08/18/2024
Celebrating 35 Creative Years!
Back in 1989 around mid-August, I decided to go out on my own and start my first custom sign company, “Signs by Roger”. The building I was so excited to operate out of was an unheated barn and $75/month rent, with the only heat source being a pot-belly wood stove and no insulation in the walls. Located at 9,200’ in elevation, this meant over 8 months of winter weather to navigate. During those colder months, I would line up my collection of oil paint cans in front of the wood stove to “thaw” them. I would usually use this time designing my next project sitting 2’ from the stove in an old leather couch. Little did I know of the unknown journey this decision would lead me, and the amazing community of sign artists and crafts people I would encounter and network with along the way. Not to mention the countless clients and employees I would get to meet, collaborate with and work alongside, many of whom I now consider friends. My passion for the craft and all the blood, sweat and tears I endured over the years has been humbling and gratifying. As I grew the business, later changing the name to House of Signs and then opening a sister company SignTech, I was able to graduate from the unheated barn to state-of-the-art facilities. My vision to create highly distinctive 3-dimensional sign-art projects to businesses and residences worldwide also garnered an internationally recognized reputation and over the years have been blessed to be awarded with over 50 industry awards. With a new venture in the works after having sold the Colorado enterprise in 2018, I am forever grateful at the decision I made 35 years ago this month. I’m looking forward to experiencing more milestones, perhaps less blood, sweat and tears, and lasting memories as Vim Creative – currently building-out an inspiring custom sign studio in Montana – continues to push the creative envelope with unique handcrafted creative signage.
