70% of Sign Pros Have an Opinion on Industry Mergers

Those opinions, their experiences and what shops use AI for.

Published

2 weeks ago

February 4, 2026

Signs of the Times Staff Signs of the Times February 2026 Issue

ABOVE PHOTO: GABE GRIFFIN, CLEAR SIGN & DESIGN

QUESTION:

Do you have an opinion on the mergers of sign companies, suppliers and equipment/materials manufacturers over the past few years?

Yes: 71%

Merger of supply companies reduces competitive pricing. Not good. — Tish Scialampo, Absolute Sign Inc., Los Alamitos, CA
Frankly, I think it sucks. When the larger companies buy the smaller ones, then don’t offer the same products or turnaround, it forces us to spend extra time to find new vendors. — Kristi Jenkins-Correa, Signarama Fort Collins, Fort Collins, CO
I have noticed a shift in customer service. — Kurt Stoner, Stoner Graphix, Hummelstown, PA
It can be good for business because they can provide better or more offerings but can also have its disadvantages. — Shaun Ensign, Legacy Sign Group, Westville, IN
After a national sign company acquired my regional employer, I gained access to larger clients, but the resulting complex sales process and non-sales influences hindered my ability to close deals. — Ted Neelands, DBM Signage & Branding, Chattanooga, TN
It is a part of business and business life cycles. Mergers are inevitable and can be healthy for the industry. — Bobby Lynett, PA Signs, Scranton, PA
My company has recently merged with another and things seem to be working out so far. Not much has changed since we’re still somewhat operating as two separate companies. — Jamie Potvin, Metro Sign & Awning, Tewksbury, MA

No: 29%

After many years in the industry, I have seen suppliers get gobbled up, just like the banking world. It happens. — Matt Robinson, Eastern Sign Tech, Burlington, NJ
Have not noticed changes or issues. — Raychel O’Donoghue, Lexington Signs & Graphics, Burlington, MA
It is what it is, competition will equalize and if suppliers get greedy or more incompetent, new businesses will take their place. — Brett Jeltema, Fresh Coast Signs & Graphics, Spring Lake, MI
What has been your experience in general with companies you’ve worked with that have merged?

One Quick Question:

What has been your experience in general with companies you’ve worked with that have merged?

Much more positive
4%
Slightly more positive
10%
About the same
28%
Slightly more negative
31%
Much more negative
14%
Other (range of positive and negative, no experiences)
13%

PHOTO: ISTOCKPHOTO

AI in the Sign Industry

What does your sign company use AI for, if anything?

Management
34%
Sales
29%
Marketing
46%
Communications
49%
Design
38%
Fabrication
4%
Installation
4%
Nothing
18%
Other (general info, sign codes, research, dabbling)
22%

What’s the Brain Squad?

Ready to share your thoughts on issues important to signage pros in the pages of Signs of the Times magazine? If you’re an owner or top manager of a US or Canadian-based sign company, you can sign up to participate in our quick, inspirational, five-minute monthly surveys at signsofthetimes.com/brainsquad.

Signs of the Times Staff

Signs of the Times has been the world leader in sign information since 1906. Contact Signs of the Times' editors at [email protected].

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