CUSTOM SIGNAGE SURVEYS JUST A PHONE CALL AWAY

In a world where almost everything can be ordered online with a few clicks, it’s tempting to do the same with signage. While online sign companies may appear convenient or inexpensive at first, I’ve seen firsthand why ordering signs locally makes a meaningful difference in quality, accuracy, and long-term value.

One of the biggest advantages of working locally is getting the details right from the start. When I work with a client, I can visit the site, take precise measurements, and evaluate things like visibility, lighting, wall surfaces, and surrounding architecture. Online sign companies rely entirely on customer-provided measurements, which often leads to signs that are too small, poorly placed, or simply not suited for the space. Fixing those mistakes usually costs more than doing it right the first time.

FACE TO FACE DETAILS

I also believe expert guidance matters. Every sign has a purpose, and choosing the right materials, colors, fonts, and size plays a major role in how effective it will be. I help clients select options that perform well in our climate, are easy to read from a distance, and reflect their brand accurately. Online platforms offer templates, but they don’t provide insight based on experience or real-world conditions.

Local knowledge is another critical factor. Sign ordinances and permitting requirements vary by city and even by neighborhood. Because I work locally, I understand these regulations and help clients navigate them before a sign is produced or installed. Ordering online often means the responsibility falls entirely on the customer, which can lead to delays, fines, or signs that must be removed and replaced.

DRIVE AROUND TOWN TO SEE GOOD EXAMPLES OF WHAT TO EXPECT

Quality and craftsmanship are easier to ensure when working locally. I can show material samples, finishes, and construction options so clients know exactly what they’re getting. There are no surprises when the sign is installed. With online orders, what arrives doesn’t always match expectations in terms of thickness, color, or durability.

Installation is another area where local service makes a difference. I make sure signs are mounted securely, installed properly, and, if illuminated, meet the requirements of local sign codes. Many online signs arrive as do-it-yourself projects, which can put both the sign and the building at risk.

IN-PERSON CUSTOMER SERVICE

If an issue arises, being local means I can respond quickly. Adjustments, repairs, or updates are handled directly—without shipping delays or automated customer service.

At the end of the day, a sign is often the first impression of a business. I believe ordering locally provides peace of mind, accountability, and a finished product that’s built to last. It’s not just about making a sign—it’s about making sure it works, represents your business well, and stands the test of time.

Mark Hackley owns and operates Augusta Sign Company in Staunton. Give him a call if you need good-old personal service at 540-943-9818!

LONG-TIME CUSTOMER

I had worked with the Blue Ridge Area Food Bank on many signage projects in the past, but nothing was quite as ambitious as this one! I was installing some door name signs at the Food Bank’s Charlottesville, Virginia branch and just happened to meet Les Sinclair, their communications manager. Les was looking for a firm capable of designing signage and graphics to help brand their headquarters building in Verona, Virginia. It just so happened that my point of contact with Eastern Mennonite, Brand Manager Jon Styer, had recently set up his own private consulting business, At Ease Design and Consulting, so I referred Les to call Jon. A few months later I received a call from Jon saying that he was selected for the project and that he wanted to use me as the sign manufacturer/installer! It was planned out as a two-phase job: The first phase included entry and lobby signage, volunteer directions, and large interior warehouse wall graphics; the second phase included several large exterior warehouse wall signs.

BIG MEETING PLANNED

The Food Bank Network had a big meeting planned in Verona where all four branches of the organization would converge on September 20th. It would be a morale-building meeting and they really wanted us to have the new branding completed by the meeting date if possible. Also because of the heavy foot traffic during normal work hours, the Food Bank requested that we work in the evenings. This arrangement was great since I had many other projects going on that I could tend to during the day.

EXPECTED GLITCHES OVERCOME

Once the order was officially placed for the first part of Phase 1, I worked with Jon and my digital print supplier to make all the 3M prints required for the job. I was able to cut all the cut vinyl letters on my plotter at the shop. The wall graphics were unique in that the main mural backgrounds were laminated with a satin overlay while the lettering had a gloss finish. Printing the background and lettering separately made it easier to line up things in the field. Jon inspected all the prints prior to installation and we found a few items that needed reprinting. Sometimes the art from the design software we use isn’t read exactly the same by the printer’s rip software making things come out a little differently than expected. Changing the file type corrected the issues we had on a few prints.

A WELCOMING MESSAGE

The project included a welcome wall that had “Welcome” written across the main wall in various languages. Over by the elevator, we installed a logo panel and we hung three stacked wall panels to the right of the receptionist area. At the main entrance we spanned three storefront glass windows with an important message, “Everyone Should Have Enough to Eat”. The graphics on the top were made from 3M Controltac vinyl material and the bottom “mountain” portion was made from perforated vinyl so people could see out from the inside of the lobby area.

All in all it was a neat project, but only the first part of a large undertaking. So stay tuned for more pictures as things are completed.

Mark Hackley owns Augusta Sign Company, Staunton, VA. 540-943-9818

BRAND NEW LOOK

A local church customer had designed a new brand and considered an investment of new signage to help publicize it. I met with a few board members tasked with looking into possible sign materials, costs, timeframes, lifespans, etc. Once I completed the initial survey it took me a few weeks to respond to the group with a proposal. The church wanted me to break the estimates up into interior and exterior segments, and they needed the interiors completed first, especially the new lobby branding.

ACCOMODATING MEETING SCHEDULE

My main contact worked full-time at Augusta Health and I was able to accomodate his busy schedule by meeting with him on and off to measure and take survey pictures for a while before his mid-week evening programs at the church. After several weeks, I was delighted to find out that the church had selected my company for the job! To keep the costs in a reasonable range for a good-performing sign system, I suggested they use maintenance-free PVC posts and framing with ACM sign panels.

CONSISTENT DESIGN ELEMENTS

The interior part of the sign project cost under $2,000 and the exterior part was under $6,000. I could get to the interiors right away since they had a church member with a CNC router who could make the signs from my vector artwork, and I could make the mounting patterns for the lettering and install the letters on the interior walls rather quickly. The other interior signs consisted of wall-mounted and ceiling-mounted directional signs, plus several flag-mounted room number signs. The signs were consistent in size, color, and placement to make for a nice-looking system that helped newcomers and visitors find their way around.

EASY TO INSTALL

I used my scaffold equipment to make installing the letters over the entrance doors a piece of cake. To install interior letters like these which were cut from 1/8″ thick black PVC material, I use 3M Very High Bond Double-Back Tape (VHB). For larger and heavier letters I would usually add a little silicone adhesive along with the VHB Tape. Prior to lettering the entry wall, I removed the old lettering from the wall and a member of their building committee re-painted the wall just prior to adding the new branding.

A MEMORABLE BRAND

The secret of a memorable brand is repetition. Web pages, printed literature, and signage all across campus with the brand ties everything together and makes people feel comfortable with it and helps them remember it.

SOLID INSTALLATION

After securing the necessary County permits and VDOT right of way clearance, I checked for underground utility conflicts, then picked a few fair-weather days to work outside on installing the signs. It took a day to get the holes ready, and another day to install everything for inspection. Once the footers were approved, I came back to set the concrete, then one more time to remove the bracing and do a final cleaning. Customers sometimes wonder why installation costs as much as it does. Usually it is due to the number of trips needed to finish the job. Anytime concrete is required, there are several days of trips involved to drive up the cost.

FIRST IMPRESSIONS LEAD THE WAY

As a Christian myself, I appreciate the many opportunities I have to help area churches with their mission of spreading the gospel. It may not seem like signs can help in this important endeavor, but when newcomers to the area are looking for a church family to call home, first impressions can mean a lot!

Mark Hackley is owner and president of Augusta Sign Company; 540-943-9818; mark@augustasigncompany.com