Celebrating 50 Years in Business

Terrry and Kathy Peck, Terry Peck Signs

In the days when creating signs was a true art form, Terry Peck with paintbrush in hand humbly started a business that would evolve and thrive over five decades.

This summer marked the 50-year milestone for Terry Peck Signs in Chatham. The family-run company has survived two fires, increased competition and the evolution of the computer age to continue to service a loyal clientele.

Terry Peck fondly recalls, "I started with a paintbrush and a can of black paint. I’ll never forget it." When he began, Peck created his signs by hand-lettering or silk-screen. Lettering a truck door, for example,required a half day’s work but today, the same job consumes a mere half-hour through computer application.

At age 17, Peck decided to pursue an education in the hopes he could earn a living from his artistic ability. He graduated from a Detroit art school and got his first job with Chatham-based John Haslip Signs. Soon after, Haslip moved on and Peck continued to service his clientele.

When Peck began there were only a few sign companies. Now there are several operating in Chatham-Kent. Peck believes his success stems from a combination of custom artistry and customer service. "Don’t over-promise and don’t under-deliver," he says. Today, Terry Peck Signs’ trademark logo is present on signs across the tri-county region of Sarnia-Lambton, Chatham-Kent and Windsor-Essex.

Although entitled, Peck has no plans to retire. "To me it’s not a job. I love what I do."

For information on establishing your business in Chatham-Kent, please contact Economic Development Services at 1.866.542.5994/519.351.7700 or by email to ckeds@chatham-kent.ca.