A recent move into a new space has enhanced options for customers of J&D Signs. The business relocated to 4476-A Marine Avenue above Westview Bowling and Billiards earlier this year.
“People sometimes don’t know where we are now,” explains owner Jennifer Geertsma. “The entrance to the parking area is off of Courtenay Street, just look for the sign.”
Access to J&D Signs is through the back door of the bowling alley.
Jennifer started the company in 2016 and previously ran the business out of her former home on Bowness Avenue.
While the location is new, customers will find the same products and services available, including safety signage, vinyl decals and large format printing.
“People come to see me for their business and corporate signs, banners, truck logos and lawn signs,” says Jennifer. “I also do canvas prints and wall murals.”
J&D also creates posters, sandwich boards, wall decals and stickers, including safety stickers for hard hats. Some customers come in with a plan, while others just have an idea and are unsure how to make it come to fruition.
“Clients give me a general idea of what they are looking for; I design it, and they approve it,” says Jennifer. “I can do a layout for them and help steer them in the right direction, if necessary.”
For businesses just starting out and looking for a new logo design, or established businesses rebranding, Jennifer can help from start to finish.
“My objective is always getting the best for my customer,” she says, “so if something is out of my scope then I have resources I can direct them to where they are always getting quality service and results.”
In addition to the expertise offered by Jennifer, customers have the added benefit of visiting Blue Steel Imaging, which shares the office and workshop space.
“Because our businesses are pretty entwined, it is a convenience for customers,” says Jennifer. “If a company comes in and wants signs or decals for their car, and t-shirts, mugs or other promotional items with their logos on them, we have it all.”
The businesses can share artwork, making it simple for customers to accomplish everything and meet their needs in one visit.
“Together, we can pretty much handle anything the customer might want,” adds Jennifer, who credits Blue Steel owner Sherri Wiebe for getting her into the sign business.
“I've always been creative, but Sherri got me into signs and it was the right fit to kickstart my career as a signwriter,” says Jennifer.
The two first worked together making signs in 2014.
Jennifer says she always had artistic and creative interests, which runs in her family.
“My dad is a carpenter and I've always built things with him,” she adds. “I've always done projects at home and created my own art; that seed has always been there. Now I have more equipment to work with. Signwriting came naturally; I enjoy the process from start to finish, from the rough draft to the final product, and seeing the smiles on the customers’ faces in the end.”
Jennifer’s husband, Dave, and daughter Kaitlyn Mills are also involved in the family run business.
“Dave does all my major installs on bigger projects and helps out with everything else when needed,” explains Jennifer. “Kaitlyn is in training; she makes up the signs and helps in production.”
Jennifer says the sign business always presents new challenges and learning opportunities, which can involve research or managing simple projects that turn out to be bigger in scope.
“When you want to learn something, you're more driven,” she adds. “Because I really enjoy this, it doesn't feel like work.”
As new technology evolves, Jennifer keeps upgrading her skills with courses and is currently working to become 3M certified.
J&D Signs is open from 9 am to 5 pm Monday to Friday. For more information, call 604.578.0510, or email [email protected].
