Our Story | Ace Sign Company Est. 1928

1928

Our story · Est. 1928 · Four generations

Nearly a century of
making things visible.

A boxer, a craftsman, and a handshake that built a legacy four generations strong.

1928

First Generation

David Smith & "Ace" Friedman found Ace Sign

David Smith and former professional boxer "Ace" Friedman co-found Ace Sign Company in New Jersey. Two men, one craft, and a commitment that would carry through four generations of family.

Second Generation

Philip Smith carries the legacy forward

David's son Philip Smith takes the helm, growing the business and deepening its roots across New Jersey.

2nd
Gen

3rd
Gen

Third Generation

David Smith & Philip Smith take ownership

Philip's sons — David Smith, named for his great grandfather, and Philip Smith, carrying his father's name — take over. Heavy equipment is added, opening an entirely new division of work.

Major Milestones

Newark Airport. Dunkin'. Torcon.

Ace Sign completes landmark projects cementing the company's place at the highest level of the industry.

Recent
Years

Today

Fourth Generation

A new chapter — built on everything that came before

The fourth generation brings drone photography, digital media, and modern production into the fold — expanding Ace Sign while honoring every brick the founders laid in 1928.

They named their sons after the men who came before them. That tells you everything you need to know about what this company means to our family.

The Smith Family · Four generations of Ace Sign

First Generation

David Smith

Co-Founder · 1928

The craftsman who started it all. David's vision became the foundation every generation has built upon.

Second Generation

Philip Smith

Owner · 2nd Generation

David's son, who carried the business forward and grew its reputation across New Jersey.

DS
PS

Third Generation

David Smith & Philip Smith

Current Owners · 3rd Generation

Brothers carrying their grandfather's and father's names — and the responsibility of a nearly 100-year legacy.

Fourth Generation

The Next Chapter

Rising · 4th Generation

The Smith grandchildren — bringing modern fabrication, drone media, and digital services into a company built to last another century.

A family tradition in the names themselves

David Smith named his great grandson David. Philip Smith named his son Philip. In a world where family businesses rarely survive a single generation, the Smith family has carried both their names and their craft through nearly 100 years — and they're not done yet.

Generations

Years

1928

Founded

Born & raised

Nearly a century ofmaking things visible.

Nearly a century of
making things visible.