Influential Woman · Signage

Candy White

Director of Project Management, Meridian Signs

Houston, TX

Certifications · Degrees · Memberships

Degree High school education Degree Massage therapy certification

Her Story

About Candy

I've spent 19 wonderful years in the signage industry, and my journey has been one of steady growth and dedication. I started as a receptionist and worked my way up to become an executive assistant to the owner of the company. In that role, I also took on project coordination responsibilities and worked closely with the sales team. They really liked what I was doing, so I started working more with them. When my company got bought out, I moved into project management, where I spent a couple years before being promoted to senior project manager for about 5 years. In March or April of 2025, I was promoted to Director of Project Management. I'm currently with a startup company that began in 2024, and I joined them in January 2025. In just a year, I've built up to managing about 80 projects, which is really good for a startup. I handle everything from the moment a project is sold - getting surveys, production drawings, submitting permits, releasing to manufacturing, scheduling installations, and closing out invoices. I also support our sales team with proposals and meetings when they need me. What I love most about my career is making customers happy and seeing raw materials like aluminum or polycarbonate transform into beautiful works of art. It's unbelievable to see how a stack of materials turns into a complete sign.

Her Interview

Ten minutes with Candy

01What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?

The best career advice I've ever received is don't take things personal. When I first started, I didn't have such a thick skin, and I would take a lot of things personal. Then I learned not to, because some people are just going through it or having issues and don't mean to sometimes lash out on you. So I've learned a lot to have a tough skin and not take things personal. Another piece of advice is you're only one person, so don't kill yourself stressing out. Do what you can do, and that's all you can do.

02What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?

Women can do anything. A lot of times, sign companies is a male-dominant industry, and I love to see a lot of women now are stepping into key roles, like even manufacturing. I just think keep going, because women can do anything we want to, as long as we set our mind to it.

03What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?

In our industry, we sometimes face weather challenges because we can't always install due to weather, which pushes us back. Sometimes it's hard to get a good project manager. I've worked with a lot of PMs throughout my career, and you either have it or you don't. Right now, the challenge is trying to get people who really care about the industry and who really want to work. That's been kind of a struggle, trying to find those people.

04What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?

Trust and communication are definitely most important to me. Communication is key. How people treat you is also very important. I try to treat people how I want to be treated. If I'm having a bad day, I don't want to take it out on somebody else. Those are some really key things that I look for in both personal and professional life.

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