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“We’re growing, hiring, buying building, moving and blowing up our lit sign and fleet graphics segments,” wrote Jeff Thomas, co-owner with his wife, Kim, of Crossroad Sign in Lynnwood, Washington. He sent this email note in September last year, while negotiating for the purchase of a new building to house a second location for his business. Thomas is a baby boomer, with eight years of sign shop ownership under his belt. He represents the aspirations and acumen of an entire generation. The term “baby boomer” refers to Americans born between 1946–1964, when the United States experienced a marked, sustained rise in birth rates following the end of World War II. For those who chose to hang their shingle in the sign industry, a booming business now rewards their hard work.

“As the fastest growing commercial sign company in three counties,” explains Thomas, “our team simply needed more space. This Mill Creek location just three blocks east of I-5 is super convenient and highly visible to clients in Lynnwood, Edmonds, Mountlake Terrace, Shoreline, Mukilteo, Everett and Marysville.“

When Thomas purchased his original sign shop in December of 2008, he was not thinking about the economic viability of this business in Washington. He also could not know of the devastation to follow for our national economy, labeled The Great Recession.

In October 2010, 16 months after the official end of the recession, the economy still had 5.4% fewer jobs than it did before the recession started. This was the slowest recovery in our nation’s history. For Thomas, like many entrepreneurs that chose to launch their businesses in 2008 or 2009, the path forward was a test of character and of the will to succeed.

Smart moves on the part of Thomas paid off: The company opened its new studio this year on 164^th Avenue SW across from Martha Lake Park. The building was purchased last year by Jeff and Kim Thomas exclusively for use by Crossroad SIGN. After months of preparation, the official grand opening was held on Wednesday, March 28^th, with local business leaders and elected officials in attendance.

The company also maintains a showroom on Main Street in Bothell, near where it was founded in 2002. After six consecutive years of growth, they are on an accelerated upswing.

Some of the smart moves made by Thomas include offering a valuable e-book to business professionals, as part of the grand opening strategy. “28 Ways to Make Your Business More Visible” is a free e-book available from Crossroad SIGN of Mill Creek and Bothell. The book illustrates how small business owners can stand out better in today’s busy marketplace. It is available free on the company’s website: CrossroadSIGN.com

Across North America, sign professionals now talk of very brisk business – a reflection of the industry’s value and resilience. And in Snohomish County, Washington state, a rising tide of economic prosperity has been raising up entrepreneurship. 20% of the workforce is in manufacturing, the highest volume in Washington State.  Further support for the visual communications industry is the county’s technical workforce, which boasts the second highest concentration of technology workers in Washington State.

The President of Sign Biz, Inc., Teresa M Young, affirmed her belief in March this year that the one trait she has recognized in all successful entrepreneurs is “a default attitude of calm positivity.”  Young said this during the opening address for the Sign Biz International Convention in Florida. She also showed slides of Thomas’s new building and signage installation. “Jeff and Kim have earned the respect of not only the Sign Biz family, but also of his entire business community, staff and family, for what he has accomplished. We are inspired by our community of entrepreneurs, and this business story represents the aspirations of many. We congratulate Jeff and Team for their brilliant execution, growth, and positive contributions!”, added Young during her address.

For more information, contact Chris Eng at Crossroad Sign, 425-481-9411