Welcome to Field Notes
Perspectives on Craft, Design, and a Little Bit of Chaos
Welcome to the inaugural post of Field Notes.
At Signs Ink, we spend our days at the intersection of design and durability. We’re often asked about the “how” and “why” behind the projects we lead—from the technical specs of a national rollout to the creative soul of a custom architectural build. We decided it was time to share those stories.
But it’s not all blueprints and fabrication schedules around here. Field Notes is also a window into our shop culture. We’ve been at this for 37 years, and we’ve learned that you can’t do great work without a little silliness. We like to have a laugh, we like to have fun, and we like to keep things human.
Think of this as our digital shop floor—where craftsmanship meets conversation (and the occasional bad joke).
For our first entry, we’re looking back at the foundation that brought us here.
From Basement Shop to National Footprint: Signs Ink at 37 Years
In an industry often driven by scale, speed, and one-size-fits-all solutions, Signs Ink has grown for more than three decades by doing something deceptively simple: treating every project as if it were the only one.
Founded in 1989 by brothers Matt and Tim Beachak, Signs Ink began as a basement operation in Yorktown Heights, New York. Today, 37 years later, the company operates from a fully renovated headquarters and serves a national client roster that includes major retailers, financial institutions, healthcare systems, school districts, and automotive groups.
The growth wasn’t driven by overnight expansion or aggressive acquisition. It was built steadily—through craftsmanship, consistency, and word of mouth.
“That foundation still drives how we work today,” says Tim Beachak. “We never set out to be the biggest shop. We focused on doing the work right, meeting our commitments, and earning trust one project at a time. Everything else followed.”
Organic Evolution
Long before multi-location rollouts and complex wayfinding systems became part of our daily workflow, we built our reputation one storefront, one vehicle, and one installation at a time. Clients returned. They referred. And the shop evolved organically from a local sign company into a trusted national partner—without losing the hands-on approach that made us successful in the first place.
Rebrand & Renovation
This evolution is most visible in our recent rebrand and headquarters renovation. The new space was intentionally designed to support the scale and complexity of today’s projects while staying true to our culture.
The renovation expanded production across both upstairs and downstairs workspaces, featuring:
- Dedicated Design Studios: Where strategy and aesthetics meet.
- Sign Assembly: For precision detailing.
- Large-Scale Structural Fabrication: Including welding and construction of custom sign frames and architectural elements.
As a designer and general contractor, Matt personally led the renovation, incorporating reclaimed signage, custom woodwork, and layered lighting throughout the building.
“Clients don’t just stop by for a quick meeting—they hang out,” says Matt Beachak. “They want to see how things are made and be part of the process. This space reflects the energy of the work and the relationships behind it.”
Looking Ahead
The refreshed identity reflects a company ready for its next era: architectural signage, fleet branding, complex environments, and multi-site consistency—all without losing the grit and pride that built the business.
As Signs Ink enters our 37th year, the story is less about size and more about substance. In a fast-changing landscape, our growth stands as proof that craftsmanship and relationships still scale—especially when they’re built to last.
Want to see the new space in person?
We love showing people how the magic happens. Whether you have a specific project in mind or just want to talk shop over a coffee, our doors are open. Reach out to schedule a visit.
