Since its conception in 1983, O’Hare Signs has transformed into an established, full-service sign company, to keep up with ongoing demand and new services for all sign types. Photos courtesy O’Hare Signs
By Carly McHugh
The story of O’Hare Signs began in 1983, with two friends building portable signs out of a garage in Edmonton. As demand grew, they expanded their services into sign painting, and continued to increase their offerings as the years went by.
Since then, the up-and-coming business has transformed into an established sign company. The full-service shop is stocked with large-format printers, plotters, laminators, design stations, and all-around new equipment and product, to help keep up with the ongoing demand and new services for all sign types.
Recently, O’Hare Signs employees Amanda Juneau and Darrell Hastey took over as the new owners, bringing years of experience in the shop and the industry with them. At the helm, the duo plans to continue with the company’s expansion, to help meet the growing need for signage in their area.
Sign Media Canada spoke with Juneau about the company, its recent projects, and what is on the horizon for O’Hare Signs.
Sign Media Canada (SMC): What makes your company unique?
Amanda Juneau (AJ): O’Hare Signs is a small local business. We thrive on delivering exceptional customer service and helping everyone meet their signage needs. We’re here to help others with the services we provide, which helps us grow, expand, and be able to provide new services along the way. We’re not scared to take on a challenge or dive into new products, no matter what they are. How is anyone supposed to learn if they never try new things, right?
SMC: How large is the facility?
AJ: We’re smaller than your average sign company, but don’t let the size fool you. O’Hare Signs is run by two owners, with five staff, in a 185.8-m2 (2000-sf) bay. All work is done in-house with a full bay and stations for all job types. Being a smaller shop means we work more hand-in-hand with our customers and give their projects a full one-on-one touch.
SMC: What type of signage does your shop primarily install?
AJ: We offer a variety of installs. Our main type of signage is vinyl. Anything from posters to vehicle graphics, construction signage, banners, floor graphics, murals, and much more. With the printers we have, we’re certified to print on a variety of materials, as well as applications, for a variety of businesses and organizations who have codes and specifications to follow.
All of the company’s work is done in-house, in the 185.8-m2 (2000-sf) bay, with designated stations for each job.
SMC: What type of projects have you been working on recently?
AJ: Every day is a different project for us, and sometimes every hour. We always have a variety of projects on the go, from storefront signage to vehicle graphics and wraps, traffic signage, business cards and brochures, trade show informational signage, lawn signs, construction signs—the list can go on. Since O’Hare isn’t just one type of signage business, our customers can usually shop for all their signage needs in one location. Now, don’t think we only cater to businesses. We provide signage to anyone. Need something for your man cave or garage, lake lot property, boat, or motorized toys? A framed picture of your family? A wall mural for your new home? We’ve got you covered.
