Our Story

Building signage & serving since 1995

From hand-painted race cars in a garage to a state-of-the-art manufacturing facility, Stratford Sign Company has thrived by prioritizing quality and craftsmanship. With decades of customer trust, we are the go-to partner for businesses seeking impactful signage.

Aerial view of industrial warehouse buildings with metal roofs surrounded by parked vehicles and snowy landscape.
Group portrait of five men and three women standing in two rows against a black backdrop, all smiling and dressed in business casual attire.
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A man is working on a truck that says Wheeler.
Our Story

Where it all started:
Dan’s basement and a dream.

In the late 1970s and early ’80s, Dan Drexler transformed his passion for painting and building model cars into a thriving business. What began as a small basement operation evolved into Stratford Sign Company, known for quality and precision in signage.

Our journey:
from garage to now

Both Dan and Stratford has evolved significantly since the early days. But one thing remains wholeheartedly unchanged: Our commitment to quality and service.

1987

From part-time hustle to full-time operation.

After years of side projects and lettering work done from garages and backrooms, Dan Drexler made the decision in April 1995 to leave his professional job and go all in. Armed with a vinyl graphics cutter, a growing reputation, and a relentless work ethic, what began as a one-man shop officially became Stratford Sign Company. This turning point marked the company’s transition from passion project to legitimate business—and laid the foundation for everything that followed.

Man in a colorful cap and white sweatshirt working on the wheel area of a white racing car with WHEELER and Chevrolet logos.

1998

Planting our roots in Stratford.

By 1998, Stratford Sign Company had outgrown garages and alley workshops. That fall, Dan opened the doors to the company’s first purpose-built facility: a 4,500 sq ft space in Stratford, WI. This was more than just a new address—it signaled Stratford’s readiness to scale. Electric signs, large truck projects, and a growing installation team meant more equipment, more space, and a bigger vision for what the company could become.

A man and woman standing and smiling inside an office with a counter displaying the Stratford Sign Company logo, dated February 19, 1999.

2003

Expanding to serve the future.

As demand surged and technology advanced, Stratford responded with its most ambitious expansion to date. In May 2013, after six months of planning, construction began on a new state-of-the-art facility featuring modern equipment, advanced paint booths, and reimagined office and production space. The following year, Stratford acquired the building next door—creating dedicated areas for Channel Letter fabrication, awnings, and large-scale graphics installs. This strategic growth unlocked new capabilities and allowed the company to deliver Total Sign Solutions at scale.

Aerial view of industrial warehouse buildings with metal roofs surrounded by parked vehicles and snowy landscape.

Today

A Proven Partner & Trusted Resource.

Today, Stratford Sign Company continues to serve businesses across Wisconsin and the Midwest with high-quality, American-made signage solutions. From wholesale fabrication for national sign companies to personalized service for small business owners, Stratford delivers dependable craftsmanship and service at every scale. Backed by over 30 years of experience and a passionate team, we’re proud to be a trusted partner—and we’re just getting started.

Group portrait of five men and three women standing in two rows against a black backdrop, all smiling and dressed in business casual attire.
Quality
Built in Wisconsin since 1995, our signs are American-made and shop-tested before they ever hit the truck. Clean welds, precise fits, durable finishes—so installs go fast and the result looks sharp.
In-House
We keep the work under one roof- one accountable team, zero hand-offs. “Total Sign Solutions” means faster lead times and exact fit.
Longevity
Our long-tenured crew has decades of know-how. That continuity shows up in consistent quality, smoother communication, and fewer surprises.
Service
You’ll talk with real humans who know fabrication and installation. We guide you all the way: scope, materials, and budget, then steer you from quote to install with clarity.
man using a screenprinter st stratford sign company
The People Behind The Mission

Meet the team

Sales
Dan Drexler
at stratford since
1995
Accounts Manager
Cara Drexler
at stratford since
1995
Sales
Jake Drexler
at stratford since
2024
Operations Manager
Craig Kirsch
at stratford since
2011
Project Manager
Justin Rothamer
at stratford since
2015
Office Coordinator
Shelly Handrick
at stratford since
2012
Manufacturing Coordinator
Derek Austin
at stratford since
2017
Project Coordinator/Sales
John Leonhardt
at stratford since
2024
Graphic Designer/Production
Harvey Hill
at stratford since
2022
Graphic Designer
Kristina Metz
at stratford since
2025
Administrative Assistant/Marketing
Nicole Hoff
at stratford since
2022
Graphic Designer
Alicia Thern
at stratford since
2025

Now, it's time to tell your story.

Contact us to get started on a project that will change the trajectory of your story.

Soft blue circular blur with a glowing gradient effect on a transparent background.
stratford sign co worker working hard on a sign project