Ideal Signs

Wherever you are as you’re reading this article, chances are good that you’ve seen a sign made by Ideal Signs in Georgetown, Texas. Ideal Signs creations can be found throughout Austin, such as at the Dell Diamond. But even if you’ve never set foot in Central Texas, you’ve probably seen their work on TV, including many NCAA tournaments.

Mark Dillon got an early start in the sign business, working at his father’s shop in New Orleans. Even so, he didn’t always dream of a career as a sign maker. Growing up, after listening to tales of his grandfather’s time as a traveling his actor and watching his father twice rise to national champion country dancer (with the belt buckles to show for it), Mark wanted a backstage career in the entertainment industry. After college, he got a job with a local television station but made more money doing side jobs for his father. The more he thought about it, the more he realized that designing and making signs could provide the creative outlet he needed, as well as a good life for him and his family.

He took over the business from his father in the early 1990’s. Ideal Signs was one of the first companies to introduce large format digital printing to New Orleans. Whether clients needed a hand-painted or digitally-printed sign, Ideal Signs could help.

Business grew as word spread about their quality product and, perhaps more importantly, their superb customer service. When the Dell Diamond was built, the Round Rock Express flew Mark to Central Texas to produce signs. Mark was very impressed with Williamson County. The people were friendly and supportive, and the community was very family-oriented. He enjoyed his trip so much that he raved about the area to his wife Michele. She had visited Central Texas many times and was very open to the idea of moving here.

Hurricane Katrina sped along their decision to move when they lost their home, rental properties, and business. The thought of rebuilding was overwhelming, but the Dillons didn’t quit. They bought another large-format digital printer to replace those they’d lost and set up shop in the Alamo Dome in San Antonio.

They had never forgotten the friendliness and sense of community they’d experienced on their trips to Williamson County. They bought a house in Round Rock  and industrial space on Highway 29 in Georgetown, just past TX 130. (TX 130 didn’t exist at the time. Nor did the new high school, which is now just down the street.)

Several employees made the move to Central Texas, as well, so Ideal Signs still has a wealth of experience in their staff of ten full-time employees. Thanks to word-of-mouth and old-fashioned “pounding the pavement,” they’re more successful now than they were pre-Katrina. Mark and Michele named the business-friendly, supportive atmosphere in Georgetown as a main factor in their current success. After Katrina, Ideal Signs didn’t have money to advertise, so they relied on local support to help spread the word.

They still love to get local business. “No job is too big, and no job is too small,” Mark said. Ideal Signs can create everything from magnetics to massive banners that can be seen from a stadium away. They’re thrilled with their current roster of large venue events and sport teams, hence their website www.signsforsports.com, but are still open for more big clients.

One of the things the Dillons love about this community is the spirit of generosity. They’re determined to do their part. They create free signs for several local non-profits, including the Ride On Center for Kids (www.rockride.org) and the Red Poppy Festival. More than that, Mark truly gives of himself. He grows his hair long so that every two years, he can donate 12 inches of hair to Locks of Love, which makes wigs for pediatric cancer patients. He’s about due for a haircut.

Ideal Signs is located at 79 Eastview Drive, less than a block off of Highway 29 East in Georgetown, across from the new high school. They can be reached by phone at 1-877-930-7446 or by email at mark@ideal-signs.com. Find them on the web at www.ideal-signs.com.

-Jenel Looney