In early 2007, Bill and Jane Swanson embarked on a new adventure, seeking change and the opportunity to build something extraordinary. Bill, with a background in engineering and business, had spent his career in manufacturing and dreamed of owning a company that would create products that truly made a statement. After careful consideration, they decided to start a sign manufacturing company, believing it was the perfect avenue for their aspirations.
Bill's previous experience in manufacturing rubber rollers for printing presses had left him concerned about creating products that might become obsolete over time. To set themselves up for success, they partnered with SignWorld, a renowned buying consortium that offered volume price discounts on equipment and raw materials, business setup support, and a network of sign companies across the US and Canada for guidance and installation assistance.
On March 8, 2007, Signs & More was born, setting up its first location at 481 E Main Street in Cartersville, Georgia. With a modest space of 2100 square feet and a team of three employees, they were eager to make their mark in the industry. The local community played a significant role from the start, as a church provided assistance in painting their showroom in exchange for signage, a gesture that left the Swanson family feeling truly blessed.
Guided by their unwavering faith and trust in God, Signs & More weathered challenges and celebrated victories throughout their journey. As their business flourished, they outgrew their initial location and decided it was time to relocate to a larger facility. In August 2014, they made the move to 83 Peeples Valley Road, Cartersville, Georgia, doubling their size to 4200 square feet. The move allowed them to accommodate vehicle wrapping, expand their equipment inventory, and welcome new team members.
Their growth trajectory continued, and in early 2017, an opportunity arose to acquire Marietta Signs. With a long-standing connection through SignWorld, Bill and Jane saw the purchase as a chance to expand their presence in Marietta, Georgia, gain additional equipment such as a CNC router and a paint booth, and tap into a new customer base. The deal was sealed on February 18, 2017, and the entire operation was seamlessly integrated into the Cartersville facility.
In 2020, Signs & More was presented with another opportunity for expansion. Aho & Barbat Signs, a well-established sign company that had been serving the Marietta community for 33 years, was looking for new owners as its founders Doug Aho and Nancy Barbat were ready to retire. Recognizing Signs & More's reputation and capabilities, they entrusted their loyal customer base to the Swanson family. On February 26, 2020, the acquisition was finalized, and Aho & Barbat Signs became part of the Signs & More family.
Despite the challenges brought about by the global COVID-19 pandemic, Signs & More persevered. Classified as an essential business due to their work in the transportation and health industries, they were able to continue operating during the national shutdown. The company remained committed to their employees, never having to lay off anyone due to a lack of business. They are immensely grateful to Georgia Governor Brian Kemp for his decision not to follow the CDC suggestions to shut down the state, which allowed them to keep serving their customers and supporting their team.
As the team grew, the Cartersville facility became increasingly cramped, and the need for a larger space became evident. After an extensive search and failed negotiations, Signs & More finally found their new home at 3175 Highway 411 in White, Georgia. In November 2021, they purchased the 8000 square foot building, almost doubling their previous space. In March 2022, they completed the move to the freshly renovated site, equipped with a dedicated clean room for printing and cutting, a warehouse for vehicle wrapping and sign manufacturing, a separate area for routing and cutting, and even a paint room.
Today, with a staff of 20 dedicated individuals, Signs & More continues to grow, innovate, and provide exceptional products and services to their valued customers. They take pride in their ability to manufacture custom signs, vehicle wraps, and various other products in-house, supported by their expanded expertise and state-of-the-art equipment.
The journey of Signs & More is a testament to the power of faith, resilience, and the pursuit of excellence. They are grateful for the support of their community, the trust of their customers, and the opportunities that have come their way. With each milestone, they are reminded that their success is a result of hard work, dedication, and the blessings that come from above.