Management lost principles

It was very disheartening to read athe March 20 story about Sign Productions closing. I started the business out of a garage in 1985. I was driven to produce a better designed sign, guarantee its quality, install it on time and to fulfill and exceed customers expectations. If a problem arose, the company, paid any and all expenses to make sure the customer was happy.

The company was started, because in my previous business, I purchased a sign and realized I could build it better. It was tough going at first, trying to convince my bank I had a good business plan and ignoring my CPA's advice to shut it down.

Eventually, it grew and I brought in partners who shared in my beliefs. It would not of succeeded without these key people: Russ Lehman, Marvin Smejkal, Bill Lehman and Steve Allsop. Of course, our wives were essential for support. We were self taught on every aspect of the business and the company grew to a profitable, nationally known sign company. At one point, it had more than 100 people working at our First Street N.E. location and at our Wisconsin plant. We were very proud of what we accomplished with the talented people we employed.

In 2002, I needed to retire due to health problems. My two partners continued with great success. In the fall of 2007, they sold it to become an employee-owned business. How is it possible that the company they sold, leaving it with millions of dollars in money and

existing orders, failed? Is it possible that management somehow lost the principles upon which it was founded?

Thomas J. Evans

Kalispell, MT