New east side business wants to help you stand out in the crowd
By Michelle Warren
Those who stand out get the attention. It’s human nature to be drawn to the one that makes us take a second look, gets us thinking and makes us want to learn more. The same goes for businesses, and what better way to make a statement than with an attention-grabbing sign that does all the above?
For individuals and businesses looking to do just that, as of November there’s a place designed especially to cater to that need. Sign Art Etc, located at 3861 St. Road 26 E Suite C, Lafayette, provides full service sign, graphics and advertising solutions.
“We do anything from yard signs and banners to the big electrical signs for buildings. We have a new HP flatbed printer that allows us to produce almost any image on a wide variety of materials,” explained owner Doug Ellenberger.
According to Ellenberger, the focus of the business is to make the customers and their business successful.
“We’re here to help people attract the kind and number of customers they want to attract,” he explained. “Our goal is to help your business, organization or event succeed.”
The Idea
According to Ellenberger, a Purdue University engineering graduate who previously worked in manufacturing for Kirby Risk and Fairfield, the reality of Sign Art Etc just fell into place. He worked with a business consultant and discussed different ideas and options. A poster hanging in the lobby features the following quote by Kobi Yomada: “Sometimes you just have to take the leap, and build your wings on the way down.”
According to Ellenberger, the piece was a gift from his then 14-year-old daughter Emily and was given to him during this decision-making time. Emily is now 20 years old and helps out at Sign Art while attending Ivy Tech.
After reviewing all their options, they decided to go with Sign Art Etc. And according to Ellenberger, the sign business was a good fit. “This is very much a technology oriented business,” he said. “It’s a great business for an engineering guy to be in.”
Working with the latest technology, the team at Sign Art Etc is ready and able to assist each and every customer. Joining Doug is Jeff Ward as operations manager. Jeff takes care of the day to day operations.
“We have a great team here,” Ellenberger said.
A great team paired with a great location is what Ellenberger has. The site for the new business is in the old Wal-Mart building which also happens to house the International Sports Club on the east side of town.
“We knew this was the place we wanted to be in the first time we visited,” Ellenberger said of the building. “There always seems to be a lot of energy here.”
He also added that International drives a lot of traffic to Sign Art Etc.
Service Made Easy
Customers have a variety of options when they enter the shop at Sign Art Etc. Services offered by Sign Art Etc. include:
- ADA signs
- Banners
- Big Checks
- Demonstrative evidence displays
- Design capabilities
- Exhibits and displays
- Full Color Digital Poster Printing
- Illuminated signs and channel letters
- Labels and decals
- Point of purchase displays
- Pop-Up Displays
- Retractable Banner Stands
- Three dimensional signs and letters
- Trade show displays and graphics
- Vehicle lettering and graphics
- Window and door lettering and graphics
- Yard and site signs
And more
While the main focus is the business to business projects, Ellenberger said the team at Sign Art Etc is more than happy to assist individuals with their projects.
So far, a variety of local businesses have turned to Sign Art Etc for their signage needs. For example, Tracy Deno, owner of New Dimensions, which is located downtown, teamed up with Sign Art Etc for her new sign. That project included design, build and installation. The lobby sign and window lettering for local attorney Tony Dowell also is on Sign Art Etc’s resume. Other examples include work done for Purdue University, F.C. Tucker, FedEx, Ivy Tech, Morning Song and Harrison High School.
According to Ellenberger, sometimes the customers already have an idea of what they want, and other times they don’t. Either way, the team at Sign Art Etc can make it happen. Whatever idea the customer has, Sign Art Etc can help make it a reality and save the customer a lot of worry and hassle.
Project management is one of the many things Ellenberger said his team prides itself on.
“We provide a good value, and we’re great at managing the jobs,” he said. “We’ll deliver on time and within budget.”
The Future
“We intend to grow our business in the Lafayette area and the surrounding areas,” Ellenberger said. “We also increase our internet business each year.”
Since the launch of the business, that has been happening.
“The best part is being able to make our customers happy,” he said. “Seeing the smiles on their faces when they see the finished product is very rewarding. It is rewarding to help turn a person’s idea into reality.”
There have been surprises. “Demonstrative evidence for trial attorneys is an area that we did not consider when we started. That has turned out to be a service we can provide.”
Ellenberger encourages people to stop out and see what the business has to offer.
“We have a lot to show,” he said. “And the neat things about signs is that they are out there 24/7. Signs are a great, cost-effective way to get your message out to your audience.
We are part of the SignWorld organization of nearly 200 independent owners,” Ellenberger said. “We are locally owned and globally connected. There is no project that someone within the SignWorld family hasn’t previously tackled. We also have a corporate technical team we can use as a resource if necessary.”
Stop by Sign Art Etc Monday through Friday between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. to see what they can do for you and your business. For more information, call 765-449-1884 or visit the Web site at www.signartetc.com.