A Wild (Cherry) Reception!

Not long ago, I visited my personal Physician for a routine checkup. As I entered, I noticed that they had made major improvements to the front office. Fresh paint, new furniture, track lighting and a custom manufactured reception desk really changed the environment for the patients waiting to see the doctor. The reception desk had been fabricated from wild cherry wood with satin aluminum accents, a glass top and satin aluminum dimensional letters that read “RECEPTIONIST”. The primary signage in the office was replaced to blend with the new interior, adding a nice finishing touch to the entire project.

But I couldn’t get past the piece of paper stuck to the wall that read “Please Sign In And Have Insurance Information Available. Thank You.” I asked the individual at the front desk “Why, with all of the improvements, had they settled with a piece of printed paper to communicate a message that seemed fairly permanent?” The receptionist said that the sign had been an after thought and that they had just not taken the time to find something else. “Besides,” she said, “Where am I going to find a sign now, that would match everything else?”

I grabbed my iPhone and took a picture of the piece of paper and reception desk. I said we would provide a price quote shortly. When I returned to the office, we matched materials used in fabricating the desk and incorporated them into a Kroy Sign Systems Curved Metal Sign frame. Since the sign did not require ADA compliance, we simply applied vinyl text to the surface of the sign with the message from the piece of paper.

The Receptionist from the Physicians office called when the sign was received and said the sign matched the reception desk perfectly. They were all very impressed with the outcome, not realizing how quick, simple and inexpensive a more permanent sign would be.

In an era of having high quality, digital photography available on most cell phones, we were able to provide a one time, custom manufactured sign without the the customer really having to do a thing.

Another “Quality Sign, On Time, At A Reasonable Price”. †

There is No Confusing Kroy Sign Systems

Kroy Sign Systems has been a leading manufacturer and wholesale distributor of architectural signs since 1981. Originally, the signs organization was a smaller subsidiary of Kroy Inc., an international manufacturer of labeling and identification machines for architects and engineers. Today, the sign company is independent and much larger. It currently services both retail and wholesale sign markets throughout the USA.

Remarkably, the company works with many of the same sign distributors across the country that it originally started with 30 years ago. And, there is no mistaking the company! Kroy Sign Systems works on a project - specific basis with resellers. Comprehensive modular products are available for architectural, ADA and in-house sign graphic applications. Custom materials, sizes, shapes and finishes are available for design - build projects and sub-contract opportunities. The Kroy Sign Systems strategy is simple, effective and consistent…Support sign resellers and they will support your sign products!! †

Certified On-Time

We were recently approached by a General Contractor who’s time to complete a project had run out and the necessary signs for a “Certificate Of Occupancy” were required immediately. Being in the sign industry, we have come to accept the fact that this immediate need does occur from time-to-time as signs are generally the last component to be installed in a new project or renovation.

The General Contractor realized that the sign designs originally specified were going to take time to manufacture. They were looking for a quick and inexpensive alternative, while still providing an attractive regulatory sign solution. (Printed paper inserts taped to the wall were not a viable solution).

We suggested purchasing Kroy Sign Systems’ Injection Molded Regulatory Signs as a temporary solution until the more unique specified signs could be manufactured and shipped.

The Contractor gave us the list of signs that were needed to satisfy the requirements for receiving the buildings certificate. The signs were shipped that afternoon and were received the following day. The Contractor may have spent a little bit more to complete the project on time, but avoided costly late charges for missing the due date.†

Taking Direction - Push/Pull Wayfinding

With so many different requirements for signs in a busy and well traveled facility, it’s easy to overwhelm people with information overload. Identifying a specific sign, with a specific purpose in a specific location can be taxing and often leads to sticking any ol’ sign on the wall and hoping for the best. Imitating Picaso in a sign design may be worst yet.


A few years back, I installed a rather large directory at a library, that had been designed to fit into the upscale and elaborate decor. The directory was made from thick frosted glass and brushed stainless steel. Text and graphics were a mix of applied vinyl and screen ink, topped off by a color coding system that resembled a rainbow. The directory was heavy and very expensive, but a rather attractive piece of wall art.


After two hours spent installing the directory, I decided to sit and watch, from a distance, peoples reaction to the directory and the effectiveness of its’ intent to direct. Each individual that stopped to view the directory stood for a moment staring, then turned to the Security Guard standing by the directory and asked “Do you know where _______ Is?”


With a little planning and perhaps a bit less artistic influence, signs can and should pull an individual from point A to point B, not leave them standing and wondering.†