By Jennifer Evans
(Updated: Tuesday, October 31, 2006 4:40 PM PST)
Patrick Donahue, the new owner of The Sign Shop in Manhattan Beach, said he feels like the luckiest man in the world.
Just six months ago, Donahue, a photographer and graphic artist for 30 years, sold his 22-year-old Los Angeles-based business and was looking for a new opportunity when he found The Sign Shop for sale online.
“When I realized it was three minutes from my house, I couldn't believe my luck,” Donahue said.
The longtime resident of Manhattan Beach said he was tired of his Hollywood commute and wanted to have a business where he was close to his family and his community.
“Now, my kids can work with me and my friends, and the people I know in the community are always coming into the shop. That just never would have happened when I was working in Hollywood,” he said.
The Sign Shop, which has been part of the South Bay for five years, used to be owned by John and Mary Safar. The couple has become good friends with Donahue. John, an electrician, works with Donahue on signs that entail electrical.
As a graphic artist and photographer, Donahue said his shop serves as a creative outlet for him without the stress he used to have. He said he enjoys the interaction with his customers, adding that unlike his previous business, he now works on a more personal level with local businesses and organizations.
Some of his clients include Spectrum, South Bay Adult School, Mira Costa High School, AYSO, Hermosa Pavilion and several other local businesses and restaurants.
“I really enjoy introducing people to the beauty and intricacy of the different types of signage available,” Donahue said. “There is so much you can do, so many choices of how you can advertise your product or your business with a sign.”
The Sign Shop has everything from “Sold” or “For Rent” signs to electric channel-letter signs. However, what Donahue is most excited about is the introduction of digital banners. Using the latest technology available, Donahue can incorporate digital photographs onto the signs. “It is an excellent way to present your product,” he said.
Because he is a photographer and graphic artist, Donahue exercises his creativity and imagination when creating the signs.
“This business satisfies a lot of my creative urges,” Donahue said. “I get to work with the customer's idea and bring their vision to life and I really enjoy that. I am very, very happy about it. I love creating, I love photography and I love graphic art, so this business is a perfect fit for me.”
Looking into the future, Donahue has big plans for The Sign Shop including additional locations throughout the South Bay. “I believe the digital signage is the wave of the future, there is going to be a big need for this product,” Donahue said. “There is a lot of opportunity for expansion in the South Bay and in Los Angeles, but for right now I am just enjoying being a part of the Manhattan Beach community.”
The Sign Shop is located at 1751 Artesia Blvd. in Manhattan Beach. For more information, call (310) 374-8822 or visit www.whats-yoursign.com.
Patrick Donahue
of The Sign Shop
in Manhattan Beach
(photo by Chris Miller)
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