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Ed Weidner began his career as a Sacramento police officer in 1955. During that time, he supplemented his income by painting signs in the family home. Ed and Char Weidner began to grow their family just as they began to grow their business. Here are Rick (in cowboy hat and Band-Aid) and Kathy (in Char’s lap), who would eventually be named president and vice president of the company. The company began life in a rented house, located one-half block from Sacramento’s Capitol Park. In 1958, the house was destroyed by a fire in an adjacent apartment building. Within a few months, the business re-opened — with renewed purpose and energy. Founder Ed Weidner (left) with fellow employees in front of House of Signs circa 1961. Gold and silver leaf on glass -- the art of the craft. The Weidner team put their backs into it in front of the 15th and N location.
Founders Char and Ed Weidner, circa 1962, the proud owners of a growing business (that’s the company’s second truck).
As the business grew, so did the family. Kathy and Rick, now vice president and president, in front of the family home with their folks. Persistence and hard work were making the American Dream come true. Ed Weidner with a cigar at the show card board. Tools of the trade with a stern warning! The business continued to prosper, purchasing its first building, off Franklin Boulevard, in 1965.
House of Signs used unconventional methods to advertise its location. Ed traded with the business owner next door for the use of his wall (the business owner, in turn, was allowed to let his employees use the Weidner bathroom). Not long thereafter, Ed bought the building next door, expanding the plant’s capacity. Weidner’s first salesperson and company car, circa 1970.
This photo — of the earliest tools of the trade, Ed’s pens — was taken in 2005, when the company moved from its building of 40 years. This is the final shot of Ed's office before the moving started. The two kids grew up; that's Kathy and Rick. While these brushes are now retired, the spirit they brought to the company lives on. 2005 was an historic year for the company — its 50th anniversary and purchase of a new building. The Dunlavey Studio was commissioned to design the announcement.
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