As installers put their skills to the test at the PRINTING United PDAA Pro Team Relay, they’ll be under the watchful eye of some renowned industry experts. Jeremy Conner, Owner, Who Did That Inc., and Chad Huhman, Owner, CNJ Signs and Wraps, are on deck to judge the competition at the Specialty Graphic Imaging Association (SGIA) and NAPCO Media’s latest iteration of the SGIA Expo, taking place in Dallas October 23 - 25.
The two-day event (October 23 - 24) will see two-person installer teams compete relay-style across four different testing stations at booth 7250 on the show floor. These will include a car’s quarter panel, rivet wall, a two-panel graphic on a rough texture surface, and testing alignment with two-color vinyl on acrylic. Conner and Huhman will oversee the stations, determining who will advance based on speed and quality, and which team ultimately takes home the $2,000 prize.
“It’s exciting to be part of the PDAA Pro Team Relay and see what these skilled installers bring to the table,” said Huhman. “There are two things I look forward to each time I judge a contest: Meeting new people in the industry and learning new tricks of the trade, because you never stop learning in this business.”
Huhman started CNJ Signs and Wraps in 1997. With its range of services, the company helps clients reach their vinyl advertising goals, and has become the fastest-growing sign and wrap company in Kansas City, Mo. Among Huhman’s achievements are PDAA, Avery Dennison, Fellers and Wrapify certifications.
An industry pioneer, Conner has nearly 30 years of installation experience. Having opened his business in Charlotte, N.C. in 1999, he has maintained the motto “Big or small, we wrap it all,” successfully taking on projects never before attempted. He’s been featured in various publications and has several certifications, which also includes being part of the international network of PDAA Master Certified installers.
PDAA Master Certification verifies an installation business has the proficiency to handle any job, and boosts its presence on SGIA’s “Find an Installer” site. CNJ Wraps will host the next PDAA Master Certification Testing event August 28 - 29. On day one, Huhman will lead hands-on training preparing attendees for the following day of testing. Installers can register at SGIA.org (cost is $800 for SGIA members and $1,000 for nonmembers).
“PDAA Master Certification always allows you to grow your customer base, whether it's directly from the PDAA website or from other PDAA Master Certified installers,” said Huhman. “It's a respect that you will get from fellow colleagues in the industry.”
For more information and to enter the PDAA Pro Team Relay, visit PRINTINGUnited.com.
