When I found out that I would be writing about someone who worked in the cnc equipment sector, at first, the thought of doing so did not evoke any specific recollections or feelings in me. Then I recalled going with my father, who was just starting out in the real estate industry, to open homes when there were posters posted all over the place when I was three years old. signs on the outside, signs on the inside, signs detailing what was for sale, all of the distinctive facilities, and so on. I was feeling the signs that instructed people how large each bedroom was/is, how far from the nearest schools and/or houses of worship, while all of the adults seemed to be fascinated with the look and feel and location of the home, the number of bedrooms and baths, etc. while I was feeling the signs that instructed people how far from the nearest schools and/or houses of worship. To this day, exactly like the first time I ever watched the Beatles on Ed Sullivan, which was probably about 1963, I can remember messing with the signs at my dad’s real estate firm every saturday and sunday. Around the middle of the 1960s, a groovy one-hit-wonder band called the five man electrical band released a song called “signs signs everywhere signs.” At the time, I had some mixed feelings about the song. The song had a decent enough tune to it, but it was making fun of one of my most beloved topics: signage. After that, I spoke with a skilled expert in the cnc equipment industry called Eric Yin, who is based in Johannesburg, in the country of South Africa. Eric took the time to educate me about the cnc industry and one of the items that is a part of that industry and is referred to as the vinyl cutter. He is in charge of selling them. Eric informed me that a vinyl cutter is essential equipment for anybody working in the signs industry, which answered my question about why anyone would need such a tool. Signs may be made with it by cutting out shapes and lettering from vinyl paper to use as stencils. Imagine my amazement at the prospect of a young youngster, who like me, is now 59 years old, learning from a true expert exactly what cnc technology and, most crucially, the vinyl cutter does. If it weren’t for a twist of destiny, this kid might have easily ended up working in the sign industry. vinyl cutters are only one component of this exciting and rapidly growing business. Eric also offers a variety of other devices, such as cnc routers, laser engraving and cutting machines, and more. Eric had to take the time to explain this to me since I had no idea what was going on. By collaborating with local machine makers and setting up assembly lines in Johannesburg, his business, Advanced Machinery, is able to produce locally-built equipment at costs comparable to those found in China. He makes sales both in the local and national markets. Eric is able to sell very high quality cnc equipment at not only prices that are generally lower than products made in china, but he is also able to back them up with the excellent sales support he feels people deserve after purchasing from him. This is made possible by the ingenious business model that Eric uses. Because he takes that matter seriously, Eric Yin has earned the title of “professional of the week” in my book. ——————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————- Author Rick London is both a cartoonist and a designer in addition to being an author. He is most well-known for being the one who established the London Times Cartoons in 1997. (ltcartoons.com). Recently, he started a weekly column in which he profiles a professional that he has found on the internet and who has impressed him. In this column, he talks about how he became impressed with this person. Eric Yin, owner of advanced equipment, is this week’s featured pro. His company is well-known for being the leading supplier of vinyl cutters and other cnc machines in south africa, and for offering the most competitive pricing.