38 GLOUCESTER COUNTY CHAMBER THE VOICE – Winter 2019

eventy-six percent of American consumers have entered a store they have never visited before and 68 percent purchased a product or service because of a sign, according to a survey conducted by FedEx, in conjunction with Ketchum Global Research and Analytics. A sign may

be considered a simple marketing piece, but it can make a big impact on a potential customer.

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In theSpotlight

The SignSays It All

Sign Company’s ReputationStands Tall for 35 Years

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39Winter 2019 – GLOUCESTER COUNTY CHAMBER THE VOICE

For 35 years Astro Sign Company and Outdoor Advertising has helped businesses with their goals with a wide selection of signage and advertis-ing opportunities for companies to add to their marketing. Started by Jerry and Joan Painter, their sons–Chris, Doug and Jason–continue to manage the family business, located in Glassboro, N.J.

“Statistics show that roughly 65 to 70 percent of family businesses do not survive the second generation. We realize how very fortunate we are,” said Chris Painter.

The elder Painters acquired the business in 1983, at a time when billboards were all hand painted and made of wood.

Times have changed for Astro Sign Company, said Painter, but the hard work remains.

Astro opens its doors early, with a typical day starting at 7:30 a.m. for design and creation services. The work ethic has paid off, as their projects stand tall on businesses from around the corner to neighboring states of Pennsylvania, New York, Delaware and Maryland.

The three share ownership and management of the business and divide the labor by what they each do best.

“Each of us, by experience and knowledge, have primary areas of focus,” Chris Painter said. Chris handles outdoor advertising, Doug oversees daily and long-term management, and Jason is in charge of production. All three skills are needed to make the business run well, Chris added.

Keeping customers happy is the best part of the hard work, he said. “After we install the sign, simple feedback, such as a ‘thank you’ from the customer stands out the most,” he said.

Big on the horizon for the company is preparing a third generation to step up to grow the business. The three brothers are beginning the process of training their children to take over some day.

“We built upon the foundation the values established and taught by our parents. We are instilling the same within our children. The experience and working knowledge we have gained over the years complement our emphasis of implementing cost-effec-tive technology to best serve the customer,” he said. p