For KC Custom Signs in Kansas City, success isn’t just measured by the signs they build — it’s measured by the people who build them. Founder Mike Kuzmich describes the company as “culture-happy,” built on respect, pride in workmanship, and creating meaningful careers in the sign industry.

“We make custom signs, yes, but what we’re making is people’s brand for their business,” Mike says. “We take pride in our work, so everything needs a custom touch.”

That focus on people shows up everywhere in the company’s operations. KC Custom Signs holds team meetings every Monday morning — not just for project updates, but for personal and professional growth. Each teammate sets goals and the entire group helps keep one another accountable.

“I don’t have employees — I have teammates,” Mike says. “We preach, ‘Be a better person every single day.’”

Culture That Drives Growth

When Mike and his VP, John Taylor, started the company, they set one main priority: build a place where people want to stay long-term. Incentives, a safe and organized environment, continuous learning, and a positive workplace all support that mission.

And it’s working. The company has grown from six employees to more than fourteen, with no dedicated sales or marketing team.

“Everything is word of mouth,” Mike explains. “We want to give our team a workplace they can retire from. That’s important to me as an owner.”

A Skeptical Start Leads to a Game-Changing Decision

When Mike first evaluated the Van Ladder — a bucket truck purpose-built for sign installers — he wasn’t sure what to think.

“It’s a van with a ladder attached to it. How are you not skeptical in the sign industry?” he laughs.

But once the team put it to work, the doubts disappeared quickly.

Over six years, KC Custom Signs pushed their Van Ladder hard — 12 hours a day, across multiple states, on 90% of their installs. The results?

Only two service interruptions: one minor relay issue fixed in the field and one basic Ford maintenance repair. No major downtime. No hydraulic system headaches.

“This thing is really versatile and it’s all-electric. It doesn’t just work — it will outwork you.”

Expanding Capabilities with the Right Equipment

At first, the company outsourced both channel letters and installations. Today, KC Custom Signs manufactures and installs their own channel letters and performs installs for other sign companies across the country — from Chicago to Texas to Colorado.

“It’s reliable. We’ve been really happy with it. It’s helped us grow a lot.”

Designed for the Sign Installer’s World

Mike says the Van Ladder’s purpose-built design is what sets it apart from other sign installation equipment:

• Fits and operates quietly in tight retail spaces — no big diesel engine or leaking hydraulics
• Smart storage — hardware, tools, and accessories organized in built-in compartments
• The Chariot Bucket — keeps tools and materials within arm’s reach
• Easy, fast maintenance — simple repairs without specialists

Compared to large hydraulic trucks — like the one his friend purchased — the cost of ownership and reliability has been dramatically better.

“Why spend $200,000 on a hydraulic truck that’s down for three months when a Van Ladder handles everything under 50 feet? It fits in a parking spot. It’s quiet. Customers don’t even know we’re there.”

Supporting the Future

KC Custom Signs continues to grow strategically. Mike doesn’t want a large workforce that becomes hard to care for — he wants to scale in ways that keep culture and quality high. A second Van Ladder is already on the radar.

“If anything, we’d add another installer and another Van Ladder. Because it’s working.”

This year, Mike traded in his original unit for a new 2026 model featuring the Ford 7.3L “Godzilla engine” — and he’s excited for what comes next.

“It wasn’t a hard decision. I have trust in Van Ladder. I know you will take care of us.”