Meet The A-Team

Your reputation is important to you. You've invested time and money into your business and want every sign to point positively towards who you are, what you do and how you do it.
The team at A-1 Signs understands the importance of reputation and commitment to excellence - signs are our business.

And, as owner/operators, we work hard to ensure every sign we create is a positive sign of your excellence at work.

Al James and Jane Dutton, the owners of A-1 Signs, have a wealth of experience in business, sales and management. At the core of their experience is a deep understanding of the commitment, dedication and professionalism it takes to 'make it happen' for themselves, their employees, their customers and their communities.

Al James took over ownership of A-1 Signs in May of 1992. When he purchased the company, it was a father-son enterprise. Over the next decade Al would bring the technology and practices of the company into the new millennium. The Company now employs 6 full-time and 2 part-time employees, operates out of 5000 plus square feet, state of the art premises with a client base of over 200 satisfied, long-term clients - and it keeps on growing.

In Al's words, "I didn't know anything about making signs when I bought the company - but I knew lots about business. Now I know lots about making signs and even more about running my own business! And everyday I continue to learn something new - about business and signs. That's what makes running and building your own business so exciting."

Al is also very active in the community, having been on the National Executive of the Canadian Volleyball Association. Presently he sits on the board of the Alberta Volleyball Association, is President of the Canuck Stuff Volleyball Club and has coached volleyball the past 2 years. (2003 National Champion for Under 18 Girls.)

Jane Dutton teasingly tells clients and friends that she couldn't stand to be away from her husband for 8 hours a day so she joined him at A-1 Signs. What Jane doesn't tell people is that she brings a wealth of business and sales expertise to the table. With over 20 years in sales and management with American Express and several years with the Westin and Four Seasons Hotels, Jane knows her business. There is no job too big nor too small for Jane. She throws herself into every facet of the business, always with a smile, a warm word and a calming attitude - regardless of how tight the deadline, or demanding the project. "I may not know everything about sign-making," Jane says with her warm smile and eager laugh, "but I know lots about what makes a successful client relationship - say what you mean and do what you say, preferably with a smile!" Clients and staff are always guaranteed a smile from Jane. It's her way of doing business and living life.

Like Al and everyone else at A-1, Jane is very active in the community. An avid painter, and active parent of two active teenagers, Jane is a past Director on the board for the United Way and Canuck Stuff Volleyball Club. She has volunteered the past 4 years with the Midget Canadian Open Volleyball Championships and past 2 with the Western Canadian Bantam Volleyball Championships.

Bruce Hutton, Production Manager Extraordinaire, is the "sign making guru" at A-1 Signs. He's been part of the team for 11 years and has spent 25 years in the sign business. He's always willing to share his knowledge, learn new technologies (in fact, he's always up on the latest and greatest in what's happening in the sign world) and is committed to doing the job right - preferably the first time. He can always be found, eyes peering intently at his computer screen, as he effortlessly creates another dynamic design for one more sign. Like Al and Jane, Bruce is also very involved in the community, teaching karate and coaching wherever his children may take him.

Heather Reil, who came to us from American Express, has a wonderful mix of experience including sales, office management, secretarial and production. Many of our clients comment on her "anxious to help" attitude. She has been described as "the most pleasant, friendly and accommodating individual you could ever want to meet". Heather does work in the community and is a member of a Quilting Guild, called Pieceful Quilters.

Like A-1 Signs, the A-team, along with the employees who make it all happen, bring almost 100 years collective experience to every sign they create.