Sign Mart began its journey in 1978, opening its doors in a modest storefront on a quiet street in the city of Orange, nestled in the heart of Southern California. Just minutes from iconic destinations like Disneyland, Newport Beach, Los Angeles, and San Diego, our location has always placed us at the crossroads of creativity and opportunity.
Founded by Gene Sobel, Sign Mart started as a retail sign shop specializing in hand-painted vinyl banners and signs. With a small team and big ambitions, the company quickly grew, fueled by a commitment to quality, innovation, and customer service. By the mid-1980s, Sign Mart had expanded its capabilities to include screen printing, banner sewing, and a growing retail presence.
A pivotal moment came in 1986 at a national sign convention in New Orleans, where Gene discovered the Gerber 3B—a computerized vinyl cutter that revolutionized sign production. This marked the beginning of Sign Mart’s embrace of technology, leading to the acquisition of advanced equipment like the Aristographics flatbed plotter, LMI laser cutter, and Ingersoll Rand water jet. These tools allowed us to deliver precision, efficiency, and creativity at scale.
As demand grew, so did our footprint. We expanded to a 30,000 sq. ft. facility on Fletcher Street in Orange, merging operations with Plastics Plus, a sister company supplying acrylics, plastics, and substrates. This move solidified our transition from retail to wholesale, serving sign professionals with fabrication, supplies, and delivery services across Southern California.
By the early 2000s, Sign Mart had outgrown its space once again. In 2002, we moved into our current 84,000 sq. ft. facility—our largest and most capable home yet. This building represents more than just square footage; it’s a symbol of our evolution, resilience, and dedication to the sign industry.
Today, as an one of new owners and CEO, I’m honored to carry forward the legacy built by Gene Sobel and the incredible team that shaped Sign Mart’s foundation. Our mission remains clear: to empower sign professionals with the highest quality products, cutting-edge technology, and unmatched service. We continue to innovate, expand, and support our customers—because at Sign Mart, your success is our sign of excellence.
Thank you for being part of our journey.
