Celebrating 70 Years of Customization: What Sets Custom Signs Apart?

At Custom Signs, we’ve spent the past 70 years creating customized products that bring your vision to life. As we celebrate this exciting milestone, we’re reflecting on how we’ve played a role in evolving the world of customization.

Our rich history, strong connections, advanced machinery, unwavering commitment to quality, and efficient shipping set us apart from the competition, making us a leader in the industry.

History

Custom Signs, originally founded as Holmes Stamp & Sign, was first started by Owen Holmes in 1954, right out of his garage in Jacksonville, Florida. Mr. Holmes had a passion for connecting with his community and wanted to give people an easy way to express themselves through personalized products. In the early days, customized products relied on manual processes, and Mr. Holmes’ dedication to quality and personalization laid a strong foundation for the company.

As the business grew, we continuously discovered ways to improve and innovate. In 2009, Bryan Croft took over as CEO, bringing a fresh vision and strategic direction to Custom Signs. Recognizing the potential of the internet, Bryan moved the business online, making it easier for customers nationwide to access our personalized signs. This shift not only expanded our reach but also streamlined our operations and enhanced customer experience.

Machinery

Before modern technology, the production of custom signs relied on manual carving or chemical etching. While effective, these traditional processes were time-consuming and less precise. Manual carving demanded immense skill and patience, often resulting in variations in quality and consistency. Chemical etching involved the use of hazardous substances that posed significant risks to the health and safety of workers. 

The introduction of laser engraving machines revolutionized custom signs production. Unlike older methods, laser engraving allows for intricate designs to be replicated with exceptional accuracy. The speed of laser technology enables rapid production, reducing turnaround times and increasing efficiency. This advancement has not only streamlined manufacturing but also elevated the safety and standard of custom production.

Raising the Bar for Quality

With all of our products made here in the USA, we ensure that only the highest quality products leave our facilities. We have set the standard for what high-quality customized products should look like. Each unique sign undergoes thorough quality check processes:

ADA Signs:

  • Tactile lettering is precisely engraved and checked for accuracy.
  • Tactile lettering appliqué is carefully applied with uniform depth and clarity.
  • Braille dots are correctly embedded into pre-carved holes and scanned for readability.
  • Color contrast and consistency is verified to meet ADA standards.
  • The sign is reviewed one final time to ensure proper font, spacing, and layout

Brass Signs:

  • A diamond-tip rotary tool is used for engraving to achieve clean, sharp lines and intricate details.
  • Colored brass signs are sublimated to produce high-resolution and vibrant designs.
  • Engraved black text is oxidized with a special solution for durability and enhanced visibility.
  • Signs are thoroughly cleaned and can be coated with a UV spray for added protection.

Plastic Signs:

  • Laser engraved using advanced Trotec lasers to achieve accurate and detailed designs.
  • Colored plastic signs are UV-printed to produce bright colors that wont fade over time.
  • Signs are meticulously cleaned to ensure a pristine finish.

Aluminum Signs:

  • Made from rust-proof, heavy-duty aluminum for longevity.
  • A high-quality vinyl overlay with the design is applied for enhanced graphics and increased durability.
  • Optional UV lamination is available for outdoor use to enhance durability.

Nationwide Shipping

While we take pride in our Jacksonville, Florida roots, we wanted people nationwide to have the opportunity to shop our personalized products. To make this possible, we made the shift to our online stores and began shipping to all 50 states. 

From the very beginning, we committed to shipping within two business days, ensuring our delivery driver dispatched orders promptly. Today, with the help of modern technology and our experienced team, we continue to uphold our tradition of super-fast shipping across the country, providing the same reliable and speedy service our customers have come to expect.

Looking Ahead

While we celebrate 70 years of innovation and excellence, we are excited about the future.  We’re aiming for another 7 decades of not only increased connections with our customers and fantastic products, but opening more paths of opportunity and security for our team members. At the time of writing we have had 700 employees come and go since 2012, and have several second generation employees on our staff.

Custom Signs is nothing without the people that keep it running and through continued focus on customer service, innovation, and creating great products.

With our CEO Bryan at the helm, we remain committed to pushing the boundaries of customization, continually enhancing our processes, and expanding our reach. We are grateful to our loyal customers for their trust and support, and we look forward to many more years of helping people express themselves through our high-quality personalized products. Thank you for being part of our journey.

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