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After what can only be described as a shocker of a year, Karen and Keith Browne of Sign Solutions are looking forward to 2017, from the business’ new location in Arklow Lane, Stanmore Bay.
The company has built a reputation for quality signs, vehicle graphics, banners, printing and flags and has been based on the Hibiscus Coast for seven years.
Keith handles all the graphics and printing, and has been in the sign industry for 17 years. Karen looks after the marketing, sales and administration.
The team was dealt a body blow at the end of 2015 when one morning Keith got out of bed and was unable to stand.
He ended up in hospital, having emergency surgery for osteomyelitis – a rare and serious infection that had got into the hip bone. What followed was a year-long series of operations that resulted in a hip replacement.
During this time, Karen says, she was “thrown in the deep end” – not only caring for Keith, but working 12 hour days at Sign Solutions, keeping the business up to speed with help from close family and friends, former employees and a contract graphic designer.
“We managed to not only keep the doors open, but also keep the customers happy,” Karen says. “We are very grateful for our very loyal customers.”
She says the support from the community and Whangaparaoa Baptist Church, was something she’ll never forget.
Towards the end of last year, Sign Solutions was also forced to move from their sub-leased premises in Silverdale.
Finding a suitable factory was difficult, but last November the business relocated to Arklow Lane.
Keith is now recovering and back at the helm.
“What happened last year has made us even more resilient,” Karen says. I think we’ve proved we’ll do whatever it takes to get the job done.”
