Meet Our Team

(Sep. 2010)

Find out some fun facts about Kristy Hoffa by reading the questions below.

1. Favorite part about this industry?

Making an impact within the Grand Rapids community.

2. Something most people don't know about me?

I have a sneaky obsession with Jordans.

3. Best series of shows/movies/etc to binge watch?

Favorite shows: Handmaid's Tale, Thrones, Ozark, Breaking Bad & Schitt's Creek
Favorite movie: Little Miss Sunshine

4. When I was a kid I wanted to be.... ?

Jack Hannah

5. Favorite food and from which restaurant?

Pizza, Wings, Sushi and anything spicy & Mexican

6. Coffee... can't function without it, could take it or leave it, or why do people drink that brown water?

WILL DIE WITHOUT IT!!!!!!!!!

7. An ideal weekend looks like...

Naps on the sand and in the sun. Trying new things and going on new adventures.

1. What is the most rewarding part of working in this industry?

Seeing customers genuinely happy with their finished product. There’s nothing better than watching their visions come to life!

2. What’s a piece of media (book, movie, show, podcast, etc.) that you think everyone should experience and why?

The Princess Bride, for nothing other than some classic humor.

3. What’s one surprising skill, hobby, or dream you had before starting your current career?

I’m actually a pretty good bowler! It’s a fun way to unwind and a reminder that precision and patience go a long way — in bowling and in work.

4. What’s a food or dish you consider your “personal legend” and the story behind why it’s so perfect?

I’m still on the hunt for it — maybe the perfect dish isn’t about the food itself but the people you share it with.

5. What’s your essential workday fuel: The must-have drink, snack, or ritual that keeps you going?

A strong cup of coffee in the morning… and just enough stubborn determination to keep things moving.

6. What’s a recent small victory or moment of pure, uninterrupted joy you had outside of work?

Adopting my very vocal (and very loved) cat, Salem. She’s turned my home into a mix of chaos, cuddles, & joy, and I wouldn’t have it any other way!

Favorite part about this industry?

Being able to connect with people and different organizations in the community.

Something most people don't know about me?

I powerlift!

Best series of shows/movies/etc to binge-watch?

The Walking Dead

When I was a kid I wanted to be.... ?

a mom. I've always loved kids and I can't wait to have my own!

Favorite food and from which restaurant?

Pizza at Thornapple Brewing Company and ice cream at Jersey Junction.

Coffee... can't function without it, could take it or leave it, or why do people drink that brown water?

Coffee = yuck, but I am an energy drink lover!

What an ideal weekend looks like...

Spending time with my boyfriend watching Michigan football, going on a walk outside or going to the driving range!

(Nov. 2005)

Meet Nicole (Video)

Find out some fun facts about Nicole Souer by reading the questions below.

1. Favorite part about this industry?

The variety of projects that we get to design. This industry allows a designer to really think outside the box.

2. Something most people don't know about me?

I love to "tinker." When something is not fitting right, or a remedy is needed for a project, I enjoy figuring out the issue and finding the solution.

3. Best series of shows/movies/etc to binge watch?

Only Murders in the Building

4. When I was a kid I wanted to be.... ?

A dolphin trainer

5. Favorite food and from which restaurant?

Drunken Noodles - Broadleaf Brewing

6. Coffee... can't function without it, could take it or leave it, or why do people drink that brown water?

I can NOT function without it.

7. An ideal weekend looks like...

Clean and organized house so there are no worries when playing all weekend. I would love to start the day with an outing for the family in the morning, lunch at a unique restaurant, home in the evening to cuddle and watch a movie.

1. What is the most rewarding part of working in this industry?

Pointing out our projects in the wild. It's so rewarding to see our craft and teamwork on display as part of the community - conveying our client message(s).

2. What's a piece of media (book, movie, show, podcast, etc.) that you think everyone should experience and why?

There are two. First, the Stuff You Should Know podcast on the DB Cooper Heist. It's the most hilarious storytelling for a tale that's been told countless times for many decades. Second, the book A Stolen Life - the Jacee Dugard memoir. Poignant, terrifying, true.

3. What's one surprising skill, hobby, or dream you had before starting your current career?

Back in the 80s, I think I probably aspired to be a backup dancer for Janet Jackson.

4. What's a food or dish you consider your "personal legend" and the story behind why it's so perfect?

Tough to narrow it down - I LOVE to cook, but I would say German Potato Salad. Not so much a personal legend, but perhaps more a family legacy.

5. What's your essential workday fuel: The must-have drink, snack, or ritual that keeps you going?

Coffee... and big, involuntary sighs. (I recently read these were healthy ha!)

6. What's a recent small victory or moment of pure, uninterrupted joy you had outside of work?

Morning outdoor workouts. When they happen, they feel like HUGE victory/joy.

(Dec. 2022)

Favorite part about this industry?

Fast paced work environment with no day being the same

Something most people don't know about me?

I played collegiate basketball at Cornerstone University

Best series of shows/movies/etc to binge watch?

Documentaries on Netflix

When I was a kid I wanted to be.... ?

Play college basketball for the Tennessee Lady Vols and then a professional basketball player

Favorite food and from which restaurant?

Chicken Fajitas from On the Border

Coffee... can't function without it, could take it or leave it, or why do people drink that brown water?

Cup a day to start each morning

An ideal weekend looks like...

Sunny warm day, golf, watching MSU football or basketball and dinner out with my family

(Sep. 2009)

Find out some fun facts about Carlene Langusch by reading the questions below.

1. Favorite part about this industry?

Every day is something different

2. Best series of shows/movies/etc to binge watch?

Reality shows on Netflix

3. When I was a kid I wanted to be.... ?

A veterinarian when I was really young and then a Graphic Designer by middle school

4. Coffee... can't function without it, could take it or leave it, or why do people drink that brown water?

A delicious way to start the day

5. An ideal weekend looks like...

Sunshine, warm weather and afternoon drinks outside on a patio with friends or family

(July 2017)

Find out some fun facts about Laura Mason by reading the questions below.

1. Favorite part about this industry?

Every day is new and different. I love the variety of my work, big projects and small. It's rewarding to shepherd a customer's vague idea into strong and eye-catching communication.

2. Something most people don't know about me?

When I was very young, I was evacuated from my house (a block from Lake Erie) by boat due to a massive flood.

3. Best series of shows/movies/etc to binge watch?

Mad Men, Buffy the Vampire Slayer, Columbo, Great British Bake-off. Movies from the 1930s, and TV from the 1970s.

4. When I was a kid I wanted to be.... ?

A Graphic Designer, though I didn't know that was an actual profession to make a living from until I was in high school.

5. Favorite food and from which restaurant?

I love cooking, so my favorite restaurants feature food I typically would not make myself.

6. Coffee... can't function without it, could take it or leave it, or why do people drink that brown water?

Strong hot tea is all I need. (Except for a cold Chardonnay)

7. An ideal weekend looks like...

Deck time when it's warm out, with a book or a knitting project... Baseball on the radio.
Spending time with my husband, friends, and family. Or... a weekend at Soaring Eagle Casino$$$$$.

1. What is the most rewarding part of working in this industry?

I am very fortunate for the opportunity to be creative in my job and use my art degree. Seeing projects I worked on "in the wild" is very rewarding as it is the culmination of the work it took to get to this point in my career.

2. What's a piece of media (book, movie, show, podcast, etc.) that you think everyone should experience and why?

The Labyrinth, it is such a fun movie with great practical effects and music. Plus, it's a Jim Henson movie so whats not to love?!

3. What's one surprising skill, hobby, or dream you had before starting your current career?

As a kid I wanted to be a scientist as I didn't think "being an artist" was a real job I could have. I am happy to say I was wrong about that!

4. What's a food or dish you consider your "personal legend" and the story behind why it's so perfect?

My mom has a cookbook she recieved as a wedding gift full of family recipies, including the one for my grandma's no-bake cookies. I love to make these for friends' birthdays, it is always a crowd-pleaser.

5. What's your essential workday fuel: The must-have drink, snack, or ritual that keeps you going?

Without a doubt it is coffee, it's a must every morning.

6. What's a recent small victory or moment of pure, uninterrupted joy you had outside of work?

Going to Canada! It was my first time out of the country, being able to spend time with people I love while exploring a new place was a very memorable experience.

(Sept. 2018)

Find out some fun facts about Matt Swacina by reading the questions below.

1. Favorite part about this industry?

Learning new things and figuring out solutions to problems and projects

2. Something most people don't know about me?

I love to play nerdy board games and collect soccer cards

3. Best series of shows/movies/etc to binge watch?

Marvel movies

4. When I was a kid I wanted to be.... ?

A professional soccer player

5. Favorite food and from which restaurant?

Seafood from Phillips Seafood House

6. Coffee... can't function without it, could take it or leave it, or why do people drink that brown water?

As long as it's iced and doesn't taste like coffee

7. An ideal weekend looks like...

Game night with friends Friday night, playing with my kids and watching soccer games all day Saturday, movie night Saturday night, and a lazy Sunday with a nap.

Find out some fun facts about Julie Waayenberg by reading the questions below.

1. Favorite part about this industry?

Seeing the pieces you helped create when you are out driving or walking around.

2. Best series of shows/movies/etc to binge watch?

Criminal Minds or New Girl

3. When I was a kid I wanted to be.... ?

Vet

4. Favorite food and from which restaurant?

Garlic herb chicken from Fire Rock Grille

5. Coffee... can't function without it, could take it or leave it, or why do people drink that brown water?

Disgusting

6. An ideal weekend looks like...

Going for a drive and find a trail to take my dog and then play cards with friends.

(Jan. 2013)

Find out some fun facts about Nick Stagstad by reading the questions below.

1. Favorite part about this industry?

Engineering insanity (I like to make cool stuff with big industrial machines)

2. Something most people don't know about me?

I collect wallets and pocket knives

3. Best series of shows/movies/etc to binge watch?

Boondock Saints, Tengen Toppa Gurren Lagann,

4. When I was a kid I wanted to be.... ?

A filmmaker.

5. Favorite food and from which restaurant?

Govmnt' Cheeseburger @ Stella's

6. Coffee... can't function without it, could take it or leave it, or why do people drink that brown water?

GIVE ME THE HOT BEAN WATER OR GIVE ME DEATH. "RISE N' GRIND"

7. An ideal weekend looks like...

Making videos and playing with my kids.

Find out some fun facts about Alex O by reading the questions below.

1. Favorite part about this industry?

The amount of variety between jobs is really nice. It makes it hard to be bored when everything is different.

2. When I was a kid I wanted to be.... ?

A ninja

3. An ideal weekend looks like...

Sitting on the beach with 80 degree weather and a Tiki drink in my hand.

Favorite part about this industry?

I love the difference between every job

Best series of shows/movies/etc to binge-watch?

I love watching Marvel Iron Man is my favorite

When I was a kid I wanted to be.... ?

I think I wanted to be a professional gamer

Favorite food and from which restaurant?

I love my burger from Five Guys

Coffee... can't function without it, could take it or leave it, or why do people drink that brown water?

Not a fan of coffee

What an ideal weekend looks like...

Doing absolutely nothing! A chill weekend is the best weekend

Favorite part about this industry?

I love the uniqueness of each individual project and the story behind it.

Best series of shows/movies/etc to binge-watch?

The DnDorks podcast

Coffee... can't function without it, could take it or leave it, or why do people drink that brown water?

I need the energy juice

What an ideal weekend looks like...

Spending time with friends.

Find out some fun facts about Keren Sloma by reading the questions below.

1. Favorite part about this industry?

I love the uniqueness of all of our products and our ability to make custom orders to fulfill clients visions and surpass their expectations.

2. Something most people don't know about me?

I'm a certified Barre Instructor

3. Best series of shows/movies/etc to binge watch?

Gilmore Girls

4. When I was a kid I wanted to be.... ?

Horse Trainer

5. Favorite food and from which restaurant?

Prime Rib and Garlic Mashed Potatoes from Crazy Horse

6. Coffee... can't function without it, could take it or leave it, or why do people drink that brown water?

I can function without it, but it's so delicious so why would I want to :)

7. An ideal weekend looks like...

Relaxing on the beach with a good book in hand.

(Feb. 2016)

Find out some fun facts about Alex Cook by reading the questions below.

1. Favorite part about this industry?

The variety of different companies and people that we get to work with.

2. Something most people don't know about me?

I studied abroad in Florence, Italy

3. Best series of shows/movies/etc to binge watch?

How I Met Your Mother, New Girl, Schitts Creek, Brooklyn Nine-Nine

4. When I was a kid I wanted to be.... ?

Marine Biologist

5. Favorite food and from which restaurant?

Hibachi from Maru

6. Coffee... can't function without it, could take it or leave it, or why do people drink that brown water?

Could take it or leave it.

7. An ideal weekend looks like...

Exploring with Dustin, and our two boys outdoors. We love to travel together, and experience new things and food!

(July 2017)

Find out some fun facts about Chris Ebrom by reading the questions below.

1. Favorite part about this industry?

My favorite part of the the industry is how everyday is different! From the customers I am working with to the solutions that we come up with, it is never the same!

2. Something most people don't know about me?

I grew up in Ann Arbor but have been a Spartan fan my whole life! I grew up a basketball player and didn't start wrestling until my freshman year of high school.

3. Best series of shows/movies/etc to binge watch?

Series: House of Cards, Ozarks Movies: Happy Gilmore, The Rock, Good Will Hunting, All the Bourne Movies

4. When I was a kid I wanted to be.... ?

A professional basketball player. That didn't quite work out for many reasons lol.

5. Favorite food and from which restaurant?

Definitely pizza! Uccello's, Buddy's, and Faro's are my favorites in the area.

6. Coffee... can't function without it, could take it or leave it, or why do people drink that brown water?

Can't function without it!

7. An ideal weekend looks like...

No plans at all! 70 and Sunny. Go golfing, see a live band outside (doesn't matter if it's a cover band!) or just go for a hike! Ooo... and a cold beer in hand!

(August 2017)

Find out some fun facts about Wesley Bekins by reading the questions below.

1. Favorite part about this industry?

Every day and every project is new and exciting.

2. Something most people don't know about me?

I have ran countless 1/2 marathons and the full Disney marathon.

3. Best series of shows/movies/etc to binge watch?

Harry Potter

4. When I was a kid I wanted to be.... ?

A bird watcher.

5. Favorite food and from which restaurant?

Pizza and breadsticks from Big Bobs

6. Coffee... can't function without it, could take it or leave it, or why do people drink that brown water?

Why do people drink that brown water?

7. An ideal weekend looks like...

CAMPING! Or being outside adventuring.

I finally got back to working out after many excuses :)

(Feb. 2018)

Find out some fun facts about Jason Souer by reading the questions below.

1. Favorite part about this industry?

My favorite part of the sign industry is the opportunities we get to stay involved with the community. Although it is often behind the scenes, I get to help set up things like Laughfest, ArtPrize and many different events at Van Andel... including the Griffins! I enjoy the time I spend at popular attractions like the WhiteCaps and Meijer Gardens.

2. Something most people don't know about me?

Most people don't know I served in the US Army as a photojournalist.

3. Best series of shows/movies/etc to binge watch?

I watch a lot of sports: Iowa Hawkeyes, football and basketball, but baseball is the true love! I also enjoy reality tv: The Voice, Masked Singer and Amazing Race, to list a few.

4. When I was a kid I wanted to be.... ?

Growing up I wanted to be a MLB umpire.

5. Favorite food and from which restaurant?

My go to is always chicken wings and beer... but I love Chicken Marsala!! I don't really have a favorite restaurant.

6. Coffee... can't function without it, could take it or leave it, or why do people drink that brown water?

Coffee is okay cold... I don't like to be hot so I don't drink hot liquids!

7. An ideal weekend looks like...

We are always so busy! I look forward to a weekend with no plans... just chill out, enjoy a cocktail or two, then clean and organize a closet!

(Aug. 2011)

Meet Thomas (Video)

Find out some fun facts about Thomas Albaitis by reading the questions below.

1. Favorite part about this industry?

Definitely a customer's reaction the first time they see a completed piece. From picking up at our shop to installation at their office or home nothing is better to me than that “wow” factor!

2. Something most people don't know about me?

I had a cornea transplant in 1996 in my left eye.

3. Best series of shows/movies/etc to binge watch?

Sopranos

4. When I was a kid I wanted to be.... ?

A guitar player!

5. Favorite food and from which restaurant?

Brussel Sprouts taco from Donkey Taqueria! Yum!

6. Coffee... can't function without it, could take it or leave it, or why do people drink that brown water?

Love it with a splash of French vanilla creamer!

7. An ideal weekend looks like...

7 am disc golf (36 or so holes), the afternoon with my family, ending with a fire in the backyard with some Van Morrison on my speaker!

Favorite part about this industry?

Thinking outside of the box

Something most people don't know about me?

I was almost deaf for a few years until I had eardrums constructed.

Best series of shows/movies/etc to binge-watch?

The 100

When I was a kid I wanted to be....?

Ambulance driver

Favorite food and from which restaurant?

Pizza from Bowling Alley Pizza in Ionia

Coffee... can't function without it, could take it or leave it, or why do people drink that brown water?

Why do people drink bean water

What an ideal weekend looks like...

An ideal weekend would be going on a motorcycle group ride and finding hole in the wall bars

(Dec. 2022)

Favorite part about this industry?

Knowing that what we create will be seen everyday by millions of people across the state is rewarding. From tiny shops to large corporations, what we do is everywhere. To be a part of something like this is special.

Best series of shows/movies/etc to binge watch?

A Harry Potter marathon is usually playing in our house during the holiday season.

When I was a kid I wanted to be.... ?

A creator! From a young age I’ve always loved creating and designing new things.

Favorite food and from which restaurant?

Anything breakfast, but the J.B. Combo from Wolfgang’s in Eastown will always be a favorite.

Coffee... can't function without it, could take it or leave it, or why do people drink that brown water?

Most any day, you will find me with a cup in my hand.

An ideal weekend looks like...

Being with my family, whether it’s going on day trips up north or out to the coast. From the woods and waters, to at home on the couch, anywhere they are is where I love to be.