Accelerate April 2021 Magazine

INNOVATIVE SIGNS HAS STRONG FOUNDATION FOR FUTURE GROWTH Founded in 2001 by Chad and Stephanie Schultz, Innovative Signs was built on a foundation of three ideas: high-quality products, second to none service and fair pricing. “Ever since I was young I wanted to start my own business,”said Chad Schultz, owner of the now 20-year-old company. Early on in the business, Schultz woremany hats and his interest in leadership encouraged him to continue learning and pushing forward. Now, with 18 employees, Schultz has been able to disperse leadership positions amongst his staff. The ability to delegate tasks among leaders in the company has proven to be a beneficial way to execute goals. Schultz has been able to see firsthand the importance of themantra, “take care of your staff and they will take care of your customers.” The continued expansion of Innovative has includedmultiple relocations, increased installation equipment and top-quality printers. “One of the things I’mvery proud of is the fact that we are able to do everything in-house, andwe have other sign companies coming to us to do work for them.” Innovative Signs has manufactured products and shipped them to 30+ states, as well as Canada, Mexico and Germany.WithinWaukesha County, Innovative has producedwork for Les Paul Performance Center, Metal-Era, Harken and KS Energy Services. Throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, Innovative produced nearly 15,000 social distancing signs and decals for hospitals, schools and other companies. The products“were used inWisconsin, as well as shipped across the country,”Schultz said. “By doing this we were able to do something beneficial in the effort to help people stay safe.” Being an activemember within the community has contributed to the success of Schultz’s company. Through the donation of signs to charitable organizations and involvement in local associations and chambers, he has been able to make a positive impact. “Part of the philosophy of taking care of staff and customers is also taking care of the community,”Schultz said. Schultz has been able to see the importance of community on a different level after the business suffered a devastating fire earlier this year.With support from family, friends, the community andmost importantly employees, Innovative is proud to be open for business and operating at full capacity at a temporary location. The company is set to relocate in June with the goal to continue growing with staff, equipment and clients. “With a great staff and continued support from the community, our goal is to double sales in the next three to five years and just keep looking toward the future.” • WAUKESHA COUNTY BUSINESS ALLIANCE, INC. | WAUKESHA.ORG J.T. SCHULTZ Student, University of Wisconsin-Madison, son of Chad & Stephanie Schultz 22