, is work. According to a zip code analysis
conducted by Thompson, the company has seen a major spike in customers from nearby parts of town.
“We can only assume that is because of the sign,” Holm said.
What's more, local TV and radio stations have been eager to use the sign for their own advertisements.
In return for use of the sign, they've given Thompson free TV and radio spots, which Holm says have
added up to $72,000 in advertising annually.
Thompson also donates the use of the sign to local charities, such as the nearby St. Rita School for the
Deaf. It’s an opportunity to be both philanthropic and fiscally smart, Holm said. “We don't charge them
anything, and we get a tax break for it.”
A pragmatic and industrious man, Holm continues to seek ways to capitalize on the sign, even he is
lobbying local TV and radio stations to start using it as a geographic landmark for its traffic and news
reports. “It's a strong piece of our advertising puzzle,” he said. “It gives us great top-of-mind
awareness, and that's why we recommend it so highly..
FOR MORE INFORMATION CALL YOUR LOCAL SIGN DEALER.
©2009, Watchfire Signs by Time-O-Matic. Danville, Illinois, USA.