Radio Exec Takes Over Sign Company

After nearly 23 years of working in the radio industry, including a stint at giant Cumulus Media Inc., Joe Conway decided the industry had changed significantly from the early days of his career.

He wanted to do something different, and the idea of owning a business was appealing because it meant he would be far less likely to have to uproot his family.

“It was one of those things we all think about, especially as you get older,” Conway said. “I’m 52, so if not now, when? It doesn’t get easier.”

Conway took over at Arkansas Sign & Banner in Bentonville from Tim Owen on Oct. 1 2007. He is still working full-time with Cumulus, though he’ll eventually transition out of that position.

“Day one was frightening,” he said.

In the world of radio, Conway knew as much as anybody else in the room about how the business was run. But when he took the helm of his new venture, he knew less than anyone else.

Nonetheless, Conway is optimistic the company will grow by low double-digit figures each year.

He invested in new equipment, as well as improvements to the building and some new amenities like a refrigerator for employees.

All staff members from the prior ownership were retained, and Conway also hired two new employees.

Establishing trust between himself and his new crew is one of the most important parts of taking over an existing business, he said.

“The guys had to trust me that I wasn’t going to run this thing into an iceberg,” Conway said.