How Kathryn and Her Team at Austin Sign Co. Transformed Their Business with shopVOX
Running a successful sign shop comes with its fair share of challenges, from managing client orders to streamlining internal processes. For Kathryn and her husband Ben, the proud owners of Austin Sign Co., these challenges became opportunities to innovate and grow. By implementing shopVOX, their business underwent a remarkable transformation, creating better workflows, improving team communication, and enhancing customer experiences.
Watch our recent interview here.
From Family Business to Modern Sign Shop
Austin Sign Co., located in vibrant Austin, Texas, has a rich history. Founded 43 years ago, it began as a family-owned shop specializing in hand-painted signs. Over time, the business evolved to include a wide range of services, such as vehicle wraps, neon signs, and promotional materials.
When Kathryn and Ben took over the reins, they brought fresh perspectives to a legacy business. With Kathryn's background in higher education and Ben’s deep industry knowledge, they were the perfect duo to modernize operations while respecting tradition.
“We were operating entirely on paper—spreadsheets, handwritten notes, and lots of room for human error. It became clear we needed a change,” Kathryn shared.
Why They Chose shopVOX
When Kathryn and her team began the search for a shop management system, they had a clear list of priorities:
Streamlined Processes: They wanted a system that would reduce manual tasks and eliminate inefficiencies.
Data and Reporting: Having clear insights into operations was critical for growth.
Integration Capabilities: A seamless connection with QuickBooks and other tools was non-negotiable.
shopVOX checked off 95% of their wishlist—and at a price point that made sense for their business. The ability to transition from paper to digital while maintaining flexibility made shopVOX the obvious choice.
“We looked at several systems, but shopVOX was created specifically for our industry. That made all the difference,” Kathryn said.
The Impact of Going Paperless
The move from paper-based workflows to shopVOX was a game-changer. By digitizing their processes, Austin Sign Co. saw immediate improvements:
Improved Efficiency: Workflows were created for every step of the process, from quoting to production, allowing the team to focus on creativity and quality rather than admin tasks.
Better Team Collaboration: Employees could now access job details, timelines, and updates in real time, ensuring smoother operations.
Quick Turnaround: Quotes and invoices were generated faster, with less room for error.
“My husband was handling everything—sales, GM duties, and ownership tasks. With shopVOX, he was finally able to step away from sales entirely, creating more work-life balance,” Kathryn explained.
Empowering the Team
One of the most significant changes was how shopVOX empowered the Austin Sign Co. team. From sales to production, every employee benefited from the intuitive platform.
“We trust our employees to be experts at what they do. shopVOX gives them the tools they need to succeed,” Kathryn said.
Features like task assignments, automatic notifications, and reporting tools helped the team work independently while staying aligned with company goals.
Advice for Other Sign Shops
Kathryn understands that change can be daunting, especially for small businesses. Her advice for others considering shopVOX:
Prepare Your Team: Provide training and create guides to make the transition smoother.
Take Time for Setup: Invest the time upfront to customize workflows and pricing templates.
Stay Patient: The benefits of a system like shopVOX are worth the effort.
“It’s a lot of work to get set up, but once you’re running, it’s incredible. Our team was fully paperless within 30 days, and we’ve never looked back,” Kathryn shared.
A Bright Future Ahead
For Kathryn, Ben, and the team at Austin Sign Co., the journey doesn’t end here. They are now focusing on expanding their services, improving customer experiences, and exploring new opportunities in commercial graphics and trade shows.
“shopVOX has given us the foundation to grow—not just as a business, but as a team. We can’t wait to see what the future holds,” Kathryn concluded.
Ready to Transform Your Business?
Kathryn’s story is proof that the right tools can make all the difference. If you’re ready to streamline your operations, empower your team, and grow your sign shop, shopVOX is here to help.
Visit AustinSignCo.com to learn more about Kathryn and her team. To see how shopVOX can work for your business, schedule a demo today.