Signs all over Michigan point to a family business in Jackson

JACKSON COUNTY, MI – Johnson Sign Co. has been helping businesses make first impressions matter for generations.

The company near Jackson is celebrating 60 years in 2024. Through the years, three generations of the Johnson family have worked to help businesses, medical centers and college campuses be easily recognized by everyday people, co-owner James “Jay” Johnson said.

“It amazes me how many third-generations businesses succeed, and it’s by far against the odds,” Jay said. “What our core focus is as a company is that we could have a positive impact on our employees, the community and our customers. If we can keep that in mind, that makes a difference.”

The sign business began in 1964 when James Johnson, Jay’s father, was selling billboard advertisement and saw a need for reliable signage for businesses. He took a risk and opened Johnson Sign Co. at 2240 Lansing Ave.

“The sign industry is very unique because every business needs a sign, so he wanted to offer that value to customers so they could identify their businesses and advertise,” co-owner and Jay’s son, Jim Johnson, said.

Back then, making signs was a lot different than it is today due to today’s advancements in technology, Jay said. Everything was drawn and painted by hand, and designs weren’t crafted on a computer like they are today and LED lighting wasn’t as prevalent.

Jay grew up in the business and followed in his dad’s footsteps. He worked at a national sign company in California before he came home to take over the family business in 1988.

Jay’s sons Jim and Will Johnson grew up working in the business during summers or between sports, sweeping floors, working in the trucks or just picking up around the shop, Will said.

However, they were never pressured to join the family business, and the decision to do so was their own, Jim said. In 2014, Will and Jim became owners.

“I think it’s giving them responsibility to take it and make good choices, poor choices and learn by it,” Jay said.

The business expanded through the years with the acquisition of Douglas Sign Company, Huron Sign Company and Amor Sign Company, which offered outreach to other places in the state, including Manistee, Saginaw, Lansing and Ypsilanti.

As a result, Johnson Sign Co. to has designed, crafted and installed interior and exterior signs all over the state at a range of medical centers, credit unions, restaurants and small mom and pop shops.

“We’re working with customers, and they have a brand,” Jim said. “It’s created through their blood sweat and tears. We get to help build that brand, and make it come to life.”

In Jackson, drivers can see their work at Jackson College, Grand River Brewery and True Community Credit Union.

Signage is important to businesses when it comes to advertisement, helping patrons locate the establishment and adding aesthetic to the building, Jim said.

“The interesting part of signs, is they’re so ingrained in everybody,” Will said. “Whether you’re ordering food, or trying to find the emergency room quickly, people expect signs to be there.”

Johnson Sign Co. attributes its longevity to their customer base, hard-working staff and their faith.

“We’re just feeling very grateful for all that our company has been through, and all the hard work of the employees in the past,” Jim said. “Will and I, we don’t take it for granted being a third generation, we’re very grateful and excited to build upon the past 60 years so we’re here for another 60 years.”

More information can be found on Johnson Sign Co.’s website.

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