Our History
Creative Sign Company was founded in 1985 in De Pere, WI. Purchased by Todd Thomas in 2003 (on his birthday), our small sign company had a staff of seven and a modest 8,430 square foot building. In 2012 we added an ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act) Department, which now produces and ships ADA compliant signage all over the country and beyond. We also produced and installed our own 35’ pylon sign in 2015, to help showcase our sign fabrication abilities.
By 2016, our increase in projects, machinery and employees had Creative Sign busting at the seams. Our addition enlarged our building to over 20,000 square feet, adding a new 10,000 square foot fabrication shop, 10 additional offices, a conference room and an enlarged design studio.
Who We Are
Now over 50 team members strong and still growing, Todd believes whole-heartedly that the employees make the difference in a successful business. At Creative Sign, the learning never stops. There is always a better product to be discovered, a new way to make the customer experience more enjoyable, or a more creative way to solve a customer’s signage needs. Creative Sign’s recent accolades include becoming part of the OSHA Safety Program, as well as being ranked top 3 over 7 years in sales in the state of Wisconsin by WatchFire, one of the most elite message center manufacturers in the country. Creative Sign has also come away with 43 Wisconsin Sign Association Design Awards since 2015.
Q & A
What Qualifies as a Sign?
How is Sign Design Different from Other Forms of Design?
What Makes Creative Different From Other Sign Companies?
How Does Creative Build Lasting Customer Partnerships?
What Makes a Great Sign?
How Does Creative Sign Ensure a Quality Product?
What Has Contributed to Our Growth Over the Last 20 Years?
Why Choose Creative Sign?
Charities & Chambers
We believe in strong community involvement, and with that feel a responsibility to give back to the people in it. Creative Sign has donated over $32,000 each year since 2015, supporting many youth and non-profit charities, such as MDA, Fish For Kids and so many more, by regularly donating signage and time.
Todd is on the board for My Brother’s Keeper, an organization led by Harry Sydney that helps men and boys in the community with straight talk and sound direction.
In 2018, Todd was elected by a group of his peers to be president of the Wisconsin Sign Association, which helps govern and manage many activities, including safety and education, inside the sign industry. He presided over the board for three years before passing on the mantle in 2021. Senior Sign Consultant Kelsy Hayes joined the board in 2021 while also leading the WSA Young Professionals, and Chief Operating Officer Brian Meyers joined the board in 2022.
Creative Sign belongs to many area Chambers including the Oshkosh Chamber and the Shawano County Chamber.
Why It’s Not Just a Sign
It’s not just a name, it’s your image. We understand the importance of portraying the right image for your customers, and tailor each sign to a customer’s specific needs and goals. A sign can be an opportunity to put your name in lights, to increase a company’s sales, and increase awareness within a community. It can be a landmark. It can be a work of art.
Stop by Creative Sign Company, Inc. at 505 Lawrence Drive in De Pere, WI for a tour of our facility and a chance to talk to our amazing team in person! Schedule a tour