Some of Edwards’ proudest memories surround the quality time he spent with his “Brady Bunch family.”
Indeed, all of this time, effort, and hard work paid off for Edwards and Media Resources, as the company continued to produce award-winning projects year after year. At the Best of Canada’s Sign Industry Awards (BOCSIes), jointly presented by Sign Media Canada and SAC, the company secured Best in Show for 2020 and 2021, as well as the 2021 Sign Company of the Year. Edwards himself was honoured as SAC’s 2019 Sign Professional of the Year, as well as Mentor of the Year in 2021.
This year, after Media Resources took home the BOCSI for the best Out-of-Home Media project, Edwards watched proudly as his daughter Krista accepted SAC’s 2022 Young Professional of the Year award. The moment felt like the perfect send-off, placing the future of the company and the industry with the next generation of signmakers.
Memories from the past
Some of Edwards’ proudest memories surround the relationships he formed with sign professionals of all ages, as well as the quality time he spent with his wife Susan and their “Brady Bunch family.”
Edwards was heavily involved with some of the industry’s most recognized organizations. For more than 35 years, he was a member of the board for the Ontario Sign Association, where he served two terms as president. He was also an active member of SAC, and an involved mentor with the association’s Young Professionals Network (YPN). Edwards was honoured to be recognized as Sign Professional of the Year and Mentor of the Year, and he was proud of Media Resources’ recent accolade as Sign Company of the Year.
Edwards also reflected on some of the valuable lessons he learned over the course of his career. “Be honest with employees, as well as customers,” he shared, “and don’t forget about family.”
He expressed his thanks for the support of his business partners, including Steve Gallow, Jeff Rushton, and Will Thomson, as well as Cheng Qian and Gary Tsuji. When asked if there was anything he would change about his experience, he replied, “Hindsight is great, but if I would have changed anything, I wouldn’t be where I am today.”
Edwards was honoured to be recognized at the Best of Canada’s Sign Industry Awards (BOCSIes) for his and his company’s accomplishments.
Looking forward to the future
In the true spirit of mentorship, Edwards offered some sage advice for anyone just entering the sign industry: “Work hard, be honest, have passion, and be willing to share your knowledge with others.”
Further, for all young professionals, he spoke to the action-packed, fast-paced nature of signmaking.
“If you’re looking for an exciting career where you will never get bored, this is for you.”
