The History of Hicks Signs

Cletus "Pete" Hicks began in the sign business in 1936, in which his first paid job was a wooden, hand painted "Restroom" sign. He painted this sign in the basement of his mother’s home in Coloma, Michigan.

Shortly afterward, Pete formed a partnership with another man under the name of Twin City Sign Service; however, this partnership only lasted a few years when the partner decided to move to another part of the country. The company was originally located in downtown St. Joseph, Michigan and was moved several times until it found a home in 1964 on Buss Street in Benton Harbor, Michigan. It was operated under several names including Hicks Sign Service, Hicks Neon Signs, and Hicks and Sons Outdoor Advertising. Pete’s advertising at the time said “For Pete’s Sake … Call Hicks” and “The River Street Rembrandts” because the company was located on River Street in St. Joseph at the time. Here’s a piece of local trivia. Does anybody know where River Street is today? No? That’s because it no longer exists. The county courthouse is located where River Street used to be.

Pete’s sons, Ray and Don Hicks, operated the business under the name of Hicks Sign Company after Pete died in 1961 and brought the business to it’s present location on Niles Road. Don Sr. introduced his son, Don Hicks, II, to the sign business in 1980. The business was incorporated in 1987 and a year later Ray retired. In 2004 Don Sr. passed the torch to Don, II making Hicks Sign Company a 3rd generation owned and operated company. Sadly Don Sr. passed away in April of 2008. He will be missed.

Today, Don, II and his wife Kim own the business and enjoy continuing a tradition of custom made, quality signs that Pete would be proud of. Don and Kim believe that Pete would be amazed at the technology that’s used today.
        

Meet the Hicks

Pete Hicks was the founder of Hicks Sign Company in 1936. Pete was born June 12, 1912 in Michigan. He got paid for his first sign in 1936 at the age of 24. The original hand painted Restroom sign and some designs that grandpa Pete had done are hanging in the office.

Don Hicks, II is the 3rd generation to own and operate Hicks Sign Company. Don, II was born in 1965, also in Michigan. Don, II remembers coming into the shop at an early age and getting paid $3 a day to sweep floors. He also remembers working at the shop during summers and school breaks. He was hired part time in 1980 at the age of 15 and went full time after graduating high school in 1983. Today Don, II does the quoting and oversees the daily operations of the shop. His wife Kim oversees the Graphic Art department and handles some of the office duties.