Craftsmen

Our History

Founded in May 1983 by Al and Rita Roberts, The Sign Factory, Inc. began as a wholesale manufacturer specializing in custom advertising and architectural signage. Al brought extensive manufacturing and sales expertise, while Rita contributed strong business management, administrative, and financial skills. The company’s initial products were illuminated channel letter signs, crafted in a modest 2,000-square-foot leased facility with just two fabricators.

Recognizing the importance of innovation, The Sign Factory invested early in computerized sign-making technology, sheet metal forming, and steel fabrication equipment. This allowed the company to expand its offerings to include painted face graphics, illuminated cabinets, and ground signs. In 1987, the company moved into a larger 12,000-square-foot warehouse to accommodate increased production volume and anticipated growth. Additional investments in computerized graphics and metal-cutting equipment, as well as an expanded production team, followed. That same year, The Sign Factory earned authorized listing status from Underwriter’s Laboratories, Inc., enhancing its reputation for quality and safety. In 1989, Chris Roberts joined the company full-time after graduating from the University of Texas, and the customer base grew significantly through referrals. Al Roberts was elected to the board of directors of the Texas Sign Association.

In 1993, The Sign Factory constructed a dedicated 15,000-square-foot manufacturing facility, continuing to add advanced fabrication equipment and highly trained staff. In 1995, Al and Chris Roberts established a separate company to offer turnkey installation services, meeting the needs of customers seeking comprehensive solutions. Rita Roberts assumed the role of CEO and majority owner, overseeing expansion into regional and national markets. Al Roberts was elected President of the Texas Sign Association, further solidifying the company’s industry leadership.

By 1997, the facility had grown to 27,000 square feet, with additional production and technology equipment added to support complex signage projects. As the company’s reputation for quality and reliability spread, more retail sign companies turned to The Sign Factory for their most challenging assignments. Al and Chris Roberts participated in a year-long Manufacturing Quality Assurance program, implementing a comprehensive Quality System for the company. Rita Roberts led the adoption of DBA, an integrated business information system, streamlining operations and supporting continued growth.

A commitment to employee development has always been central to The Sign Factory’s success. Al and Chris established a robust training program that continues to produce some of the most skilled fabricators, installers, and technicians in the industry. The dedication and expertise of the staff have been instrumental in establishing The Sign Factory as an industry leader.

Chris Roberts has served multiple terms on the board of directors of the Texas Sign Association, including a term as President, demonstrating ongoing leadership and commitment to the industry. Randy Roberts joined the company in 2011 and now works alongside Chris to lead the organization following Al and Rita’s retirement.

In 2018, The Sign Factory built a dedicated garage to house its growing fleet of installation vehicles. The company continues to invest in state-of-the-art fabrication equipment, advanced graphic systems, and 3D printing technology. Today, The Sign Factory is recognized as a leader in the manufacture of high-quality custom signage, trusted by clients throughout the industry for its innovation, reliability, and professionalism.

Our Experts

Randy Roberts

Vice President of Business Administration, came to us in 2011 after a long career in large-scale competition pool facilities management and operation. He grew through the Sales/Estimating path but also has taken over the Business Administration Activities. He will continue to be the first contact for pricing requests but now will hand over the project when it becomes an order. This way he can focus on the back-office operations to keep the gears turning.

Ulises Tamayo

Production Manager, started at TSF in 2023 and is new to the sign industry after a couple decades of production and operations management for curtainwall systems. He is fully up to speed on our processes and systems and fully embraces our continuous improvement culture. Ulises can answer your production questions but may not be the quickest source since he if often immersed in planning or training projects.

Jeanette Garcia

Customer Development Manager, came on board in 2019 after a short stint in QC for another sign company. She has worn a lot of hats here, including managing our color systems and permitting as well as assisting in business administration. Jeanette will now be your main point of contact for permitting, specs, completion dates or if you just want to tell us how well we have done.

Brad Rydzewski

Installation Manager, has been installing with The Sign Factory since 2017 after learning the trade in Chicago. He has been involved in planning and running multiple crews on all types of installations from fco letters to high rise stage work. Brad is usually in the field, but he will be instrumental in planning your installations.

Guillermo Barron

Graphics Manager, is on his second stint originally starting in 2004. He manages all the production graphics and machine files as well as vinyl graphics and patterns.

Chris Roberts

President, came to TSF straight out of UT in 1989. I’ve done everything here at least once and have a pretty good understanding of every sign type available. My main goal is to determine how to make your designs come to life and to be sure our team has the resources required to meet our customers’ needs.