A personal touch: Sign of the Times LLC crafts unique boards from local wood
Sign of the Times LLC is a custom sign-making company based on Oxford, MA. Below, the owner shares some details on their business and the importance of supporting local.
Describe your business in 50 words or less.
Sign of the Times LLC is a sign making company that specializes in carved signs. Our carved signs can be a great gift idea and make a beautiful display for any home, camp, or boat. Our signs are sought out by many businesses and can be seen at destinations such as The Publick House Inn, Old Sturbridge Village, and St. Peter’s Church.
What makes your business unique?
Sign of the Times is a small business, with one owner that does it all, from designing, to crafting and hand painting each and every sign. You will be directly in touch with Chris from beginning to end. We will work together to take your idea and create a beautiful sign. Our signs are made from locally sourced woods such as cedar and mahogany.
What does your business look like?
Typically, a sign order begins with an email or phone call. Our main business model is to keep overhead low, so we do not have a store front. We do in-person consultations by appointment and offer pickup or shipping for all sign orders.
Why is it important to support businesses like yours?
Being a small business in a small town, we support other local business with our purchases for materials and supplies. This mutual support really keeps the lights on for all. Our customers are local, so it is a full circle benefit that businesses like ours survive. Our customers (and those we hope to gain) are valued; we would not be in operation without you.
Do you want to say anything to your customers or guests?
We get to know many of our customers, it’s such a pleasure to receive the many photos we get when one of our signs has been hung up. If you are thinking of getting a sign, drop us a note. It’s a fun process to go from an idea to see a design and then the final piece. Many of our customers say their signs are “functional art” and cherish them for many, many years.
How has your business changed or adapted during the COVID-19 pandemic?
Not surprisingly, we had virtually no business when the pandemic hit. The small amount of customer contact was strictly online and done remotely.