DENVER – October 2026 – WSA is pleased to announce member Jeff Young, Young Electric Sign Company (YESCO), received the WSA Humanitarian Award during the association’s 79th Annual Meeting, held October 8-10, in Salt Lake City, UT. The Humanitarian Award is the association’s highest recognition honor, “to recognize an exceptional WSA member who sets a new standard in personal and professional conduct.” Humanitarian Award candidates shall exhibit unparalleled integrity on every level – with family, community, coworkers and business associates; shall be widely recognized as benevolent leaders in spirit, thought and deed; shall demonstrate genuine caring, profound warmth and ongoing compassion for others; and emanate a strength of character that others strive to achieve.
Young grew up in the sign industry and is third generation leadership at YESCO as Chief Revenue Officer in Salt Lake City, UT. He is a WSA Past President (2014-2015), founder and chair of the Professional Organizational Development (POD) program, former International Sign Association (ISA) Chairman and a strong leader and contributor in his community. He has given back to the sign industry through numerous leadership roles and contributions, including advocating for sensible sign regulations when municipalities proposed overly restrictive rules, even in markets where YESCO franchises do not conduct business. He is incredibly helpful and has gone out of his way for those who need assistance, even when they do not directly ask for help. Young acts as an ambassador to bridge the gap between clients, general contractors and subcontractors on large complex sign projects – especially when projects run into challenges.
The creation of the POD program was probably the greatest and most valuable gift that WSA members have ever received, and he had to push pretty hard to make it happen. It is also the reason he is lovingly referred to as the “PODFather.” Young’s kindness, hard work, dedication and service to the sign industry and other organizations along with his upbeat personality made him an easy choice as this award recipient. He has been, and continues to be, a great asset to the sign industry.
“Being part of a family business with more than 100 years of history is something we take great pride in,” said Michael Young, chairman of the board for YESCO. “As the third generation following our grandfather, Thomas Young, Jeff continues to build on that legacy through his commitment to the sign industry and the people who make it special. We’re pleased to see his contributions recognized in this way.”
Young is the third WSA member to receive this honor. Previous Humanitarian Awards were given in 2009 and 2013. WSA was excited to present this to Young in his hometown of Salt Lake City, UT.
About YESCO
YESCO specializes in the manufacture of custom electric signs, sign maintenance and out-of-home advertising. In addition, YESCO operates a network of company-owned and franchised sign and lighting service repair operations throughout North America as well as a sign financing business. Thomas Young founded the company in Ogden, Utah, in 1920 after borrowing $300 from his father. YESCO began by offering wall painted advertisements, gold-leaf window lettering and coffin plates. Today, helmed by the third and fourth generations of the founder’s family, YESCO creates, services and maintains award-winning displays for some of the most prestigious brands. For more information, go to www.YESCO.com.
About World Sign Associates
World Sign Associates (WSA), headquartered in Denver, CO, is the premier trade organization for electrical sign manufacturers and suppliers throughout North America. Members represent some of the industry’s top talent. They craft custom signs as well as signs for regional and national clients, either by working independently or by combining the strengths of over 150 sign manufacturers and suppliers throughout North America. Membership in WSA is an honor for those companies that have shown their dedication to quality craftsmanship, business ethics and corporate citizenship. Founded in 1947, WSA offers an executive forum for education, fellowship, support and the exchange of ideas. WSA members adhere to the highest ethical business standards and bring the utmost value to their customers.
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