Reduce your energy costs

By replacing your old lighting systems with brighter, energy-efficient fixtures, you can enhance your business’s appeal and attract more customers. Furthermore, upgrading your costly lighting products will significantly reduce your energy expenses. At YESCO Hamilton, we offer financing and shared savings alternatives to help you achieve these benefits.

We’re here to help

If your business experienced sign and/or lighting damage as a result of spring showers, we’re here to help you.

YESCO Hamilton’s skilled service staff is responsive and reliable. We stand ready to get your damaged sign and/or lighting back in working condition. Because we have the experts, equipment, and ability you can rest assured that your signs and lighting will convey the intended impression that will make the needed difference to help your business succeed.

Benefits of Working Remotely
a woman and a man smiling in front of colourful Merida sign in Mexico
David and Claudia in Mérida, Mexico.

The COVID-19 pandemic has forced many people to work from home, which has made remote work more popular than ever before. Remote work is a growing trend that allows employees to work from anywhere in the world without being tied to a specific location. My partner, Claudia, and I decided to do a “work remote” adventure. We chose April as a month to travel to a VRBO in Mérida, Mexico. In Ontario you cannot ski or mountain bike in April. It is a shoulder month to the winter and spring. So why not take off and go where you can get outside and enjoy the warm weather? In this blog post, we will discuss the benefits of working remotely and tie in some personal experiences we had.

Increased Flexibility

One of the biggest benefits of working remotely is the flexibility it provides. You have the ability to work from anywhere in the world, which allows you to travel and work simultaneously. This means you can work while on vacation or while visiting family, giving you the freedom to balance your work and personal life. Remote work also allows you to set your own schedule and work at times that are most productive for you. Today’s tools allow you to keep in touch with your friends and family as well as current events back home.

a photo of a modem with a blue screen sitting on a desk

Increased Productivity

Many studies have shown that remote workers are more productive than office workers. This is because they have fewer distractions and interruptions, and can focus more on their work. Remote workers are also more likely to work longer hours when time permits and take fewer breaks, which can lead to increased productivity. When traveling, the one sticky point is access to good quality internet. I packed our Starlink dish in our luggage for this trip to make sure that access to optimal internet would not be an issue.

When entering Mexico, an immigration official asked me if I had a drone in my bag. Though I could answer the question honestly, I must say I was nervous if they decided to check. We pushed the button to determine if we were clear to go and thankfully it was green. Welcome to Mexico! Was I sweating? Yup. Try explaining to an immigration officer why you have a satellite dish in your luggage. I am sure it would not go well.

satellite dish on top of a white building
Satellite dish on roof of rental property.

Cost Savings

Working remotely can save you a significant amount of money. You don’t have to spend money on commuting, parking or eating out for lunch. Additionally, remote workers don’t have to buy expensive work clothes or pay for dry cleaning. All of these cost savings can add up over time, making remote work a financially smart choice. We set up our work station at the dining room table. Something I would recommend, for long term remote working adventures, is to consider staying at a place that has an office. An office is optimal ergonomically as well as providing a designated area with less interruptions from family members. 

Improved Work-Life Balance

Remote work can provide a better work-life balance because it eliminates the daily commute and allows you to spend more time with family and friends. It can also reduce stress by giving you more control over your work environment and allowing you to work at your own pace. We loved working a few hours in the morning then heading out for an adventure.

Image of a woman and man standing in front of a large lettered Heineken sign
two women look at knitted items in market in Merida Mexico

Increased Job Satisfaction

Remote work can lead to increased job satisfaction because it allows you to work in an environment that is comfortable and convenient for you. Additionally, remote workers tend to have more autonomy and control over their work, which can lead to greater job satisfaction. We have a great team back at home that I love working with. However, trying to focus on one task at a time is a challenge when surrounded by people. Remote working can be lonely, but boy do you clear up those long term important tasks quickly.

Access to a Wider Talent Pool

Remote work allows employers the ability to hire talent from all over the world, giving them access to a wider pool of qualified candidates. This can lead to more diverse and skilled teams, which can improve productivity and innovation.

night shot in Mexico of a tour guide at a stone structure
a person painting a mural by hand over a shop doorway

Considerations

While there are numerous benefits to working while traveling, it’s important to acknowledge that there are also some drawbacks to consider.

Occasionally, you may find yourself in need of a physical copy of a document. Unfortunately, I once had to trek to a library to do so.

It’s important to be aware that local shops may have different hours and bylaw regulations than what you’re used to back home. For instance, you may plan to go shopping on a Sunday but find most everything closed a foreign country. 

Different time zones can present challenges, so it’s essential to plan your Zoom calls carefully to avoid having to wake up early or work late.

Before committing to a long-term rental, it’s wise to ask plenty of questions about internet access and speed.

People assume you are on vacation, so you may get frustrated responding to clarify, but after a while you see the bright side and find having to respond to fewer emails because of the incorrect perception.

In conclusion, working remotely has many benefits, including increased flexibility, productivity, cost savings, improved work-life balance, increased job satisfaction, and access to a wider talent pool. As remote work becomes more popular, it’s important to weigh the advantages and disadvantages and determine if it’s the right choice for you.

Reduce Your Energy Costs

Retrofitting outdated lighting systems with brighter, more energy-efficient fixtures can help your business attract customers. Additionally, upgrading your expensive lighting products will have a substantial effect on your energy costs. YESCO Hamilton provides financing and shared savings options.

Call us today to find out how much you can save.

YESCO Service Convention

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From Tuesday, March 21 to Thursday, March 23, YESCO hosted a service convention in Park City, Utah, for more than 200 sign professionals from the United States and Canada. During the three-day convention, the 103-year-old company led educational seminars and networking events, providing employees with opportunities to stay up-to-date on the latest industry trends and product innovations.

With 36 company locations and 59 franchise locations, YESCO is dedicated to maintaining the largest, non-brokered network of sign and lighting service locations in North America. The company offers a unified group of professionals dedicated to delivering quality and dependable sign and lighting services across 44 U.S. states and four Canadian provinces.

“One of the core tenets of YESCO’s mission is to provide our customers with signs and services of the highest quality and greatest possible value,” said Jeff Young, executive vice president, YESCO. “Each year, our service professionals gather to strengthen their skills and knowledge in order to give each customer the best experience possible.”

Working at Heights – Safely

Property managers have a responsibility to ensure the safety of their tenants, visitors, and workers. This includes taking steps to minimize the risk of accidents and injuries related to outdoor sign and lighting repair work. As an outdoor sign and lighting repair company, it’s important to understand and address these concerns in order to build strong relationships with property managers. Here are some ways to address safety concerns when working for property managers:

  1. Develop a safety plan: Before starting any repair work, develop a safety plan that takes into account the specific hazards and risks associated with the job. This plan should include measures to ensure the safety of workers, tenants, and visitors to the property.
  2. Communicate clearly: Communicate clearly with the property manager and any other stakeholders about the safety plan and any potential hazards associated with the work. Be transparent about the steps you will take to minimize the risk of accidents and injuries.
  3. Follow safety protocols: Make sure to follow all safety protocols and regulations related to outdoor sign and lighting repair work. This may include using proper protective equipment, using caution tape to mark off work areas, and using cones or other barriers to prevent people from entering the work area.
  4. Train workers on safety: Make sure that all workers who will be involved in the repair work are properly trained on safety protocols and procedures. This should include training on how to work at heights safely, how to use equipment correctly, and how to respond in the event of an emergency.
  5. Document safety measures: Keep a detailed record of the safety measures that were taken during the repair work. This can be useful in the event of an accident or injury, and can help to demonstrate that appropriate steps were taken to ensure safety.

By addressing safety concerns in a proactive and transparent manner, outdoor sign and lighting repair companies can build trust with property managers and demonstrate their commitment to safety. This not only helps to minimize the risk of accidents and injuries, but also helps to build a positive reputation and attract new business. Yesco can provide you with the documentation you require including working at heights certificates, Workplace Safety and Insurance Board (WSIB) and liability insurance to give you peace of mind when we are working on your properties.

a bucket ladder attached to a Yesco truck, high in the air servicing a sign.
The Benefits of LED Parking Lot Lighting

Your first impression of a business starts in the parking lot. All businesses, including retail and industrial should insist on well-lit and safe parking lots. LED lighting fixtures are a great choice for parking lots as they are the most energy-efficient, cost-effective, and utilize robust technology.

Safety for Employees and Customers

Parking lot lighting creates a safe environment for employees and customers who might be coming and going from your business when it is dark out. Many customers, especially women, avoid businesses with poorly lit parking lots for safety reasons. Investing in proper lighting shows your customers and employees that you value their safety. Proper lighting is a safeguard in terms of driving in the dark, as pulling in or out of a parking space is a lot harder to maneuver when the lighting is poor. To prevent any unnecessary accidents, proper parking lot lighting will definitely help.

Prevent Vandalism and Break-ins

Proper lighting is one of the best deterrents to stop vandalism and break-ins to your business. A bright parking lot with no dark spots means no hiding spots for would-be criminals. LED parking lot lighting is brighter than conventional bulbs and is sure to provide a well-lit parking lot.

Branding and Increased Visibility

Even if your business doesn’t operate at night, your well-lit parking lot will draw attention to your business. Depending on the type of business, new lighting could increase traffic and new customers. Your well-lit parking lot shows your building and business in the best light- literally! People can see the inviting lights of a welcoming place.

Energy and Cost Saving

Retrofit is a term that is often used in the lighting business when talking about replacing lighting. It means to replace the original traditional lights with new and better lights that are now available (LED lights). LED lights use a fraction of the energy traditional lights typically use, which translates into cost savings. LED light fixtures have a longer life span due to their advanced design. Moving away from traditional lights, a parking lot lighting retrofit could pay for itself over time.

YESCO- We Show the Way

YESCO provides outdoor lighting maintenance to shopping centres, restaurants, retail chains, and large commercial buildings. Our custom lighting solutions use wall packs on buildings for walking alongside a building as well as retrofitting strategically placed pole lighting.  We also work on underground parking lighting schemes for those lots that need 24-hour lighting that has quicker payback.

Local Hamilton paper spotlights sister company Sunset Neon
New Sign museum in Las Vegas
Sister company chosen to refurbish Sam the Record Man

YESCO Hamilton is a new addition to the 35year old Sunset Neon Ltd. in Hamilton ON.  It is the service arm for all businesses within the GTA and Golden Horseshoe.

Recent exciting news for Sunset Neon Ltd. and it being selected to refurbish the famous Sam the Record Man sign and re-install it on the top of Ryerson University in downtown Toronto, ON

sunset-neon-selected-to-install-sam-the-record-man-signs/