Industry Spotlight: Banner Sign Company Offers Different Options to Help with Branding

There are a lot of things that come with owning your own business, paperwork, taxes, sales, etc., but the one thing people think about last is signage. Not only does the Banner Sign Company offer that to its customers, but tons of other products that help tell a story about the brand. We spoke with Nicole Piach, co-owner of Banner Sign Company, who has been working to offer more to her customers, and changing with the times

DGG: Tell us about yourself, Nicole.  

Nicole Piach: Proud mom of two great teens, I love the arts as well as fashion, interior and architecture design.

DGG: Tells us about Banner Sign Company. 

NP: Banner Sign Co, has been around since 1924. I joined the company in 1992 after I married my husband and business partner Nick. Although we work together on a daily basis, we each have our own thing; I oversee the finances, as well as product & technology development and we each maintain our own clients. Over the years we’ve been extremely fortunate to have been awarded some major accounts and events. However, it’s not every day you have a Superbowl, so with the downturn in the economy I thought about non traditional ways that we could keep our printers printing. It’s taken a lot of time and research, but over the last few years I’ve developed Digital Print Specialties. Basically, DPS is an interactive and comprehensive print resource for design professionals from any discipline. Our slogan is “Your world, your way” Here we offer one of the largest varieties of specialty printables, from fabrics that can be used for either apparel or interiors, we even offer a few contract fabrics that can be customized for the Healthcare & Hospitality industries. We also offer Functional art, which serves as both art & acoustic sound absorption. These are great retrofit options where sound is a problem, but aesthetics are important. Other products are custom window films, wall covering, and tile. 

DGG: How can fashion and interior designers benefit from your company?

NP: Well, if they ever do need a sign, we’re still more than happy to assist. But beyond that, and until recently, fabric and wall coverings were limited to traditional rotary press capabilities. Scale, colors and imagery were the limiting factors. However, with todays on-demand digital printing technology all boundaries have been removed and have set the stage for the world of customization. Today’s clients are all about expression and being unique, and we’re here to help designers give their clients what they want.

DGG: What’s the best advice you can give to a budding entrepreneur when it comes to starting a business?  

NP: Do something you’re passionate about, it will keep you motivated. Secondly, don’t rush into anything, do your research. You want to make sure you do things the right way from the very start because it’s hard to back peddle in business and develop a good reputation. Thirdly, if you don’t know, ask. Surround yourself with good people, you can’t be good at everything, so focus on what you do best and learn to rely on others.

DGG: If you could create something for anyone in the world, who would it be, what would it be and why? 

NP: I’m actually thinking about creating a line of custom printed bean bag chairs and sofas. I’d love to see them used in non-traditional environments like a wine bar, or a children’s hospital playroom, or maybe even a conference room. In certain situations, if you can let go of all the formality and just relax, it could spark contemplation, great conversation and creativity. Sometimes, I think we could all use a bean bag.

DGG: What is your favorite local boutique to shop? 

NP: I’m proud to say I’m bargain shopper, so I go everywhere! But I can tell you, I have quite a collection of Detroit themed T-shirts. 

DGG: Describe your style. 

NP: I’d like to think I’m fashionably casual. I love traditional lines with modern accessories.

How do you take your coffee? 

NP: French press - black

DGG: BCBG or Ann Klein? 

NP: BCBG

DGG: Acetate or acrylic fabric? 

NP: Acrylic