May 17–23 is National Public Works Week, a time to recognize and celebrate the people who keep our community running. Each day this week, we share the story of an employee from General Services Administration. Their work often happens behind the scenes, but it’s essential, from fleet operations to building maintenance. These are the individuals who make sure everything runs smoothly, supporting the services our community depends on every day.
Most people don't notice signs until one is missing. Yanik Gejgus notices everything.
As Wake County's sign and graphics supervisor for General Services Administration Facility and Field Services, that's the job. Every piece of signage across county departments runs through his team—designed, fabricated, installed and maintained. The signs above doors, in hallways, on roads. If it points you somewhere in Wake County, Gejgus has probably touched it at some point.
His team works with the county's Geographic Information Systems division to keep street name signs up and readable across more than 7,000 intersections in unincorporated Wake County. Signs get hit by cars, weathered by storms, knocked down in the middle of the night. Something always needs attention.
"Each day brings different custom requests and challenges," Gejgus said. "That is what motivates me."
Yanik Gejgus studied mechanical engineering and industrial design and spent most of his career in the sign industry before joining Wake County in 2013, managing creative, technical, manufacturing and graphics operations for both public and private clients.
He joined Wake County in 2013, but his work had already been there for a year. In 2012, he 3D-modeled the North Carolina state seal and the Wake County seal and manufactured every seal currently used in the Wake County Courthouse and Justice Center. He was part of the building before he ever had a badge.
There's a side to the job most people don't see. As part of Facility and Field Services, Gejgus is on call around the clock during snow and ice events and other weather emergencies.
"I enjoy the creative aspect of designing signage and the satisfaction of seeing projects come to life," he said. "Collaborating with various departments to enhance communication through visuals is rewarding."
Outside of work, he keeps things simple: family time, walks, disc golf and soccer, the kind of activities that get him outside and away from a screen.
But look around next time you're in a county building or driving through an unincorporated neighborhood. The sign telling you where to go, the seal on the wall, the street name at the corner; there's a good chance Gejgus had something to do with it.
