Company: Emerald Outdoor
Market: Washington, Idaho.
Headquarters: 9212 E Montgomery Ave, Suite 604, Spokane Valley, WA 99206
Phone: 509-327-0103
Email: tommyt@emeraldoutdoor.com
Emerald Outdoor was formed in 2004 through the acquisition of Sunset Outdoor Advertising of Spokane. Their General Manager is Tom Townsend and Insider got the chance for an interview and update.
Tommy, how many total structures and faces does Emerald currently own and operate?
In the Spokane area we have 38 structures and 66 faces. Outside of Spokane we have 14 structures and 28 faces.
You currently have no digitals in your inventory. Do you have static locations you would like to convert and will the Spokane market ever allow digitals?
We probably will not push for conversions just because we are a smaller company and the conversions would be a big financial hit. The City of Spokane Valley does allow digitals while Spokane County and the City of Spokane do not. It would be great if the entire area would adopt Spokane Valley’s cap and rebuild policy. An operator can get a demolition permit and take down a current static location, then receive a digital permit that gives you a 5 year window to permit and build out a new location. In some cases, if the engineering for an existing structure supports it, you can convert that structure from static to digital.
A year ago, your long time billboard Installer, died in a car crash. His wife May was with him and survived. Can we get an update on how May if doing?
May, is doing really well. She now lives on the West side of the state and health wise she is doing really really well. She is a miracle. She should have not walked away from the accident. I talked to her on November 8th because that was the anniversary date to just see how she was doing.
Anything else you care to share?
On November 1st, I celebrated 40 years in the Billboard business. But I have to tell you, this last year was one of the hardest of my career. It was brutal with the car accident and staffing issues as I looked for a new installer to step into a key role for us. We did hire a new installer in September and he is doing well. But it made it difficult. Even though you get smarter and more experienced it doesn’t necessarily mean it’s going to be easier right.
But our sales are up at year end. January and February are always a little soft but we look pretty good going into 2024 and that’s great. During those tough times you have got to count your blessings.
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