Painting a Brighter Future for All
Justin Sousa’s journey with the family business began as a teenager when he learned the art of building and painting wooden signs often finding himself covered in paint. Little did he know then that this hands-on experience would lay the foundation for his future role as a leader and innovator in the signage industry.
Sousa Signs is being recognized as the ‘2024 SBA NH Manufacturer of the Year’ based on its solid foundation and continuous growth in this industry. Justin took over management of the family business in 2011 and was instrumental in moving and expanding the facility to East Industrial Park Drive in 2016 with the help of an SBA 504 Loan from Capital Regional Development Council and third-party lender Eastern Bank. This new start-of-the-art facility is complete with in-house fabrication capabilities and offers their customers start to finish service with design and custom work, installation, maintenance and repair, and a warranty unlike others which speaks to their quality of work.
Recently Sousa Signs celebrated 50 years of success with the original owners and Justin’s parents, Thom and Louise, and their valuation team which includes the Sousa’s next generation to come, Justin’s children
Kasey, Julia, and Ben. The company has been serving the Greater Manchester and Northeast Region with quality custom signage since 1974. The team of 19 employees has expertise in custom exterior signage, vehicle lettering and wraps, interior signage, custom awnings, and electronic and neon signage and takes pride in every job regardless of size and scope.
As an employer, Justin Sousa understands the value of his team and company culture and supports his employees through training, mentoring, and assistance with personal challenges that inevitably arise from time to time. This has proven to be extremely valuable in developing employee morale and retention in a time where it is essential to find and keep great employees. Sousa Signs was also grateful for the SBA Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) that helped retain this essential workforce during the recent pandemic.
Justin also believes in paying it forward. Under his leadership, Sousa Signs regularly supports deserving organizations like Easter Seals and Waypoint NH and offers both his and his teams’ time volunteering at the Goffstown Network Food Pantry leaving a lasting impact on the community.
“Sousa Signs is a model small business in how they operate within the community and care for their staff like family. Under Justin Sousa's stewardship the business continues to grow and be profitable while maintaining strong ethical and moral values”, said nominator Jen Boulanger, Assistant Vice President of CRDC.
Award winners were honored at the SBA’s 2024 Small Business Week celebration on Tuesday, April 30th, from 8:30 am to 11:30 am at the Tupelo Music Hall, Derry, NH. Register to join us.