Utah company builds, maintains iconic Vegas landmarks

Utah company builds, maintains iconic Vegas landmarks including Allegiant Stadium

SALT LAKE CITY (KUTV) — A company rich with Utah roots is responsible for some of the most popular and recognizable signs and displays in Las Vegas.

“My grandfather started selling signs in Vegas, before Vegas was Vegas,” said Jeff Young, Executive Vice President for Young Electric Sign Company. “He started selling signs in the 20’s and 30’s and then after the war particularly in the late 40’s and 50’s Vegas just exploded.”

YESCO first illuminated in Ogden, Utah in the 1920’s.

With a factory in Salt Lake City and others around the country, including Las Vegas, YESCO is seemingly everywhere around you.

“We integrated the exterior screen on the sphere,” said Young. “Allegiant Stadium of course with the Super Bowl is a massive project for us, it’s been done for a couple of years. We put nearly 4,000 signs in and outside the Allegiant Stadium.”

*Note that YESCO was one of many skilled contractors and companies who worked on the Sphere. YESCO's primary role in the project was to integrate SACO LED's technology on the exterior of the structure."

The Allegiant project helped YESCO stay afloat during the pandemic. The project provided some much-needed work during a time of uncertainty.

“My first journey into Allegiant you know after it was done someone said you know 4,000 signs how could it be? We got at the top of the escalator and well we did a 360 and we counted nearly 50 signs,” said Young. “The Allegiant spans 564 feet, that’s 188 yards long. It doesn’t look like that from a distance, but they are massive, massive signs.”

YESCO is also responsible for part of the recent signage revamp of the Delta Center.

“You take signs for granted in some respect but every single one has to be meticulously designed and installed in a perfect way,” said Young.

Vegas is home to some of the most photographed signs in the world, including the iconic ‘Welcome to Las Vegas’ sign.

YESCO maintains the sign along with hundreds of others in and around the Vegas strip.

“We have our eyes on every sign in Las Vegas at least once a week, in some cases in constant where we have cameras installed on some of our large digital displays some of which are massive,” said Young.

YESCO is virtually everywhere. From Maverik gas stations to local restaurants and billboards, there’s a chance the sign you’re looking at was made from a company deeply rooted in Utah history.

Read the full article written by by Brian Schnee on kutv.com

Maintaining Lit Signs: Things to Consider to Ensure Your Message Stays Illuminated

When it comes to making a lasting impression, few elements are as influential as a well-maintained illuminated sign. Beyond mere aesthetics, lighted signs play a pivotal role in defining your brand's identity, especially after the sun sets. In this blog post, we'll not only unravel the intricacies of maintaining illuminated signs but also shed light on the undeniable benefits of LED technology. Additionally, we'll underscore how maintenance programs can be the cornerstone of ensuring your brand message remains illuminated.

LED technology. Light Emitting Diodes (LEDs) have revolutionized the signage landscape, offering not only unparalleled visual appeal but also significant energy efficiency. Unlike traditional lighting, LEDs consume less energy, translating into cost savings for your business. So, when your sign shines bright, it not only captures attention but does so in an environmentally conscious and budget-friendly manner. Let’s get more into the details of how LED works and why it makes sense for business owners like yourself. 

Light Emitting Diodes (LEDs) are semiconductor devices that produce light when an electric current passes through them. The operation of LEDs relies on a process called electroluminescence, where electrons recombine with electron holes within the device, releasing energy in the form of photons. This phenomenon occurs within a semiconductor material, typically composed of gallium arsenide, gallium phosphide, or gallium nitride, which determines the color of the emitted light. Unlike traditional incandescent or fluorescent, neon signs and more,  LEDs do not rely on heating a filament or gas to produce light, making them far more energy-efficient and durable. Which is perfect for your next business sign. LED has transitioned to be one of the main lighted signs in the business industry and it's easy to understand why.

The concept of LED technology dates back to the early 20th century, with initial experiments conducted in the 1920s. However, it wasn't until the 1960s that practical applications began to emerge. The first practical LED was developed by Nick Holonyak Jr. at General Electric in 1962, using gallium arsenide phosphide to emit red light. Subsequent advancements in semiconductor materials led to the development of LEDs capable of emitting green and blue light, enabling the production of full-color displays and lighting solutions. Over the decades, improvements in efficiency, brightness, and lifespan have made LEDs ubiquitous in various applications, from indicator lights and electronic displays to architectural lighting and automotive headlights. Without Nick Holonyak paving the way with LED we would not have the amazing LED signs we have today. 

The widespread adoption of LED technology has been driven by its numerous advantages over traditional lighting sources. LEDs offer significantly higher energy efficiency, consuming a fraction of the power required by other types of lighting sources such as neon signs. LED signs are producing comparable or even greater brightness compared to neon and other technologies in the sign industry. Additionally, LEDs have a longer lifespan, typically lasting tens of thousands of hours, reducing maintenance costs and waste. This means LEDs are environmentally friendly, containing no mercury or other hazardous materials found in other lighting sources and emitting less heat, thereby reducing cooling requirements. As a result, LED technology has become integral to modern lighting solutions, revolutionizing industries and contributing to sustainability efforts worldwide.

While LED technology has come a long way it still needs to be maintained regularly. The importance of regular maintenance is paramount to maintaining your business and branding. Consider this scenario: a potential customer strolls by your establishment, drawn in by the promise of your vibrant sign. However, instead of a dazzling display, they're met with flickering lights or, worse, an unlit sign. The consequences? A potential customer lost and a tarnished brand image. Regular maintenance isn't just about keeping your sign aesthetically pleasing; it's about safeguarding your brand's reputation and ensuring your message is always on display, day or night.

Maintaining LED signs requires regular attention to ensure optimal performance and longevity. Firstly, it's essential to clean the sign's surface regularly to remove dust, dirt, and other debris that may accumulate over time. This can be done using a soft, non-abrasive cloth or brush and a mild detergent solution. Avoid using harsh chemicals or abrasive materials, as these can damage the LED display. Always inspect the sign for any physical damage such as cracks or loose components, and address any issues promptly to prevent further damage.

Secondly, monitoring the LED sign's functionality is crucial for maintenance. Regularly check for any malfunctioning pixels or segments and replace them as needed to maintain optimal visibility and clarity. Keep an eye on the brightness and color consistency across the display to ensure uniformity, adjusting settings if necessary. It's also essential to inspect the wiring and connections periodically to ensure they are secure and free from corrosion or damage. Conducting routine maintenance checks will help identify any potential issues early on, allowing for timely repairs and minimizing downtime. Finally, consider implementing a maintenance schedule to ensure these tasks are performed regularly and systematically, helping to prolong the lifespan of the LED sign and maximize its effectiveness as a communication tool. If you’re not sure how to or don’t have the time then YESCO can help you.

This is where YESCO’s expertise comes into play. As a business owner, your focus is rightfully on core operations. YESCO’s maintenance programs are tailored to shoulder the responsibility of keeping your illuminated signs in impeccable condition. Our  team of experts understands the intricacies of these dynamic displays, ensuring that potential issues are addressed proactively, preventing downtime and safeguarding your brand's visibility.

Now, let's delve into the undeniable advantages of partnering with YESCO for your illuminated sign maintenance. The intricacies of LED signage demand specialized attention, and YESCO is equipped with the knowledge and experience to provide just that. Our proactive approach ensures that potential issues are identified and resolved before they impact your signage performance. Moreover, with our comprehensive maintenance programs, you can be confident that your signs will consistently reflect your brand's brilliance, leaving an indelible mark on every passerby.

In a competitive market where every interaction counts, your illuminated sign becomes a 24/7 ambassador for your brand. Don't let it falter. Illuminate your brand story and let YESCO’s maintenance programs be the backbone that ensures your business shines bright, always ready to make a positive and lasting impression.