Tuesday, November 17, 2009

Monroe Vinyl Graphics sold; staying locally-owned/operated

NOTE: The below news release also can be viewed and downloaded on Docstoc.com. Images below as well as other options can  be viewed and downloaded from MVG&Signs on Flickr. For more information about MVG & Signs, see our About Page.

Media contacts:
Mike Driehorst: +734-347-6587 or email

Brian Walz: +734-240-5555 or email

MONROE, Mich., May 6, 2009 – When Brian Walz’ employer went through personnel changes, it meant the Monroe man needed to find a new job. He had plenty of options to search for a new job – including moving his family out of Michigan as many people do with the state’s hard-hit economy.

But, Walz stayed put and went from being unemployed to a small business employer with his purchase of Monroe Vinyl Graphics, 2784 N. Monroe St., Monroe.

“I wanted to say in Michigan. It’s where my family and friends are, and I want my kids in school in Monroe,” Walz said.

Walz heard through a family friend that Mike Richardson, who with Kathy Lawson started Monroe Vinyl Graphics in 1999, was looking to sell it. After talking and agreeing to terms on the sale, the deal was done in December 2008. The purchase price was not disclosed.

Walz is in the process of expanding the products and services MVG previously offered. While the business is known for vinyl signs, its name understates its capabilities, according to Walz. The business has been renamed Monroe Vinyl Graphics & Signs to highlight the capabilities beyond vinyl.

Examples of its products and services include a range of laminate signs, yard display signs, license plate frames, magnetic signs for vehicles and other applications, vehicle and truck lettering, indoor and outdoor banners, channel letter signs, and indoor and outdoor electronic messaging centers. Also, MVG recently upgraded its vinyl cutting capabilities by adding a new cutter capable of cutting 54” media.

In addition, MVG does sign repair and servicing, and Walz is looking into offering service contracts to take the need to call for maintenance off of customers’ hands.

Walz has an accounting background and has worked for large and small companies, but like many others, he had dreamed of owning his own business.

“People that know me have told me that they’re surprised that I’m in finance. They’ve said I should be in sales because of my personality,” Walz said. “I’ve wanted to own my own business for about the past 15 years. I now have that opportunity to use my finance background while getting to know current MVG customers and seeing how we can serve new ones.”

Walz said he’s enjoyed getting to know the ins and outs of the business.

“I want to make sure Monroe Vinyl Graphics & Signs focuses on quality products and the customer relationship. We want referrals. We want customers to be happy,” Walz said.

Monroe Vinyl Graphics & Signs has four full-time and part-time employees. For information about Monroe Vinyl Graphics & Signs visit www.monroevinyl.com or contact Walz at 734-240-5555 or monroevinylgraphics@gmail.com .
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Image Captions:
Top right: As of late 2008, Monroe resident Brian Walz is the new owner of Monroe Vinyl Graphic & Signs, 2784 N. Monroe St., Monroe, Michigan.

Lower right: New Monroe Vinyl Graphics& Signs owner Brian Walz does some"weeding" on a sign for Wayne State University. Weeding is removing the part around the sign lettering that you do not need.

About Monroe Vinyl Graphics & Signs

Monroe Vinyl Graphics & Signs offers a range of products and services, including laminate signs, yard display signs, license plate frames, magnetic signs for vehicles and other applications, vehicle and truck lettering, indoor and outdoor banners, channel letter signs, and indoor and outdoor electronic messaging centers.

The company is based in Monroe, Michigan, and serves most of Southeastern Michigan and the metro Toledo, Ohio, area.

For information about Monroe Vinyl Graphics & Signs visit www.monroevinyl.com or contact Walz at 734-240-5555 or monroevinylgraphics@gmail.com .