Meet the Expert: Pat Mescher

Business Development Manager

What does a typical day look like for you?

Everyday is different, that is why the job is exciting. I always have a list of things to get through. I visit architects and clients, set up future appointments, and follow up on new and existing projects. A lot of my work comes from referrals. I’ve been in this business for 30 years. I like being a resource people can turn to with questions on local code, product ideas, and design challenges. Being a trusted advisor for architects, contractors, and end users is what it’s all about.

What geographic area do you represent?

Central Iowa. I started with Latitude in Eastern Iowa and have been living and working in Des Moines since 1992. We’ve handled a wide variety of projects for everything from educational institutions, such as Iowa State University, Drake University, and Simpson College, to government and corporate offices in downtown Des Moines. And, of course, a substantial amount of healthcare and senior living clients.

What is one project that makes you really proud?

Mercy West Lakes Hospital. The project included interior and exterior signage, wayfinding, digital signage, and donor recognition. We worked with the client to value engineer the designs to fit their budget, manufactured them at our factory in Grinnell, and installed them on site. The signature feature is a six-story non-illuminated cross that is incorporated into one end of the building. It’s a stunning architectural element and something that hadn’t been done before, this is probably why it’s my favorite project, pushing capabilities is always fun.

What new developments are you seeing in the signage industry?

Interactive signs using NFC Technology! Wave your phone and watch a video, hear the room number, or the history of a person or event. We’re just starting to roll-out this product. It works with your smartphone to tell you what’s at that location. I could see a product like this having a big impact on wayfinding, donor recognition, and storytelling in the future.

What makes Latitude unique or different from the competition?

We provide turnkey solutions. We design, build, and install signs. For construction professionals who already have so much to worry about, we provide a one-stop solution. Plus the personal service our clients get is second to none. We are truly consultants who can be a resource to answer any questions about signage products and materials.

What do you like to do when you’re not working?

I’m a huge Iowa fan! Home games, away games, bowl games, all of them! Our kids are grown so we have fun visiting them. My son is an attorney in Omaha and my daughter is currently in her 2nd year of grad school at Marquette. She was a cheerleader so we followed Big East basketball a lot. My wife Kim is a successful business owner and between all this we manage to stay very busy.

If you could go on a dream vacation, where would you go?

Australia. I have a cousin who lives there and we reconnected several years ago through Facebook. They came to a family reunion here a few years ago, and I’d love to be able to visit him and his family in Australia. Of course, I’d also like to spend some time doing all the touristy things.