SURF crews build new SURF sign at Yates Gate with repurposed materials
The new sign matches the welcoming environment for all those who come to SURF.
For a long time, Sarah Wortman, SURF’s building and grounds foreman, has been wanting to improve the entryway to the Yates Campus.
“The idea for a sign has been years in my mind. As I would drive in every morning, I would think how can we make this better; more inviting and welcoming,” Wortman wondered.
After starting in her new role as the buildings and grounds foreman, she mentioned the idea for a new sign to Wendy Straub, SURF’s Chief Operating Officer and received a resounding, ‘Yes.’
“One of the things that I've noticed working at SURF, is that sometimes you just need one idea to get the ball rolling, and then people so willingly jump in to make it happen,” Wortman said.
Kyle Jankord, a CAD technician, was pulled in to create the design and draft up some specs on the computer.
“Kyle’s years of experience were evident in his ability to see the vision; bold and prominent in size, modern and current feeling by way of wood and metal components, and the opportunity to light the sign to offer a warm welcome,” Wortman said.
Once the design was formalized, a team of mine hoist mechanics, Brian Johnson, Jarred Burleson, and Dustin Tucker, were tapped to construct the sign.
“Their remarkable precision and undeniable talent made this sign truly exceptional,” Wortman said. “From fabrication to sanding, staining, and incorporating distinctive metal plates and hardware for strength, their craftsmanship shines through in every detail.”
In the spirit of being resourceful and environmentally conscientious, a giant pallet that had formerly housed some obsolete equipment was deconstructed by Jim Nonnast and became the wooden framework.
A local welding company used water-jet technology to reverse cut the SURF logo into stainless steel sheet which offered opportunity for Larry Gould, industrial electrician, to use his expertise to add lights that shine through the cutout letters.
The trio of mine hoist mechanics, who made the sign, were the best fit for hoisting the large wooden and steel creation into the ground.
One of SURF’s underground operations logistical coordinators, Mike Oates, then brought in some rocks and did some landscaping. He was assisted by SURF security guards Jeremiah Fredericksen and Ricky Allen painted some structures nearby and completed some raking and general clean-up of the area.
“We have so many talented and creative people here that do amazing work,” she exclaimed. “They can take an idea and come up with an outcome that looks beautiful, and all the while be cost effective and environmentally conscious.”
For Wortman, what might seem like a small project on the surface, a new sign at the front gate, is about much more—the sign reflects SURF’s core values, vision, and mission.
“I think the refresh at the front gate communicates who we are as an organization," Wortman said. “The recycled material shows our commitment to sustainability and resourcefulness. The quality and craftsmanship reveal the talented skills and the pride our team takes in their work. And the warm glow of lighting offers a feeling of welcome to all, and I think that's who we want to be,” Wortman said.
Wortman says this is not the final sign in the works at SURF. The Ross Campus entryway is next on the list with new signs at a few other sites in planning for the future.
