Insider originally published this post on October 28, 2015. John Siegenthaler of Lind Outdoor has developed the innovative Signsprings system for replacing the billboard vinyl strap system with a set of springs. The system allows for faster vinyl changes though the use of a hooked spring rather than straps. John Siegenthaler, Lind Outdoor President and SignSpring co-developer answered Insider’s questions about the product.
1. Tell us a little bit about Lind.
We are an Ohio based company, organized in 1991. We operate over 800 billboards in
27 Ohio and Indiana counties.
2. How did Lind first get the idea for SingSprings?
After experimenting with all vinyl and single sheet poster installation systems, Lind Media determined that we could develop a better product. Knowing that we wanted to avoid using cables, pulleys, plastic clips and gripper bars, we soon found that engineered spring and hook technology was far superior to all other methods.
3. Are there any other sign refrofit costs besides the springs?
Simple Spring and Hook technology means no No Ratchet straps, gripper rods, cables, gromets, frames or Clips. Initial system installation tools are limited to a cordless drill and the screw of your choice.
In addition to aesthetics, the best part of SignSpring is the operating efficiency it provides. Our typical billposter can change out a 12×25 poster panel in a under 5 minutes! It also enables us to rotate and reuse client posters and vinyls where other systems are one-done and onto the dumpster. Most of our posters and bulletins installations are done by a single installer. Since we no longer need gripper bars, ratchets and other materials, we have been able to convert our posting fleet from full size pickup trucks to small SUVs that has doubled our fuel efficiency. SignSpring is a huge cost savings for us and much less taxing to the planet.
4. What companies beside Lind are using the signspring technology?
It is a very long, very international list ranging from On-premise franchises like Speed-Pro, FastSigns and Sign-a-Rama to the recent addition of mega Outdoor companies like Pikasso, Lamar, Adams and Fairway. As a breakthrough product that is often seen as too good to be true, independent sign shops and billboard operators were the first to embrace the product. What I love the most about our product is that everyone re-orders after their first installation. Made in Ohio, Lind SignSpring is already in use on nearly every continent from Ocean Front wallscapes in Guam to Middle East billboards in Iraq and Lebanon.
