OUR ESOP story
“Our people are diverse in their talents and resourceful. That’s really the reason that we are successful.” - Ron Ferrigno, General Manager
Sign Design started out in a small, rented space with 5 employees in 1988. Since then, we have grown to over 70 employees operating in our own 30,000 square foot facility. As Sign Design grew, owners Ron and Whitney Ferrigno were always looking to the future. At some point, retirement would be on the horizon, and what would be next for Sign Design?
While exploring these options, they landed on one important fact – Sign Design is who it is today because of the people. This led to thinking about selling the company to the employees. Ron has said “It just didn’t feel right to take the company out from under those who built it.” Sign Design became 100% employee-owned in 2019.
Today, Ron and Whitney are still actively involved in the day-to-day operations of Sign Design. We continue to grow and thrive with an ownership mindset that will keep moving us forward, building on the success that they began in 1988.
What is an esop?
Being employee-owned is one of the things that makes Sign Design unique. We are proud to be 100% employee-owned, with all company shares allocated to our team. This means every employee is also an owner, and the value of our shares is directly tied to the success of our company.
While an ESOP functions as a retirement plan, it’s much more than that. Employee ownership motivates our team, strengthens productivity, and fosters long-term commitment. It helps keep jobs local, supports business stability, and creates a culture of pride and accountability. Ultimately, this ownership mindset benefits not just our people—but also our customers and community.
The Ownership Advantage
At our company, employee ownership means more than just a job—it’s a shared stake in our success. Every team member is also an owner, invested in driving performance, supporting one another, and delivering exceptional results. When our company grows stronger, the value returns directly to our employee-owners through an increase in our share price.
This unique model creates a powerful connection between the work we do and the rewards we share. It inspires us to go above and beyond, fuels collaboration, and strengthens the commitment we bring to our customers and community every day.
Employee-Ownership Movement
“Employee ownership is the most transformative business model today because it builds wealth for working people, strengthens companies, and improves the economic and social fabric of our communities." - Joseph Blasi, Institute for the Study of Employee Ownership
Across the country, employee-owned businesses are strengthening local communities and providing millions of job opportunities. As one of over 6,000 employee-owned companies in America, we are proud to be a part of this growing movement. Employee-owned companies are everywhere you look, headquartered in all 50 states, operate in every industry, and range in size from 5 people to over 200,000.
Though they come in many different shapes and sizes, all employee-owned companies help workers build wealth, create a better day-to-day environment for employees, and make companies more successful.
