About Randall McClune
As Groucho Marx was known to say,” I was born at a very early age”. Additionally, I, Randall McClune, aka RandallMac, was also born into a large family of sign makers (many sign painters and sign electricians).
Since I am the fourth generation of my family to be a sign maker, it is with an amount of pride that I have pursued the trade my whole adult life.
While it seems to have gone by quickly, I do have over 50 years personal experience as a sign maker and contractor.
Everett Hamilton (grandfather - Holtzclaw Neon) and Dale McClune (father - Century Neon Signs) Circa 1950
Randall McClune's Training
If you have pursued sign making as a career, you may have discovered, that in the past, there are very few schools and limited apprenticeships to teach sign making. When I started, there were none available to me.
That means most of my training was either learned from family, other tradesmen, or trial and error. Which reminds me of the military artillery method of fire and adjust. The results may vary.
About the Journeyman Experience
Randall McCluneMarch 2021
After working in the family business for a few years, I went to college and then served in the military.
When I returned in 1975, I assisted my father doing fabrication and installation as well as managing the business.
In the early years of the Trade Guilds, it was customary for an apprentice to travel to other towns and work with other experienced craftsmen to learn new techniques and skills.
Over the years I have worked in 7 different sign companies as Operations Management and fabrication. 2 those companies are Architectural Sign Companies.
I have also owned and operated 3 different contracting companies. One that made displays for an Aquarium and one that specialized in ADA and Wayfinding Signage.
Prior to the Covid 19 outbreak, I was doing Safety Consulting and qualifying prospective jobs to bid.
I've personally written or updated 3 Safety Programs for 3 different Architectural Signage companies.
About this Site
The intent of this site is to provide information and training for sign makers, both beginners and masters, who are looking for information or willing to share techniques and opinions. It is also for those who purchase signs.
I can clearly remember how very difficult it is to struggle with techniques, learn new software to run the CNC equipment, trying to stay within budget yet specifying the appropriate materials, finding materials that meet LEED Green Building Certification standards, and get a high-quality product out the doors on time.
The very best customers will demand innovative signage delivered on time and within budget. But they will often be very loyal customers and give you repeat business.
I live and operate less than an hour's drive from the Silicon Valley and have worked there for many years, I know what I'm writing about.
About How You Can Help
Read and respond to my site's How to and Informational pages so we all can be better at sign making.
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If you're having problems or need guidance getting a sign made, maybe my readers or I can help. Please ask.