Trade Partner: Amcoe Sign Co., Palo Alto, CA

When Julio Perez of Amcoe Sign Co. in Palo Alto, CA needed to create a smart-looking, updated directory for a retrofit, he chose SLATZ® from Clarke Systems

Here’s why:

JP: We were approached by a Northern California property management company to help them update a recently-purchased, 1980s style building. Our parent company, Coulthard Identity Group, did the complete logo and design package and Amcoe Sign developed the Master Sign Program. (See the entire project at www.amcoesign.com)

Julio’s first challenge was to select a product that would work with an existing wall recess that had housed the old lobby directory.

JP: “The materials we selected had to fit just right into a Marble surround to accommodate the space and the client’s needs. At first they wanted stainless steel but that didn’t quite work”.

Julio suggested anodized aluminum and recommended SLATZ®.

JP: “I work with satin anodized aluminum a lot. It has a great, modern, clean look. And, I love the simplicity of SLATZ. The extrusions fitted precisely into the existing space and the result looks great. What’s also great is that it’s easy to adjust later if they get a new tenant. Because you can move the pieces, it’s easy to change-out and re-alphabetize the directory.”

Julio has learned to Count on Clarke when he has a challenge like this one.

JP: “Clarke Systems has been around a long time and I know they’ll be there for me when I need them. I have worked with some companies that are here one day and gone the next, so when I need a replacement part from them, I can‘t get it. When I’m working with Slatz, it’s easy to reorder matching parts. . . Besides, we’re a family-owned business and they are too. We like that.” (CS: Not only is Clarke Systems a family business but we are a True Trade™ organization. We do not compete with our sign trade customers.)

What was the key selling point?

JP: “The samples provided by Clarke Systems are great. When the owner can hold it in his hand and know what he’s getting, that’s what really sells a job. And, definitely, the simplicity and quick turnaround for any potential changes were a consideration. We do a lot of vinyl and working with Slatz makes it easy. The customers like that.”

What do we at Clarke Systems like about this job?

CS: We like its clarity and its smart lines. We are particularly interested to see it used in a light box since Slatz is a non-illuminated system. In his choice of Slatz, Julio has given his customer the flexibility to add new names as tenants come in. His design and selection of materials represents a nice marriage with the existing environment. We appreciate his strong support for our products and his choosing to do business with Clarke Systems.

Thank you Julio and Amcoe Sign Co.!