#139 This is the truth about running two sign companies at once

What do you do with a bucket truck after Christmas light season is over? If you're Trevor, you start installing signs; and eventually build two separate companies from that single piece of equipment. In this episode, Aaron sits down with Trevor Lavy, a former utility lineman who stumbled into the sign industry through a power washing trailer, some vinyl graphics, and a whole lot of entrepreneurial hustle. From buying a struggling vinyl shop to surviving a skid steer falling off a trailer on the interstate, Trevor shares the raw, unfiltered journey of building Vantage Signs and Sign Service Pro. The conversation dives deep into the decision to split a sign company into two separate entities—one for manufacturing, one for installation—and the unexpected pros and cons that came with it.🔥 Topics Covered: From lineman to sign owner: The bucket truck origin story Buying a declining business: The first year trial by fire The interstate incident: When a skid steer goes rogue Why we split: Liability, marketing, and competing with customers The pros: Selling "expert installation partners" to big clients The cons: Two of everything—fuel cards, payroll, websites, headaches Equipment investments: CNC router, channel letter bender, paint booth The heating system surprise: Why warm paint dries faster (and costs more) Future plans: Hub and spoke model, wholesale dreams, and finding people 📣 Sometimes the best business move is creating two businesses out of one. 🌐 Follow Aaron on ⁠LinkedIn⁠ | ⁠Instagram⁠ | ⁠Web⁠🔔 Subscribe for more honest conversations on entrepreneurship, operations, and industry insights on The AC Method! The AC Method is hosted by Aaron Clippinger and sponsored by SquareCoil. Go to squarecoil.com to streamline your custom industry today. #BusinessStrategy #SignIndustry #Entrepreneurship #SuccessStory #Manufacturing #Installation #TheACMethod Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices