(The following was written by Stein’s son, Mark Stein, the current owner of ESCO Mfg.)
Clinton L. Stein, founder of ESCO Mfg. (Watertown, SD) passed away peacefully, June 6, 2014, at age 92. He will be sadly missed by his friends and family, especially his six children, 10 grandchildren and 14 great-grandchildren.
Clint started in the sign industry as an artist and signpainter for a local sign company after having served in the Army Air Force during WWII. In 1952, he started a commercial sign company, Hi-Way Sign Company (name later changed to Stein Sign Display), which today serves Eastern South Dakota and Western Minnesota. In 1965, Clint founded ESCO Mfg., a wholesale, custom-sign manufacturing firm, after having received a patent for the "Uni-Frame", a one-piece, rollformed, steel sign cabinet. Clint also secured other patents, including one for a retaining system for large backlight displays.
Clint sold the businesses to his son, Mark, in 1988, and enjoyed spending his retirement years golfing, fishing, oil painting, and wintering in Arizona with his wife of 58 years, Mary, who preceded him in death in 2002.
Clint remained interested in the sign business his entire life, and would often check on activities in the manufacturing plant. Clint was fascinated by the many changes he witnessed in the sign industry over a span of more than 60 years.
Clint’s legacy lives on, as today ESCO Mfg. has grown to two production facilities and more than 100 employees. It will celebrate its 50th anniversary next year.