O’Hare Signs: A business built on customer service

by carly_mchugh | 30 August 2022 3:08 pm

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.

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.

SMC: How much of the installation process is handled in-house?

AJ: We’re capable of handling virtually all types of installations. The only installation process we can’t handle at the moment is when a lift truck is required, but we work hand-in-hand with a very good local company to help with any jobs which require that service. Whether we’re installing or manufacturing jobs in-house, or have our installers out on-site, all jobs O’Hare Signs is a part of, we’re there from the beginning to the end.

SMC: What tools/equipment do you currently use to complete your projects?

AJ: We have two full design stations with Flexi Sign for all the design needs, plus Roland TruVis 540 and HP 365 printers, a Summa D160 vinyl cutter, and a GFP laminator, as well as multiple smaller tools and equipment to help complete different jobs. We’re equipped with all stations within the shop for cutting, trimming, masking, painting, installs, and every other job in between.

SMC: What does your planning process involve?

AJ: We first spend time with the customer, no matter how long it takes. We want to know everything, so we can help them best. From the start to the end, our customers are our priority. From a friendly meet-and-greet to a sit-down consultation of what is needed—with designs done while they wait—our focus is them and what we need to do to make them happy with the service. Taking the time at first to find out what is needed or wanted, designing to the interests of the client, and making sure all is covered is key. The rest of the process is up to us on providing our knowledge and expertise to manufacture the signage as intended, with a final communication once completed.

SMC: How is technology changing your business?

AJ: Technology is forever expanding our services and knowledge we can provide to everyone. With the growth of the sign industry, new machines and products are being introduced and released. It always keeps us on the lookout for new services we can provide and new ways to help serve each industry. Technology all around is making it easier for us to offer new services and reach new customers. Continuing to grow in the industry helps us grow as a company.

SMC: What is the key to staying successful in the industry?

AJ: Customer service. Being there for customers, showing them you appreciate their business and are thankful for them choosing your business, even though there are numerous options out there. Our customers are our No. 1 priority. When you treat others like they matter and are something more than a number, it’s natural to get the same response in return. We’re dedicated to letting everyone know how much we appreciate their business and strive on treating them like family—because if it wasn’t for any of them, O’Hare Signs would not be where it is today.

SMC: What are your future plans for the business?

AJ: The future is a surprise in every way, but determination, consistency, and meeting goals is the focus. Our future plan for O’Hare Signs is not to become a large franchise or a large facility where you’re there for a paycheque. We want to stay smaller, to keep our business’ family appeal alive and not forgotten. No matter the time, our customers need to feel welcome and enjoy coming to the shop. We will continue to add services along the way and adapt to new times with the growth of our staff, but we don’t want to lose that one-on-one touch with everyone.

Source URL: https://www.signmedia.ca/ohare-signs-business-built-customer-service/

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