A quality sign is essential for brick-and-mortar businesses. And some of the best sign makers are using ShopBot CNC machines at the heart of their operation. One such person is David Brent of Willowleaf Sign Co in Ohio. Whenever David posts his work to his Instagram account, we take notice. It’s big, bold, clean, and all-around superb quality. Classic and modern elements shine through. So how does someone get into the sign making world? And what does it take to find success as an independent sign maker in a sea of franchised sign shops? We talked to David to find out.
History and getting into the sign business:
David comes from a woodworking background, with an affinity for shop class in grade school years, reminiscing that he “could have lived in that shop!” Once in college, David started out studying electrical engineering, then made the switch to painting and design. With an emphasis on printmaking and drawing, the skills for professional sign making were established.
David says he’s only ever known the sign business. Starting with part-time work in his college years and continuing once he earned his design degree, David gained knowledge and hands-on experience installing floor panels in vintage MG cars and later with a job installing laminate panels.
The ShopBot:
While David started his sign business around 1996, (coincidentally, the same year ShopBot started!), he didn’t start using ShopBot CNC until the early 2000’s. The same ShopBot he learned on at one of his previous jobs is now the machine he owns.
Types of Materials used:
Most signs that Willowleaf produces are made of HDU (high density urethane). It’s a weather resistant material that machines beautifully and is paintable. While HDU is the most cost effective and longest lasting of all the materials David uses, wood and foam signs have their place. David explains that “wood signs are mostly purchased by those who want a vintage or handmade look, while foam can be machined in sliced sections and glued together to create 3D objects for some of my favorite signs.”
David is interested in adding a new ShopBot CNC machine as soon as this year (2025). “I’m just waiting to see if enough business comes in throughout this year. It’s looking promising, though. I’d probably run both the old and new machines just for the sake of being able to produce more in a shorter period rather than sell the older machine.”
One thing’s for sure – David knows who to talk to when he’s ready to get a new CNC machine! And we’ll always be available to promote his stunning work as a prime example of someone doing top quality work with ShopBot CNC at the heart of their operation.
Website: http://willowleafsign.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/willowleafsignco/