27-Year-Old Sign Shop Staying Alive with a Roland Money Maker

Like the rest of the world, the sign industry was different back in 1978. That year, John Higgins took over his dad’s sign shop and continued to build a strong business painting banners and outdoor advertisements. His work was exceptional and his customers kept coming back for more.

Through the years, Higgins saw the advent of new technologies including vinyl cutters and eventually digital printers. Though he had originally remained committed to “old school” techniques, he learned to embrace these changes and today uses his digital camera, computer, Photoshop and a Roland 54” SOLJET printer/cutter to create fantastic digital graphics for his growing list of clients.

“By embracing digital printing early on in its development, we were able to aggressively pursue and build up a large digital printing clientele. As a result, our business has grown at a rapid pace.”

“My nemesis became my best friend,” said Higgins. “By embracing digital printing early on in its development, we were able to aggressively pursue and build up a large digital printing clientele. As a result, our business has grown at a rapid pace.”

Today, the SOLJET is the backbone for a whopping 85 percent of the shop’s business. It enables his shop to produce a wide variety of graphics including vehicle art, road signs, banners, POP displays and store-front advertising.

These days, Higgins Signs is way ahead of the curve. In addition to producing just about every type of sign imaginable, the shop is constantly trying out new digital printing methods in an effort to create something extraordinary. Recently, the shop hit the mark with a 4x8 foot roadside advertisement printed on reflective media.

“My Roland is a great money maker,” said Higgins. “When customers see what it can do for their graphics, they are truly amazed.”