Last Friday we caught up with Selective Structures Matt Schulze as he was riding in his truck between out of home job sites.  Matt and Jon Odom at Productivity Fabricators are the two smartest guys Insider knows when it comes to billboard structures.  Matt talked about steel prices and permitting trends.

How’s business?

Business has been great despite steel and fuel price increases. That’s  a testimony to  our clients who are making really smart decisions about where to build. They are thinking outside the box to find really strong locations that are strong revenue producers for the advertiser and the operator.  Our success depends on our clients success!

Are regulatory authorities requiring more special inspections in connection with sign permitting?

They are, especially in locations that are being litigated, but we are seeing more non-litigated locations requiring special inspections in the last couple of years.  This adds time and money to the process.

What’s a special inspection?

A special inspection is something the International Building Code requires in most states. It’s up to the municipality whether they enforce it or not. It’s a list of required inspections that go along with the fabrication and installation of the sign. Here are several examples of what they are asking for before they approve the permit.

Fabrication Inspections

• You start with a site-specific soil test. I recommend going about 10 feet deeper than estimated foundation depth. The lateral bearing soil pressure has to be on the print.
• Statement of special inspections provided by the municipality and filled out by the engineer of record.
• Structural calculations provided with drawing.
• Stamped engineered drawing with site specific configuration of sign and address on print.
• Third Party welding inspection while sign is being fabricated.
• If this is a digital structure, stamped engineered drawing of Digital face.

Inspections during and after installation.  Third party inspection company to inspect

• Foundation
• Concrete break test
• Any welding performed in field
• Bolt torque test

What else is new?

There’s not much new in the outdoor steel industry lately except changes in codes and wind loads.  We realize every sign has its own ROI so, we need that sign to be a producer.  We consider it a privilege to be part of that process.  We get to talk to our clients and our clients talk to us about different digital company’s new technology and new software, so we have excellent (and informed) insight into what’s working and what isn’t.  We know which ones are cost effective and which ones are not.  We know which companies have good software support and which ones don’t.  We know which companies have good (and responsive) technical support and which companies don’t.

What’s the toughest question clients ask?

We get asked which digital unit is the “best.” This puts us in a predicament because we know we shouldn’t play favorites.  We build digital support signs for all the major digital companies and have for years. We have learned a lot by sitting back and listening and we see whose digital unit is lasting 5 years and whose screens are lasting over 10 years with limited issues.

Helping people find jobs.

One of the greatest joys in my position is to help people find jobs.  I get called every day with someone either looking to hire or looking for a job.

If you have a question about a billboard structure, email mschulze.selective@gmail.com or better yet, call Matt in his truck, 706-473-3250.

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