Newbie trying to learn the ropes

[YoYo's Signs]

Hello out there to those who choose to see this post.

So I'm sorta new to the Sign business. I say sort off because as a kid I helped my father every summer since i was 8 yrs old.
out of high school i went off to do my own thing in life until 3 years ago. My father retired and asked me to take over his company. He was in business for over 30 years. All his signs where painted signs, when I took over 3 years ago I decided to also offer vinyl and printed products.

I've been doing painted and vinyl signs and have been pretty busy doing it. I do feel like i'm missing something thou.
I want to take this company to the next level. I do feel like i still need to learn a lot more about the different type of signs that are out there. before taking over I sold cars for 6 years so I understand about product knowledge and i feel like i'm missing a lot of it.

Is there any articles, websites, forums or anything any one of you would recommend to learn more about the industry. I'm focusing on learning the terminology to better communicate with other sign makers and customers.

works like:

Thank you for your time guys.
Juan L Paniagua

 

[Speedsterbeast]

I would recommend a trade show like ISA or something.

 

[Rick]

I noticed you joined in 2013... took a while for you to jump in.

This site is one place....

For painting:
Letterville - http://www.letterville.com/ubb-cgi/ultimatebb.cgi
http://www.handletteringforum.com/forum/index.php
http://traditionalsignmaker.com
http://betterletters.co/workshops/
https://www.facebook.com/groups/previnylitesociety/?fref=nf

I'll add links to various types of signs if the next part makes sense.

The next level can mean a lot of things... and depends....
How are your design skills, install skills, are you a one man shop?

Seems like the logical step, if you mainly do paint and vinyl is larger paint jobs, vehicle wraps and more vinyl?

For this... the one book you MUST have is:
http://www.amazon.com/Building-Big-Small-Business-Brand/dp/0988353903/ref=asap_bc?ie=UTF8

Depending on your painting and design skills, there is a niche market in the local area if you market yourself right, being around for 30 years, your dad must have had some exposure that you can use to get better work. Retail, restaurants, murals... there is a lot of work if you are connected to graphic designers, restaurant/retail architects, environmental graphic designers or sign shops that would sub to you.

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The next logical step is dimensional... but you are in California...

Did your dad (or you) have a contractors license? Even a D-42 would be a huge advantage. You probably qualify for one.
http://www.cslb.ca.gov/About_Us/Lib.../D-42_-_Non-Electrical_Sign_Installation.aspx

You really can't do anything over 500 bucks on a building without one. Some apartment complex signage, office signs or non-illuminated retail can run into hundreds of thousands over here in the IE/LA/CD and OC area... But you need at least a D-42 license.

That is a little harder to get into, though you can sub out a lot of it... it will just be harder to be competitive. If it's only you, very hard without help from sub installers and/or employees.

Would help to know what direction you are taking.