Graphic Designs sign shop has been a Fort Payne fixture for 28 years. Owner Thomas Crosley, along with wife, Martha, started up the business in a small shop on First Street across from the post office.
“When I worked for The Boeing Company in Huntsville, I started out in the graphics department, and I got a taste of what doing graphics was all about,” said Crosley. “A man named Richardson had a sign shop here in town, and I would drop by and talk to him from time to time. He didn’t do computer graphics, he painted signs by hand, but he knew the wave of the future was going to be computer signage and encouraged me to get on board.
“In 1989, a friend invited me to a trade show in Birmingham, and I was able to see what computer technology was offering a small businessman. I liked what I saw, and I purchased a computer, a program and a cutter and started introducing people in the area to what I could offer.”
Crosley advertised his business by going to the Rainsville Home & Garden Show. He took his computer and demonstrated to anyone who would watch. He handed out business cards and a business was born.
As the business grew, they relocated to 2207 Gault Ave. across the street from Stevi B’s.
“One reason we had to move was we needed more parking space. I put signage on many vehicles and there just was no place to park cars there,” said Crosley. “Another reason was the visibility. My business took off when more people could see my shop as they passed through town.”
Crosley’s work can be seen on many police, fire and other emergency vehicles around DeKalb County. New emergency vehicles need the graphic detailing and anytime one is damaged in a wreck it often needs to have the insignia reapplied. Other large companies employ him, as well.
In addition to the application that is adhered onto a vehicle, Crosley offers magnetic signage, yard signs, banners and the decals on privately owned vehicles that people use to express themselves.
“I now have the means to do digital work. Having this new technology opened up the door to more business,” Crosley said. “The digital art work is outstanding. The cost is still about the same to my customers because the labor is not so intensive. The machine does all the work.”
For more information, call 256-845-7096.
— Marla Ballard’s Spotlight on Business appears each Saturday-Sunday.