THE STORY OF OLD WOOD SIGNS
The Danger of Curiosity
Curiosity has taken the human race a long way, and our story is no different. Had we known the challenges we'd face in getting to where we are today, would we have continued with our crazy little idea? It's hard to say, but our curiosity to create has prevailed and kept us going through all the ups and downs. It takes courage to bring new ideas into the world, and we're extremely proud of our journey. Every victory and every failure has taught us to be resilient, focused, empathetic, and endlessly curious. Curiosity moves the world forward, and here at Old Wood Signs, we embrace that spirit.
A Passion for Art and Craftsmanship
Since 1977, our team has been dedicated to creating unique wood and metal signs featuring original art. Combining creativity and craftsmanship, we collaborate with talented artists to bring their incredible designs to life. At Old Wood Signs, we take pride in our attention to detail and commitment to quality. Each piece we produce is a testament to our love for art and our dedication to providing our customers with exceptional products.
1986 - Old Wood Signs is Born
Curiosity and exploration have always been pillars of our journey. In 1985, a train trip to visit friends in Montana led our founders, Loyd and Laura, to discover the beauty and serenity of Northwest Montana. They found true nirvana in the small, lakeside town of Bigfork. Enchanted by the call of the mountains, they made the bold decision to sell their house and relocate to Montana.
Our story truly begins with a tiny gift shop attached to a bar in Bigfork, Montana. As retailers at heart, we continually dreamed up new product ideas and received instant feedback from our customers. The shop, managed with a blend of creativity and entrepreneurship, laid the foundation for what was to come. During the quiet winters, we saw an opportunity to create personalized merchandise for the dedicated skiers frequenting the nearby Big Mountain Ski Resort in Whitefish, Montana.
Inspired by vintage ephemera, we started designing and producing unique wood and metal signs. What began as a few souvenir signs quickly grew into a full-fledged business. Old Wood Signs was born, combining our passion for art and craftsmanship to create distinct, high-quality signs.
Proudly Made in America
At Old Wood Signs, we are proud to produce all our designs in Bigfork, Montana, one of the most beautiful places in America. Our state-of-the-art manufacturing facility not only ensures top-quality craftsmanship but also supports the local economy by creating jobs in our community. Being made in America means we are committed to sustaining local employment, fostering community growth, and maintaining the highest standards of quality and excellence in every piece we create.
Old Wood Signs Today
Fast forward a few decades, and Old Wood Signs is now a full-service design and fabrication company based in Northwest Montana. We design, manufacture, assemble, and ship everything—all Montana Made, All American Made. From our humble beginnings with homemade inks and makeshift equipment, we've grown to dozens of employees and a state-of-the-art facility.
Our collection boasts over 4,000 signs, and we've had the unique opportunity to collaborate with national beer companies, theme parks, wineries, and not-for-profit conservation groups. Collaboration and a can-do attitude have been key to our success. Over the years, we've tackled a variety of projects, continually challenging and expanding our capabilities.
As the industry evolves, our appetite for originality and innovation keeps us ahead of the game. Even vintage designs need a little fresh paint now and then!