Our Story
Our first priority is making you look good. We produce quality, custom made signs that get noticed the world over with numerous awards and thousands of happy successful clients since our humble beginnings in a garage 30+ years ago. We specialize in using the most modern equipment and the best old world craftsmanship to produce signs that grab your attention. A sign should tell a story. Without reading a word, it should say, this business, office, agency, practice is successful, because they know what they are doing and deliver a service that is beyond compare to that of its competition. Quality is important, it's probably the most important factor in a sign, because a cheap sign can be spotted mile away. It separates those who walk through your door and those that just keep walking. Does this mean a quality sign is expensive, NO. A quality sign makes you money by drawing in the best customers, clients, volunteers and employees. Would you rather attract bargain hunters or quality seekers. A quality sign will last a long long time looking good as new with a minimum of maintenance and we have the portfolio and the satisfied customers to prove it including U.S. Senators and Congressmen, courthouses, churches, fire houses, universities, restaurants, offices, medical practices , private and public schools. Please call us to discuss your custom made sign, wood carved sign, custom metal sign, hand carved wood sign or any custom business or residential sign you desire.
Our Owner, Gary Johnson was born, grew up and attended college in New Jersey.
Gary is a hands-on manager, personally meeting with all clientele. If he is not personally working on your project, he is overseeing every detail. He enjoys the personal interaction and satisfaction of seeing a project through from start to finish.
"My goal is to give you a sign that is not only beautiful, but communicates. It should complement its surroundings and impress all who pass by. It should be a reflection of the quality and professionalism that you bring to your organization."
I look forward to working with you!
What our clients are saying...
"On behalf of our President Tom Kean and everyone at Drew University I want to express my appreciation to you for the outstanding job you did in making signs for our campus. The new signs are winning praise from students, faculty and administration alike>"
Sincerely
Tom Harris, Vice President for University Relations
"Hello Gary
I just wanted to let you know how happy we are with the sign. I lost track of how many compliments we got on it today. the best was: “your sign adds class to the entire downtown”. thanks for doing a great job, and thanks for making sure it was up on time."
Cam Witt, Ridge Family Dentistry, Basking Ridge
ps – "we are very happy with the signs on the back of the building as well – they look like they belong there. and the new sign on the front of the office takes a beautiful building and makes it look even better. thank you so much."
"I have been using Great American Sign for 7 years. It seems I always contact them with low budgets and tight deadlines. . I know I can count on them to come through."
Joe Caiola, Director of Athletics, NJ Institute of Technology
"I can’t thank you enough for encouraging us to take a few risks with our sign and for producing a truly unique showpiece. The natural weathering you applied to the steel structure is stunning and the clean and smooth lettering and logo really pop when contrasted against it. This sign is a real attention getter and is a true source of pride for our staff and for me."
Rob Quincy
Partner, CCO
Ridge Marketing
"Randolf Chemical Engine Company 3 would like to thank you for the crafting and installation of our new sign. The members of the association are greatly impressed with the level of detail and fine craftsmanship that was put into the making of this sign. This gives our firehouse a fresh new, updated look, and also allows the building to be easily identified.
In addition to the fine workmanship, we would also like to thank you for the free upgrade to the 3D sign that was installed. Being all volunteer, any donation we receive is is greatly appreciated as it is necessary to to keep the organization operational."
Scott Feldmar, RTFD Co. 3 President
Awards
2019
2nd Place
Best Original Design and Fabrication, Non Illuminated, Small Shop
Signs of the Times Annual International Sign Competition
2017
1st Place
Commercial Sign Category
SAi EnRoute CAD Software 1st Annual International Design Competition
2nd Place
Commercial Building Category
Signs of the Times Annual International Sign Competition
2013
1st Place
Commercial Freestanding Signs Category
Signs of the Times Magazine’s Annual International Sign Competition
1st Place
Non Illuminated Building Sign Category
United States Sign Council’s Annual Sign Design Competition
2nd Place
Commercial Building Category
Signs of the Times Magazine’s 1st Annual Readers Choice International Sign Competition
2012
Best of Show
United States Sign Council’s Annual Sign Design Competition
1st Place
Dimensional Sign Category (Wall Mount)
United States Sign Council’s Annual Sign Design Competition
1st Place
Dimensional Sign Category (Freestanding)
United States Sign Council’s Annual Sign Design Competition
2011
1st Place
Dimensional Sign Category
United States Sign Council’s Annual Sign Design Competition
3rd Place
Commercial Building Category
Signs of the Times Magazine’s Annual International Sign Competition
Honorable Mention
Sign and Digital Graphics Magazine’s Annual Portfolio Competition
Honorable Mention
Sign Builder Illustrated’s Annual Sign Making Innovation Awards
Articles
Click on magazine images to view full article.
Signs of the Times, Apr. 2013
Commercial Freestanding Signs
Sign Builder Illustrated, Nov. 2011
“Showcase: Tipsy Moose Tavern”
Sign Builder Illustrated, Nov. 2012
The “Best” Type of Warning
SignCraft, October 2012
Gary Johnson Profile
Signs of the Times, November 2016