Today we’d like to introduce you to Lydell Toye.
Hi Lydell, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
My father and I started the company in New Braunfels in 1983. We were a small commercial sign shop at the beginning. Both of us are sign painters and everything was produced by hand. The business grew and I expanded into the electrical side. We then realized a need for our first crane truck to install the signs. But the scariest part of all, hiring our first employee! Fast forward today, we have a full-blown sign fabrication facility with 13 great employees. Some of my guys have been with us for 25 years or more.
I have been on multiple Boards with the City of San Antonio, Past President of the Texas Sign Association, and currently the Master Sign Electrician with Texas Department of Licensing & Regulations Electrical Advisory Board.
We have built some really unique signs around the San Antonio area. and we love a good challenge. The sign industry is a very small niche. Mostly, the industry helps each other out in time of need. Trading ways to fabricate signage better or faster. But I also have seen it change dramatically, with the onset of computers and now AI. Sadly, the days of hand lettering on a window or truck have long pasted. I still pick up a brush once and a while, for clients who want a hand lettered sign. It’s something you don’t lose. It’s like riding a bike.
My Dad has long retired, but thanks to his knowledge and guidance, he’s let me take the company to the next level. Thanks DAD!
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
No industry has a smooth road and ours has no exceptions.
As any service industry the employees are always a challenge. You can hire an employee, spend several months training him or her and then they leave for another company for an additional 50 cents. Or they just quit showing up.
In my opinion, the worse challenge we have is getting City permits for signage. The city planners and plan reviewers are complete idiots. The way they interpret sign codes and how long it takes to get permitting is ridiculous.
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
I loved to draw comic books in High School. Mad magazine was my favorite. I love to design signage that is eye catching and the customer loves. But sometimes the cost factor throws a wrench in the process. The sign I think I’m most proud of is the YOU ARE BEAUTIFUL sign we built in downtown San Antonio. We partnered with Alex Hilmy & his team to come up with a fabrication solution that everyone could get on board with. Our guys hit that one out of the park!
What matters most to you? Why?
As I am now 63 years young, my family matters the most to me. My wife and daughter are my life.
Work will always be there, but you have to balance both. It was so hard for me to realize that when I was young. But now, Hah! work to live, but live to live!
Contact Info:
- Website: https://ussignsnb.com
- Instagram: ussigns
