Here I am back home after completing the Neon making course.
The other day I had reason to go into the city (Salt Lake City) to get something taken care of for my computer. I decided to text message my neighbor (whom I had worked with for a while in the sign and display business) at his place of work. We decided to meet for lunch. When I got there I walked in and saw him at his desk, and said Hi. I waited a minute but I wanted to see the guys back in the sign shop and say hello. I walked into the shop and saw several people I had met before and had always chatted with a bit when I was there. It was nice to see them. I peeked into the Neon making area.
The Neon Maker was busy so I just said Hi and went around looking at his equipment (which I am now familiar with). I saw the stuff, and nothing was new to me. However, I sensed the Neon guy was nervous. Someone brought lunch for everyone (McDonalds bags) and I tried to chat with him through notes. He seemed nervous and I could sense he did not want to talk. I pushed and commented on some stuff he was doing and the equipment. Either he did not know anything really about the equipment (just knew how to use it) or was playing dumb. I guess he was worried about me taking his job away!
At that point my friend walked up and said, “Let’s go. I am hungry.” so we left. The Neon guy looked relieved. I guess this is normal. No one wants to teach/show anyone anything, too afraid of them taking their jobs. However, I could tell that the Neon operation was a “one man” operation. There really was no room or enough equipment for more than one person. Neon takes much focus and concentration. You cannot have two people working with very hot flames or high electrical voltages.
Earlier in the day I went to the State Employment Services office. I had them put the Neon catergory into their computer to search for open jobs. Too bad. There were no Neon jobs available in the entire state of Utah according to them. Oh well.
Filed under: Job Hunting and Working, Neon Training
I discussed with my Rehab Counselor the Neon job thing. She suggested I go walk in the sign shops in my area.
I am going to do just this.
Just had a thought. It is very possible that sign companies do not list their job openings with the Utah State Employment Service. Will investigate more.
Hi Steve Shumko,
Sorry to read about your experience so far.
There was an article on a deaf neon maker (retired for some time…I’d say he’s close to his 80’s) in the Signews newspaper. signews.org
I was planning to contact him as I was curious about his amazing work as a neon maker for many years in Tennessee….i think it was 40 yrs?!
You’re lucky that I scribbled down his email address in my pad.
His email address as printed in the article is/was
mackgerry@rap.midco.net
I returned the Signews newspaper to the library so I don’t have it anymore. I don’t remember what month and year it was. If it is really important to you, I can go back to the library to copy the article for you. But you might want to search at signews.org
Let me know if he is still reachable from that email address. It seemed like he was/is a sharp fellow. Was a quarterback at TSD.
Thanks.
Have you thought about going into glassworking? (scientific apparatus–for chemistry, biology, etc) I have a few articles on it. Universities usually have a person working in that fulltime…not many job openings but a possibility there for you…
Thanks, Icedtea!
I am going to contact that Deaf Neon Maker.
also… good suggestion about glassworking. May need specific training in that area, though.
Steve
Let me know via your blog if you get through to that Deaf Neon Maker.
Probably need to apprentice.
You might have to relocate if you want a tube bendinding position its hard to come by. I left Salt Lake to bend in Phoenix because nobody wants to work in the heat you would have a better chance there
I f you have any questions contaact me at arayofneon@yahoo.com
I just read your article on that Jimmy Neon guy what a scumbag you find those kind of people a lot in this trade. I wanted to let you know Steve I am a third generation tube bender, its a hard job to learn and a hard job to find if you have no family in the business.
Next time your in Salt Lake City go to the local sign supply shop and pick up a book titled “NEON SIGNS” its the holy bible of all tube benders it costs about 40.00$. If you want to become a tube bender your going to have to go to San Francisco there is a legitimate school there. Most sign companies want a 5 year journeyman not to get your hopes up so you need training or try and become a sign installer first.
Christopher:
Thanks for the advice. I think I already purchased that book.
I did not mention before, but I have worked on and off for five years or so in the Sign Trade- Made channel letters, worked with Vinyl transfers, banners, and helped create and build a patented sign frame system to hold banners.
I have already approached several sign companies and they are interested but not for Neon. Thats OK. Not giving up yet.