1940
Alvina and Franklin G. Horn founded Ace
Sign Co. with their new location at 126 South
4th St.
A glimpse into our past.
1949
Ace moves to a larger facility and opens a new
neon plant at 114 N. 2nd St.
Contents
1-2 :: A glimpse into the past.
Since 1940 Ace Sign Co. has created an identity for many businesses. Franklin G. Horn and his wife
Alvina started Ace with a a pick-up truck and modest store front. Hand lettering glass doors, vehicles
and oil cloth signs was a way of life, and as technology advanced, so did Ace Sign Co.
1953
Ace finds breathing room with the purchase of
a new building at 402 N. 4th St.
1960
3-4 :: Design Services
5-6 :: Awnings
7-8 :: Ground Mounted Signs
Seventy years, four generations of family, and many technological advances have changed the way Ace
Sign Co. operates, but our passion to take care of our customers and provide them with the highest
quality products remains unchanged. From hand lettering to digital printing, from neon to LEDs, and
from billboards to full motion video boards, Ace Sign Co.'s philosophy continues to guide the company
as a leader in the sign industry.
Ace purchases their first large installation truck
with a manually operated 45’ boom.
1971
Ace rises to the occasion with the purchase of a
110’ hydraulic crane truck.
1983
9-10 :: Building Letters
11-12 :: Building Signs
Today the legacy continues as Ace Sign Co. helps businesses nationwide develop and maintain a
professional image with quality-built signage. We thank all those who have supported us over the years
and look forward to the many projects ahead.
Ace advances beyond hand painting with the
purchase of one of the world’s very first
automated lettering systems.
1990
Ace turns their growing pains into an addition
that stretches to the corner of 4th and Mason.
13-14 :: Interior Signs and Wayfinding
1993
15-16 :: LED Displays
Ace Sign Co. graphic artists make the
transition from hand-drawing to computeraided design.
17-18 :: Vehicle Graphics
1994
Outdoor grade / full color digital printing
arrives in the graphics department at Ace Sign
Co.
19-20 :: Specialty Graphics & Fabrication
21-22 :: Franchise Solutions
1995
Computerized routing equipment adds a new
dimension to the expanding capabilities at Ace.
Ace Sign Co. Staff and Employees gather for a company
photo in front of their new location at 402. N. 4th St. ~ 1954
Joe Bringuet & Glen Gates work off the roof of Illinois
National Bank at the corner of 5th and Washington.
2010
Ace celebrates its 70th year in business!
Joe Bringuet operates Ace’s first large install truck.
1
Hoogland Center for the Arts - Custom Lighted Marquee
Family Video - Building Sign Design and Engineering
F2110
F0400
14’ 1”
A0130
3” VENT
Aluminum Backs
9” S/F EXTRUSION
F5120
F2110
4120AT 120v
ALLANSON BALLAST 800MA
3” VENT
F7020
108 CWHO FLUORESCENT
A0130
F5060
VERTICAL R’WAY
COVER (2 SIDES)
372AT 120v
ALLANSON BALLAST 800MA
E0020
F1720
FLAT BAR
HANDI BOX & LID
F1080
Greenfield Connector
A0130
F7060
HORIZONTAL R’WAY
COVER (TOP)
64 CWHO FLUORESCENT
C/C LOCATION OF
1/4” DRAIN HOLES
(5 REQ’D)
3’ 10”
F1850
583GDF SNAP
IN SPRING END
F7070
60 CWHO FLUORESCENT
F1600
F1859
TOGGLE SWITCH
W/ BOOT (1 REQ’D)
F0340
#530-1K TOMBSTONE
COMPRESSION SOCKET
VERTICAL R’WAY
43-3/4”
Design Services
43-3/4”
43-3/4”
C/C LOCATION OF
1/4” DRAIN HOLES
(5 REQ’D)
F0400
F5060
9” S/F EXTRUSION
372AT 120v
ALLANSON BALLAST 800MA
A0130
F2110
F2110
VERTICAL R’WAY
COVER (2 SIDES)
3” VENT
3” VENT
F7040
F5070
84 CWHO FLUORESCENT
396AT 120v
ALLANSON BALLAST 800MA
F1720
HANDI BOX & LID
F1080
F7050
3’ 2-5/8”
Greenfield Connector
72 CWHO FLUORESCENT
F1850
583GDF SNAP
IN SPRING END
C/C LOCATION OF
1/4” DRAIN HOLES
(5 REQ’D)
A0130
HORIZONTAL R’WAY
COVER (TOP)
F7070
60 CWHO FLUORESCENT
F1600
TOGGLE SWITCH
W/ BOOT (1 REQ’D)
13’ 3”
Lightning Performance Group - 50’ Speed boat wrap
Springfield Park District - Architectural Monument
39”
F1859
F0340
#530-1K TOMBSTONE
COMPRESSION SOCKET
VERTICAL R’WAY
39”
39”
C/C LOCATION OF
1/4” DRAIN HOLES
(5 REQ’D)
St. Johns Hospital - Custom Pylon
25’
Sign, Graphics, and Structural Design
8'-2"
Combining experienced graphic design and structural design, we engineer and build quality signs that catch the eye and pass
& COLLISION
CENTER
O F C H AT H A M
8’
the test of time. Due to our in-house manufacturing capabilities, our designers have the ability to create the most unique and
483-1234
OIL CHANGE
Sp r i n g f i e l d Pa r k D i st r i ct
creative signs you can imagine. From custom electrical signs and building letters to large format printing, we will work with you
to design a sign that promotes your business, conveys your message clearly, and fits your budget.
Vehicle Graphic Design
National Surveyor’s Museum - 11’ x 55’ Wall Mural
12'-4"
Vehicles provide a backdrop to infinite advertising possibilities. Our design staff has transformed thousands of vehicles into
valuable advertsiing tools. A knowledge of print materials, combined with an understanding of unique design principles is
needed when designing vehicle graphics. From full coverage wraps to window decals, we can utlize your vehicle to create an
effective and affordable advertisement.
6'
8" O.D.
8'-6"
Identity Design
6" O.D.
3'
There is no company too large or too small for a high quality logo design. A logo design establishes a consistent image upon
2'-6"
which a company can market themselves to customers. Our design professionals are ready to work with you to establish that
Logo Design
3
professional image your company is needing, not only for your signage, but every aspect of your brand.
Blade style w/ sunbrella fabric
Blade style w/ valance and specialty metal finish
Shed style w/ weathertyte fabric
Awnings
Custom Shape w/ backlit fabric and translucent graphics
Quarter barrel w/ sign band , gray weathertyte fabric
Arched style w/ subrella cloth fabric
Awnings provide more than just shelter. They add elegance and can
even compliment the exterior architecture of a building while drawing
the attention of potential customers. Our awnings are custom built to
your specifications by our experenced staff of fabricators.
Let our design team show you how we can use lighting and high quality
materials to provide a brilliant, eye catching display that will make your
business impossible to ignore - day or night.
When deciding on the right awning for your application, you should
consider all of the factors below. Using these factors, download the catalog
below to determine if back-lit fabric, non-lighted fabric, or metal is best for
your application....
Durability
Maintainence
Awning Styles
When mother nature unleashes her wrath,
which awning can I rely on the most?
I have enough to deal with already. How
often do I have to clean or repair my awning?
Arch style w/ custom metal covering
Arch and quarter barrel style w/ subrella cloth fabric
Traditional With Sign Band
Quarter Barrel with Sign Band
Traditional (Slant)
Quarter Barrel
Design
Shed
Long Dome with Sign Band*
Convex-Multilevel
Convex with Dormer*
Dome with Sign Band*
Dome Marquee*
Gable
Long dome*
Box
than the rest. Will this material work for that?
Marquee
Lighting
How well is my awning going to show up
at night? What are my lighting options?
Color
I want an exact color match. How many
color options do I have?
Application
Alright, give it to me straight. Which awning is
perfect for my application?
Dome*
Valances
Wave
Greek Key
Straight
V-cut
Download Catalog
5
St. Johns Health Center - 33’ Custom Illuminated Pylon
Roselawn Memorial Park - Stone Monument (w) v-carved HDU panel
Hedley Plaza - Multi-tennant Pylon
View complete gallery
Ground Mounted Signs
Pylon Signs
Extend above your competition and make your self seen. Our custom electric sign fabricators and installers are ready for any
challenge no matter the height or complexity. These signs can be mounted with a single pole or multiple poles, use a variety of
lighting techniques, or include pole covers for a unique shape and design.
Monument Signs
J. Parkes Jewelery - Non-lighted Dimension
Thayer, IL - Post and Panel (w) v-carved HDU
The ultimate in class. A monument in style. These low profile signs make a bold statement in a classy fashion. Monument signs
come in a variety of shapes and sizes are made with a variety of materials, such as aluminum, textured coatings, brick, and stone.
Our experienced design staff can assist you in bringing together the perfect mix of style and materials to fit your business’s needs.
Po
P
o & Panel Signs
Post
Tw
Two
w post and a panel never looked so good. The traditional post and panel sign effectively and professionaly displays your
me
m
message.
e
Using a variety of materials and design options, post and panel signs can provide a traditional appeal or a contemporary
lo
look.
oo
o
o This popular sign structure can be custom designed for your needs.
7
Architectural Signs
Exterior Wayfinding Signs
Our experienced and taleneted designers create signs
that provide more than identification. Combining
sustainable materials and first class design , we create
signage that blends with its environment and exudes
class.
Our complete sign packages have you covered at
every turn. Custom designed wayfinding signs
provide guidance while maintaining consistency
with marketing and branding standards, whether
your project is large or small.
Caritas Bingo Hall - LED Bulb Face Lighted Letters (Specialty Lighting)
S&K Buick - LED Lighted Channel letters and logo capsule
View complete gallery
Building Letters
Illuminated Letters
Bella Milano Italian Resteraunt - LED Halo-lit Letters
Jimmy Oh’s Resteraunt - Exposed Neon channel letters
Robbies - Gold leaf guilded prismatic cut HDU
9
Spfld Park Dist. - HDU letters
Non-illuminated Letters
Channel Letters
PVC Letters
Custom built in-house with your font, logo, and style.
Each letter is made to UL approved specs and is inspected
and tested for light uniformity and brightness. Efficient
in-house manufacturing provides low product cost even for
custom applications.
Professional appeal for an economical price. These
letters are routed out of our light-weight and affordable
PVC. Solid colors are then added with an automotive
grade paint or vinyl graphics for multicolor
applications. An affordable option wihout sacraficing
quality.
Halo-Lit Letters
High Density Urethane Letters
A classy unique letter that is sure to impress.
These letters are created with a variety of materials, LED
modules are then attached to the back of each letter.
These LED’s throw light onto your buildings surface,
creating a halo effect. This unique lighting method is
best used on non reflective, light colored surfaces such
as brick or drivet.
The shape, cut, and finish you have been looking for.
This carveable and durable material can be cut into any
shape, allowing for thick profile letters with custom face
cuts and unlimited color options. Also available in high
shine, long lasting metal alloy finishes, including gold
leaf and palladium.
Specialty Lighting
Cast Metal Letters
The possibilities are endless with specialty lighting
to provide any effect you can imagine. From oscilating
LED bulbs to exposed neon tubing, our creative design
staff can create a truly one of a kind design that stands
out from the ordinary, and makes your sign a landmark.
Durability and long lasting beauty. Our cast
metal letters are casted with solid metal and
include a lifetime guarantee. These letters are
available in various depths and come in 16 finishes
including polished, anodized, or oxidized..
Remy’s Resteraunt - Projecting w/ Halo letter
Golden Frog Cafe - Custom Bracket with Dimensional Graphics
View complete gallery
Apricot Lane Franchise - Custom Bracket w/ v-carved graphics
Building Signs and Marquees
South Town Theater - Historic Marquee Renovation
Taco Gringo - Internally illuminated cloud with Printed graphics
Wall Mounted Signs
Make your building a backdrop to your most effective advertisement. From an aluminum panel, to a custom shaped
lighted sign, wall mounted signs offer infinite possibilities. Flat face or raised letters, printed graphics or cut graphics,
LED lighted or neon lighted . . . whats it all add up too? A lot of desisions. Let our design professionals help determine the
perfect mix of materials to create the look and budget you are after. We understand that attention to the detail is critical
whether for a local install or a national program.
Projecting Signs
Project your message with class. Opposed to a traditional wall mounted panel, these signs are designed to increase
visibility. There are a variety of projecting wall brackets and face materials available that provide you with your desired look.
Brackets can be nastalgic or sleak, and faces can be carved or printed. From historic downtowns, to the vegas strip, projecting
signs offer a new dimension to the traditional wall sign.
Theater Marquees
Whether it’s a restoration or a new project, we can create a marquee that is sure to impress. Old theater marquee’s
were often recognized as landmarks in their community, and we take pride in restoring them to their original splendor.
For new projects, these marquee’s are completely custom built and designed, creating a marriage of techniques and
materials used in the manufacturing of many sign products.
11
Memorial Medical Center - Custom Display , room identification, and directory
Collective Software - Custom lighted logo
St. Johns Health Center - Custom Wayfinding System
Interior Signs and Wayfinding
Interior Displays
Quick n Easy- Interior Digital Sign Package
Beauty goes beyond the exterior with visual displays that convey a message while enhancing an interior environment.
Lobby logos, mission statements, and identification are a few of the popular applications for our custom interior displays. Materials
such as acrylics, brushed metals, decorative fasteners, LED lighting and more can be combined to create a one of kind display that
adds a professional touch for any interior application.
Wayfinding Systems
Springfield Clinic - Custom Wayfinding System
ILEAS- Custom Lighted Stand-off Display
No facility is complete without appropriate directional signage. Our design experts know what it takes to create
a signage system that directs guest while creating a professional and consistent image throughout a facility. Offering
both stock systems and custom systems, we can design, manufacture, manage, and install a system that fits your
functional and budgetary needs, whether its a multi-million dollar complex or a small office. We are also familiar with all
American Disabilities Act requirements and design to comply with these ADA standards.
Imagine announcing sales promotions, computer-generated information or communicating a multimedia experience
with still images, video, and dynamic content. Our proprietary Tidalcast digital signage system offers turnkey solutions to
deliver your message with visually captivating images; designed for 24/7 operation and featuring a robust and easy to use software,
content hosting, various mounting options, content creation services, and more.
13
Chatham, IL - 4’-4” x 8’ (20mm)
Springfield, IL - 5’-4” x 14’ (19mm)
Springfield, IL - 4’-4” x 8’ (19mm)
View complete gallery
LED Displays
Normai, IL - 6’-6” x 13’-4” (16mm)
Springfield, IL - 4’ x 9’ (20mm)
Bloomington, IL - 10’ x 14’ (19mm)
For starters, LED Stands For …
Light Emitting Diode. An LED is not a light bulb, but is an efficient,
effective, ultrabright alternative that cannot burn out. The LEDs in
our signs typically last longer than 11 years!
Take the Small Business Administration’s word.
In addition to the flexibility in messaging, the SBA cites LED signs
as the most effective, yet least expensive form of advertising for
the small business. In a typical American town like Springfield, IL,
a LED sign costs $300-$600 per month - compare that to these
advertising alternatives...
Leroy, IL - 4’ x 4’ (12mm SMD)
AUDIENCE
AVG. COST/MO.
YELLOW PAGES
RADIO
NEWSPAPER
LED SIGN
4,000
11,600
16,900
34,600
$1,000
$4,370
$9,000
What is Pixel Pitch?
Pixel pitch is the distance between each pixel on your sign. A pixel is a
cluster of two or three LEDs. The closer the pixels, the crisper and more
life like your image will be. Partnering with the best LED manufacturers in
the industry, we offer the widest range of resolutions available. Our RGB
models range from 35mm to 16mm, or you can step up to the newest SMD
technology, combining all three LEDS into one small square pixel, available
in 12mm to 6mm. Making these the premier outdoor LED signs. Let our sign
experts help you determine what the best resolution and size is for your
application and budget.
16 mm
19 mm
25 mm
(available in monochrome)
35 mm
(available in monochrome)
$300-600
What’s even more valuable than that? Potential customers seeing the
message on your LED sign are right there in the vicinity for a sale.
Think about it. A special on eggs is a lot more appealing to the person
across the street than the person across town. And you don’t have to
pay to run a whole new print ad just to tell people about it.
6 mm
10 mm
12 mm
Key Considerations
• What size do you have room for or need?
What’s it all add up to? According to the SBA, businesses using an LED
sign typically see an increase in business of 15% to 150%.
• What is the typical viewing distance? (helps determine pixel pitch)
Contact your client services representative for details and a free traffic
analysis.
• Will you want monochrome or color? ( a simple single color spectrum may
be enough, but in a busy advertsing landscape, full color will grab a viewers
attention)
• What is your budget? (you may need to adjust things such as size, pitch, and
color in order to fit your budget, while maintaining effectiveness)
15
Little Ceasers Pizza - Partial Wrap
MWF Broadcasting - Full Wrap
THR & Associates - Full Trailer and SUV Wrap
View complete gallery
Vehicle Graphics
Fighting Illini Party Bus - Partial Wrap
Isringhausen Imports - Cut vinyl Trailer graphics
Scheels Corporate - Banner Tensioning System
Full Wrap
From roof to chasis and everything in between.
Our full wrap graphics truly cover every body
surface of your vehicle. Using top quality prinatble
vinyl, graphics are digitally printed and then applied
directly to your vehicle. This vinyl can adhere and flex
to highly contoured surfaces, allowing for maximal
coverage with minimum seans.
Lightning Performance Group - 50’ seamless boat graphic
MJ Kellner - Partial wrap
Hanson Engineering - Partial wrap
Banner Tensioning System
Stretch your dollar with changeable graphics.
Our banner tensioning system is the ideal solution
for box and semi trucks. Lower cost and changeable
graphics make this the clear choice over the traditional
vinyl application for all truckside advertising.
Partial Wrap
Clearview Window Film
Let your vehicle be the backdrop to your most
successful ad campaign. Partial wraps use the same
materials and techniques as full wraps, but alllow the
surface of your vehicle to act as a backdrop for your
design. Patial wraps can help you cut down on cost
while preserving an eye-catching design.
Maximum impact without limited visibility.
Clearview window film is a printable, perforated
vinyl that allows drivers to safely see traffic while
not limiting the possibilities of your design. Safety
and functionality are the key attribute to this
specialty vinyl.
Cut Vinyl
Vinyl graphics that are a cut above the rest. Cut vinyl
graphics can be used to create door lettering, window
lettering, or custom designs. Using high quality vinyls,
these graphics are machine cut and applied to your
vehicle. Solid vinyls are also available in specialty colors
and finishes such as mirror finish, diamond plate, carbon
fiber, and much more...
17
• The highest grade vinyls in the industry
• outdoor durable inks
• car wash safe
• UV protectant overlaminate
• professional design services
• design to budget
• professional vinyl applicators
Brandt - Custom Fabricated 15’ diameter stainless steel bow
St. Johns Hospital - Outdoor Mesh Banner
Specialty Graphics and Fabrication
H&H Construction - LED Lighted cross
Southwind Park - Custom Interpretive Sign Package
Isringhausen - large format graphics
St. Johns Hospital - grand format banner
Grand Format & Environmental Graphics
Visually stunning graphics of all shapes and sizes, from building side banners to wall murals. Our in-house printers
are capable of high resolution, outdoor rated prints at an infinite scale. When combined with captivating designs, these prints
are a cost effective way to advertise on a “impossible to ignore” scale. We also stock a variety of specialty vinyls for
applications such as wall murals, floors, brick/concrete surfaces, windows, canvas, cloth, repositionable, mesh, and more.
Interpretive Signage
IL Democratic Party - grand format banners
City of Springfield, IL- direct applied vinyl graphics
You’ve never see reading materlal like this. Often found in parks and historic areas, Interpretive signs provide information
that is both educational and visually appealing. Interpretive signs are custom manufactured with some of the most durable
materials available. Custom fabricated frames and backgrounds are combined with specialty print methods to create
functional and appealing signs that meet unsurpassed standards of quality.
Specialty Fabrication
Our experienced fabricators are versed in complex construction, expanding beyond the typical sign. Combining design,
experienced builders, various materials, and a bit of an imagination, we look forward to the challenges of a dificult
project. From the conceptual drawing to the final product, we work directly with you to create something memorable.
19
Franchise Solutions
Making a difficult process simple.
Established in 1940, Ace Sign Company has partnered with businesses in creating their identity from concept,
to design, to reality. We share your passion for perfection and enjoy the success of a job well done. What is
considered a challenge for others is a minor detail for us, whether it is a tight deadline or an uncooperative
city code. We pride ourselves in doing whatever is needed to have your sign up prior to your opening. Our
personal dedication to your project helps us go the extra mile to make sure the job is done right. Unlike sign
brokers who rely upon their 3rd party subcontractors, every product we offer is made right here in our shop
by our experienced and fully trained union personnel.
Efficient Design
We understand how important it is to protect your brand. Our experienced designers are familiar with your
image and approved sign standards and therefore can expedite the design process, saving you time and money
while achieving your desired look.
Signs across the US
Our family owned business has been manufacturing
signs since 1940. We have constructed hundreds of signs
locally and also provide the same hometown service to
companies nationwide. This map provides a glimpse of the
signs we have manufactured across the country. We are proud
to work with great companies as this list of US cities continues
to grow....
Springfield, MO
West Palm Beach, FL
Pembroke, FL
Lahaska, PA
Kennewick, WA
Allen, TX
Baton Rouge, LA
Ozark, MO
21
Bee Cave, TX
Branson, MO
Garland, TX
Hallandale, FL
Houston, TX
Nashville, TN
Mishawaka, IN
Lexington, KY
Decatur, IL
Bloomington, IL
Jacksonville, IL
Peoria, IL
Champaign, IL
Modesto, CA
Miami, FL
Kansas City, MO
Ardmore, PA
Indianapolis, IN
Tyler, TX
Edwardsville, IL
Eastman, GA
Provo, UT
Vacaville, CA
Huntersville, NC
Oceanside, CA Dallas, TX
Keokuk, IA
Fayetteville, NY
Louisville, KY
Houma, LA
Marshall, IL
Missoula, Mt
Great Value
Start up cost is always an issue for a franchisee and opportunities to decrease that cost are important. By having
one sign company produce signage for every location the production process is improved therefore reducing
lead time and most importantly, cost.
Peace of Mind
Having a dedicated account manager assigned to you offers you an ally and allows you to focus on other more
important issues. Our ability to handle the project from concept to completion allows you the peace of mind to
know your project is never sitting still.
Fort Wayne, IN
Billings, Mt
Bowling Green, KY
Bakersfield, CA
Fairfield, CT
St Louis, MO
Uniontown, PA
Valparaiso, IN
Summit, NJ
Columbus, OH
Mendota, IL
Monett, MO
Columbus, NE
Livonia, MI
Sauk Rapids, MN
Scottsburg, IN
Marinette, WI
Webb City, MO
Iowa City, IA
Abilene, KS
St Clair Shores, MI
Neosho, MO
Owosso, MI
Chickasha, OK
Pryor Creek, OK
Waupaca, WI
Lebanon, KY
Sullivan, IN
Salem, IN
Brazil, IN
Platteville, WI
Pacific, MO
Joplin, MO
Republic, MO
Scottsburg, IN
Cambridge, OH
Dexter, MO
Mentor Lake, OH
Carrollton, OH
Altoona, PA
“After experiencing the effect of sign companies that fall short of expectations, its refreshing to work with someone
who consistently exceed them. Ace understands franchising and is my one stop shop for signs. Customer service
and quality are unsurpassed and they’ve never missed a store opening!”
Ken Peterson
CEO Apricot Lane